“I never intended to make fitness my full-time career. My dream was to be a classical musician.”
Allison Wagner’s path into the fitness industry wasn’t planned, but it quickly became the perfect discovery and blend of her passions. As a member of IDEA since 2019, Wagner has not only found her place in fitness but has also carved out a unique space where she combines her love for movement, creativity, and leadership.
Wagner joined IDEA to utilize the previous Workout Builder app (now Program Builder) but soon realized there was so much more. “I initially joined to take advantage of the online personal training program creator, but quickly discovered that the education, community, and industry insights were incredibly valuable as well,” she explains.
Growing up on a farm in rural Kansas, Wagner has spent the last 25 years in Denver, thriving in the fitness industry. Her passion for learning is evident through the wide range of certifications she’s earned. “I’m kind of a certification junkie! I love learning new skills and combining aspects of different certifications into how I work with people,” she says, proudly showcasing certifications in everything from personal training to Hot Pilates, TRX, and her own trademarked format, SculptXV.
What started with step aerobics instruction at age 23 quickly evolved into a fulfilling career in leadership, where Wagner now serves as VP of Strategy at a Denver gym. “Every client and every class is an opportunity to be creative and sculpt an experience for someone. I feel this way about leadership as well,” she shares, reflecting on her transition from teaching to guiding teams and driving strategy.
Outside of the gym, Wagner’s creativity continues to thrive in the kitchen, where she enjoys cooking plant-based meals. She also loves traveling and playing board games, adding balance to her career-driven life.
From an aspiring classical musician to a strategic leader in fitness, Allison Wagner’s journey shows how unexpected opportunities can lead to a lifetime of passion, growth, and positive impact.
