“My background as a performer, combined with many years of rehabilitation, gives me a broad perspective on movement,” says Geneviève Nedder, founder of Body Fundamentals Inc. She was first introduced to Pilates as a way to relieve neck and back pain—the result of a car accident—and to avoid surgery. During her recovery, Geneviève developed a passion for Pilates.
“In an age when many trainers seem to be specializing, my success comes from my ability to teach multilevel classes,” says personal trainer and group fitness instructor Nancy Korf. “Everyone is welcome and respected in my classes.” She teaches both large- and small-group sessions, which have enhanced her access to clients because she can cross-promote herself.
“My lifetime mission has been to help people feel better,” says personal trainer and wellness coach Janis McDonald. She taught her first exercise class in 1972 and has been helping people get active ever since. Janis now works with people aged 60 and older to help them adjust their lifestyles as their bodies change.
by Donna Hutchinson
If you had only one chance to make a good first impression, you wouldn’t want to blow it by providing potential clients with a subpar initial experience. Yet, a shoddy introduction and a useless tour followed by a hardcore sales pitch are what people sometimes get when they walk into a fitness facility. newsletter_teaser: If you had only one chance to make a good first impression, you wouldn’t want to blow it by providing potential clients with a subpar initial experience. Yet, a shoddy introduction and a useless tour followed by a hardcore sales pitch are what people sometimes get when they walk into a fitness facility.
As a personal trainer specializing in running, Jason Karp has created a unique niche for himself. He encourages others to do the same. Jason’s teaching style has been called strong, but subtle, by others, but he claims to focus mainly on intrinsic rewards. “Running is unique in that it has the power to reveal things in us, so I use that as a way to motivate and inspire my clients to find out what those things are,” Jason says. He also invests in making changes in the relationship between the fitness industry and the medical field. Jason is pushing for exercise physiology to become a requirement for physicians in the future.
Danielle Vindez’s 17 years in the fitness industry have been very rewarding. She believes that celebrating others’ wins is the greatest reward. “When an 83-year-old Parkinson’s-challenged client regains the use of his legs, it is a glorious moment,” Danielle says.
Personal trainer Michael Saiz likes to think out of the box and keep his clients on their toes. He was inspired by his high-school football coach to integrate drive and determination into his training regimen, and he passes on that wisdom to his clients.
Karin Singleton’s passion and enthusiasm for fitness remain undeterred despite not starting her personal training career until age 40. Before coming to the fitness industry Karin worked in the corporate world, which she believes gives her a better idea of where her clients are coming from.
As a sports performance and injury prevention trainer and a licensed attorney with a concentration in health care, LaRue Cook strives to get his messages about health and wellness into the world through enthusiasm and by example.
Shawn Connolly is a physical therapist and a stunt performer in Sirens of T.I.® at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. He hopes to encourage others by promoting, teaching and living a healthy lifestyle. Shawn is also very involved in giving back to the community. He regularly volunteers or participates in several charity races in his hometown of Las Vegas.
