Unexpected Gifts: How Helping Others Live Healthier Lives Shapes our Own

The fitness industry it’s electrifying, deeply connected, and constantly evolving. It’s a force of transformation, empowerment, and connection — unlike any other profession. Those who work within it are bound by shared passion and purpose, kindred spirits united by the desire to make a real impact on people’s lives. We “get” each other because, at our core, we’re here for the same reason: to help others, to inspire change, and to be catalysts for personal transformation. Our greatest joy comes from knowing we’ve made a meaningful difference in someone else’s fitness journey.

But what about our own journeys? Have you ever paused to consider how much working in fitness has shaped you? How helping others has, in turn, helped you grow in unexpected ways? The clients we work with, the industry professionals we collaborate with — these encounters leave their marks, often in surprising and life-altering ways.

As we enter the season of giving, it’s easy to think about the gifts we enjoy giving others every day — guidance, support, motivation, a healthier lifestyle, a longer life. But what about the gifts we’ve received along the way? The unseen, unspoken rewards that come from being part of this unique industry?

Now is the perfect time to reflect on those gifts — on the lessons learned, the relationships formed, and the deep personal growth we’ve experienced because of the work we do.

In this spirit, we’ve brought together the following group of seasoned professionals from all corners of the fitness world to share their experiences, the passions that fuel them, and the unexpected gifts they’ve received along the way. Our contributors include:

• Robert Sherman – Owner of Robert Sherman Fitness, Global Presenter, Consultant
• Julie Cartwright – President of Pvolve, Brand and Consumer Marketing Veteran
• Matt Wright – Vice President of Growth and Development at Healthtrax Fitness and Wellness, Founding Partner of the Earn Your Stripes, Global Presenter, Consultant
• Allison Rand – VP of Marketing at YouFit Gyms, Experienced Growth Marketing, Communication and Content Executive
• Jackie Mendes – Director of Franchise Sales at Perspire Sauna, Sales and Business Development Executive
• Andrew Gavigan – Fitness Manager at Heimat Club, Product Inventor, Business Owner, Personal Trainer
• Group Fitness Instructor
• Denise Imbesi – CEO & Founder of Muscle Mixes/Vibes Music
• Joy Keller – VP of Content & Strategy at Athletech News, Seasoned Content Media Executive and Personal Trainer
• Kurt Mangum – VP of Strategic Partnerships ISSA, Speaker, Co-Owner of CoupleyFit
• Allison Beardsley – Founder of Red Light Method and Club Pilates
• Nate Logan – VP of Sales at Hedstrom Fitness
• Joanna Stahl – Channel Development Executive at Daxco, Founder of Go2Practice, Group Fitness Instructor

These professionals have embraced the myriad of opportunities within the fitness industry, charting their own unique journeys while uncovering the many valuable rewards that have shaped their paths.

Embarking on the Journey

The entry points into the industry are as varied as the opportunities themselves. For many – including our esteemed list above – the journey within the fitness industry began unexpectedly. Much like a client stepping into the gym without a clear plan – many fit pros stumbled into their careers by happenstance, while others were driven by circumstances or specific events in their lives.

Logan found his path because BOSU was being manufactured in the small town where he went to college. “I’ve always been active, so the fitness industry was intriguing to me. BOSU was a happenstance connection, but it has been my home since 2013.”

Sherman’s entry into fitness, however, came after an injury. “In 1982, I got injured playing baseball, and during rehab, I became fascinated with health sciences. My physical therapist invited me to her aerobics class, and when she got sick, I taught it. That was the start of my 40+ year career.”

Imbesi’s journey was inspired by an untapped market she noticed while teaching aerobic classes in the early ’80s. “Early on, I realized instructors needed music badly,” she explains. “So I developed a solution and founded the brand Muscle Mix Music.”

For Gavigan, his fitness journey began as a mission to quit smoking. “It had a major impact on me. I was lucky enough to find that I was passionate about sharing fitness and stuck with it.”

Keller’s experience is more personal, having grown up in an unhealthy household and losing her father to obesity-related complications. She reflects, “That’s why I have a strong desire to help people find their fitness journey.”

Similarly, Mangum’s childhood struggles with weight fueled his goal to become a Division One football player. His focus on health ultimately helped him achieve that goal.

