Noelle’s Fitness Journey

The Beginning: My fitness journey started in high school, driven by a desire to overcome personal challenges and achieve better health. Initially, I dabbled in aerobics classes with friends, but a near-fatal car accident during high school marked a turning point. Despite my dislike for jogging, I began running as a practical solution to burn calories with minimal equipment—a good pair of running shoes. What began as a reluctant effort evolved into a passion. I progressed from walking to jogging, and eventually to running 5-6 days a week for an hour, discovering a newfound love for it along the way.

Strength and Discipline: As I transitioned into college, my focus shifted to weight training, driven by a desire to experience strength firsthand. I committed to a rigorous workout routine, training my full body multiple times a week. This dedication paid off as I achieved impressive milestones: lifting my body weight on the bench press and over double my body weight on the leg press. I lost 2-3 pounds per week and felt revitalized. Concurrently, my studies in Kinesiology deepened my understanding of the human body, leading me to incorporate flexibility training into my routine. My efforts culminated in achieving the splits, reinforcing my belief in the importance of balanced strength and flexibility.

Elite Training Experience: My evolving skills and dedication led me to work with elite fitness professionals, including Kim Terry, a three-time Miss Fitness of America champion. Training with Kim, and later with Ibrahim Abubakar, who approached fitness with a gymnast’s discipline, expanded my repertoire to include advanced techniques like push-ups, pull-ups, balance work, plyometrics, and handstands. During this period, I also worked as a Physical Therapy Aide, gaining valuable knowledge in rehabilitation for injuries and surgeries. This experience enabled me to heal my own injuries completely, embodying my philosophy that our bodies are extraordinary machines worthy of exceptional care.

Football and Team Sports: My love for sports, particularly football, was nurtured during my youth when I excelled at catching and running faster than my opponents. Although opportunities in football were limited for me as a girl, I found a chance to relive and expand my passion when I managed the Corporate Fitness Center at Electronic Arts. There, I organized and participated in football games and tournaments, leading EA to victory in each match. My involvement continued at SONY Pictures Athletic Club, where I joined a co-ed football team and earned multiple MVP awards over seven years of play. Additionally, I enjoyed pickup games on Venice Beach, further fulfilling my dream of playing football at a high level.

Conclusion: Through a diverse array of experiences—from overcoming personal health challenges to achieving high-level athletic performance—my fitness journey has been one of continuous growth and discovery. My experiences have shaped my approach to personal training, emphasizing the importance of strength, flexibility, and a positive, disciplined mindset.

“Our bodies are amazing machines well worth taking care of.” – Noelle