Regardless of how they began, within each of them the passion for helping others would flourish.

Stoking the Fire

As we close the chapter on 2024 and open another, reigniting the passion that drives us feels apropos. The start of a new year offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on what fuels our dedication and renew our focus on the work ahead. Here, these industry pros share what keeps their fire burning.

“I love to help people move well,” says Sherman. “Watching someone master a movement or exercise that once seemed impossible — it never gets old.”

Imbesi finds her inspiration from the incredible women in the industry. “The women in this industry are incredibly passionate and optimistic,” she says. “They’re not only motivational but also serve as exceptional role models for young girls.”

For Gavigan, the motivation lies in the ripple effect. “Healthier people create stronger, more resilient communities, and knowing I can contribute to that keeps me pushing forward.”

Mangum sees this ripple effect firsthand in his family. “Helping others unlock their potential—both physically and mentally — has had a lasting impact on my family, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension – it’s generational health in action,” he explains.

Fitness is about growth—not just for others but for oneself. For Stahl, the industry’s energy and camaraderie provide constant inspiration. “This industry brings together people who share the same mindset, passion, and positivity. That’s what drives me to keep learning, connecting, and growing.”

Wright sums it up simply, saying, “We’re in this to help others make the most of life. That’s what drives me every day.”

Whether it’s watching someone achieve a fitness goal, driving generational health, or building lasting relationships, passion deepens with every life touched. It’s this shared purpose that sparks the unexpected gifts we now reflect on.

The Gift of Connection and Community

We talk about building community a lot in fitness. It’s what drives studios and gyms these days and we all work to build our community of members, followers, and clients. But, looking at the bigger picture, the industry itself is inherently a thriving community. The connections we form within this space shape our lives in profound ways.

For Mendes, this hits close to home—literally.

“I met one of my best friends through the industry, who ultimately introduced me to my husband,” she said. “And that’s not all. Later — funny enough — our son was conceived at an IHRSA convention!”

Wright also met his wife through his career in fitness. “We met at a health club where I was the director—now that’s a gift!”

Mangum found that wellness and fitness created a deep bond with his wife of eight years, which inspired them to launch CoupleyFit in 2016, a wellness-focused brand for couples. “It’s something we do together to stay fit while helping others.”

Rand reflects on the strong sense of community she feels in her daily life.

“My life is most impacted by the sense of community I get from going to and working for a gym,” she says. “I never miss a morning workout because I work remotely, and the gym is my main opportunity to connect with others in real life.”

For Stahl, the pursuit of fitness has fueled lifelong friendships and business relationships alike. “Many of my closest friendships began through fitness,” she says. “From front-row fit fiends in classes to business relationships across different verticals, I’ve built so many lasting connections.”

Logan shares a broader view of the community, reflecting on its global reach.

“The opportunity to travel the world and see how health and fitness impacts others has been invaluable,” he says. “I’ve been to several continents during my time with BOSU, and the passion for a healthy lifestyle is a universal language. We truly are one global community.”

While building meaningful relationships within the community, professionals also experience another valuable reward: personal fulfillment.

The Gift of Personal Fulfillment

Working in the industry has had a very personal impact on these pros, as they share here.

“Seeing lives changed gives me a sense of purpose,” says Beardsley. “From franchisees with Club Pilates to members at Red Light Method, whether it’s seeing people lose 100 pounds or helping someone become financially free through franchising, these are the real gifts for me.”

Gavigan echoes this sentiment, noting, “I feel a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s working with clients one-on-one, helping them move and feel better, or developing corporate wellness programs that benefit entire companies, the fulfillment is undeniable.”

Sherman, too, finds meaning in giving back: “There’s a deep satisfaction in sharing what I’ve learned with hundreds of instructors at conferences and workshops. This ability to pass on knowledge drives me every day to keep learning.”

Keller sums it up by adding, “Knowing that your work has a positive impact on people’s lives is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like helping someone improve their quality of life in measurable ways.”

The Gift of Self-Care

Those who pursue careers in the fitness, health, and wellness industry are naturally committed to their own well-being, embodying the principles they promote daily. Yet, it’s fascinating to see that even these seasoned pros—who live and breathe health—continue to discover profound lessons in this area through their work in the industry.

Keller reflects, “An unexpected gift I’ve noticed as I get older is that I feel like I’m aging better (functionally) than people who don’t exercise regularly or aren’t in this field. It’s great exercise, but it’s even better to move well and feel amazing. For instance, I can travel to Machu Picchu and climb stairs or visit Europe and scale an old castle wall without any problem. To me, the biggest gift of all is movement itself.”

“I’ve learned the importance of rest and recovery,” adds Beardsley.

Logan finds inspiration in the longevity of his peers. “Seeing the veterans in this industry who’ve been active for 40+ years has been very inspiring,” he says. “It motivates me to take care of my body and mind and stay active every day.”

For Rand, the focus is on mental health.

“When I first started working out, it was for weight management. Now, I know the benefits for my mental health. The mental benefits far outweigh the physical improvements for me. When I wake up, I know my day will be better if I go to the gym.”

Cartwright echoes the importance of longevity. “I’ve learned so much about preventative care — how the way you move and the choices you make each day can have long-lasting effects. As I get older, I’m increasingly grateful to be part of an industry where I continue to learn about things that deeply benefit my own longevity.”

Sherman views self-care through the lens of balance.

“As I’ve aged and dedicated my life to teaching others, I’ve learned that finding balance is crucial for my self-care. Understanding that saying yes to everything leads to burnout has been a key lesson—because if you’re burnt out, you’re no good to anyone, including yourself.”

Stahl shares her personal evolution: “I love staying ‘in the know’ on the latest fitness trends and equipment. My self-care is more open-minded because of all that I’ve seen and experienced over time.”

The Gift of Wisdom

Advice and wisdom are some of the most enduring gifts we can receive. In the fitness industry, where professionals are driven by a desire to uplift and improve the well-being of others, sharing knowledge comes naturally. As kindred spirits, fitness pros freely exchange advice, ideas, and hard-earned lessons.

Here, our contributors share words of wisdom they have gathered along their journeys that have shaped their paths and continue to guide their growth.

Mendes recalls one piece of advice she received early on. “When I was working for Kathy Smith, I asked her about the biggest lesson she’d learned. She told me to have a strong spiritual faith. She said that in business and life, there will be hard times, and having a spiritual outlet is the foundation for everything. Now, years later, I know she was absolutely right.”

Sherman shares a quick but meaningful story.

“There was a time when I injured myself post-surgery and couldn’t move my shoulder. I called my colleague to let him know I wouldn’t be able to demonstrate the workouts at an upcoming conference. His response was powerful — he said, ‘We need your passion, positivity, and mind to deliver the message, not your body.’ That moment validated my years of work in education, proving that true strength isn’t about appearance but how you make people feel. (Thank you, Maya Angelou.)”

Beardsley credits her career philosophy to one simple phrase: “A colleague once told me, ‘Do things for people, not profits, and profits will come.’ That advice has shaped both my career and my life.”

Reflecting on leadership, Imbesi draws inspiration from Leslie Sansone, creator of Walk at Home. “Despite running a multi-million-dollar business, she remains kind, non-judgmental, and loving to everyone she works with,” she explains. “For me, that approachability is a gift in itself, showing that success and compassion can go hand in hand.”

Gavigan shares a different kind of advice: “Early in my career, a manager recommended a book on time management and decision-making. It sparked my passion for human behavior and wellness, and today, I’m working toward a master’s degree in human behavior.”

Keller describes how she found inspiration: “When I was 15, I started exercising by watching Bodies in Motion with Gilad Janklowicz. His encouragement changed my life and set me on my path. The wisdom I gained was simple: Keep moving, do what you can, and accept yourself where you are.”

For Mangum, a quote from Maya Angelou perfectly encapsulates the power of personal connections: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Mangum lives by this, explaining, “People are transitional, and many won’t be in your life forever, but whether with clients or in life, you can make an impression that lasts a lifetime by simply making them feel good.”

Stahl offers her perspective on work ethic and collaboration: “While consulting for 24 Hour Fitness, the marketing director’s team approached every challenge with a ‘let’s figure it out’ attitude and a charge to only work with awesome people! These philosophies still guide me today, and I’ve carried them forward in my own work.”

The Gift of Lifelong Learning

Driven by the inherent desire to help others, fitness professionals are equally motivated to constantly improve themselves, seeking out the gift of education and using that knowledge to propel their personal lives and careers.

Imbesi reflects on one such experience: “One of the true gifts I received decades ago was from Reebok, where I learned their program called ‘Flexible Strength,’ which later became Yoga,” she explains. “Learning this allowed me to teach Yoga classes for years, and it still shapes my self-practice today. Having an 8-inch rod in my back from scoliosis surgery, practicing Yoga has been a game-changer for maintaining the health of my spine.”

Wright also emphasizes the importance of education, sharing, “Early in my career, I learned from the people I admired about the power of reading. From leadership to communication to building culture, the knowledge I’ve gained from books helps me with my teams and in my personal life. Being a forever student is a gift.”

Mangum weighs in, saying, “Knowledge is a gift to be embraced. Always be willing to learn and grow.”

The Unexpected Gifts

Throughout their careers, fitness professionals encounter unexpected gifts — moments that are either profound or subtle shifts. These gifts often go unrecognized at first but leave lasting impressions, shaping both personal and professional growth over time.

“When I launched the brand Muscle Mix in 1988, it was meant to be a ‘side hobby’— what we would now call gig work,” says Imbesi. “That business took off almost overnight, and I was so honored to be one of the first to help instructors solve the music challenges they were facing at the time. The true gift here is my career. This is what launched it all for me.”

Logan shares a different perspective. “The loyalty people have to one another, and to their favorite brands, has been an unexpected gift. We have ‘BOSU fans’ who have been with us for 20+ years and are still just as excited about new products and workouts as ever.”

Mendes reflects on how her career has allowed her to prioritize self-care. “An unanticipated gift, as I look back, is the permission to take care of myself. No one has ever tried to hold me back from getting my workouts in or taking a mid-day walk break. Any boss that I’ve had and all of my industry peers ‘get it’ and value our human desire for movement.”

Sherman had a pivotal “ah-ha” moment that shaped his career. “When I was a participant in a yoga class, a teacher taught me an invaluable lesson—to focus on the person, not the pose. It wasn’t about pushing through but learning to let go and listen inward. This transformed how I approach my clients, allowing me to create change by bringing awareness to their personal experiences.”

Stahl reflects on the evolving nature of the fitness industry. “The connections I’ve made, from conference rooms to group fitness studios, have grown and evolved exponentially. A marketing coordinator one day can become your client the next year, seeking advice on the following. Every interaction matters.”

Taking the Gifts Forward

As we close the chapter on 2024 and reflect on out time in the fitness industry – be it one year, several years, or even decades – it becomes clear that the fitness industry isn’t just a career; it’s a calling. It gives us the opportunity to transform lives, including our own. And in a world where the pursuit of health and wellness is more important than ever, there’s no greater gift than the work we do.

To help inspire you in the year ahead and beyond, we leave you with a few words of wisdom and inspiration – gifts – from these seasoned pros.

“Find joy in others’ successes,” says Cartwright.

“Know your strengths but challenge your weaknesses,” Sherman advises. “The minute you think you have it all figured out is the moment you begin to lose your way.”

“Try every class, work with the trainers, and use your own product—understanding it makes you the best at what you do,” explains Rand.

“Always train the person in front of you,” Keller says. “Put their needs first and remember why you started in fitness.”

“Embrace knowledge, stay passionate, and people will always remember your energy and enthusiasm,” states Mangum.

“Be genuine, stay true to your heart, and it will come back tenfold,” adds Beardsley.

“Teach for the goal of helping others, not for personal adulation,” says Imbesi.

“Focus on authentic bonds,” says Stahl. “This industry is full of exceptional people, and their motivation is contagious.”

Logan keeps it simple: “Love what you do and do what you love.”

And Wright leaves us with this: “Always remember that this industry is a band of brothers and sisters—people who want you to win, sometimes even more than you do yourself. Tap into that.”

As you continue your journey into 2025 and beyond, remember to cherish the gifts you receive along the way, and know that each day that you give back, you’re also shaping your own life in ways you may not yet even realize.