We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Regina Gower. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Regina below.

Hi Regina, thanks for joining us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

It was 1980-something. I was married with 2 little ones and working on my college degree.

One of my favorite professors co-owned an all women’s gym. He knew
I enjoyed working out and that I wanted to earn a little part-time money. He suggested that I visit said gym. I signed up, stated taking classes, and I LOVED it!

I began subbing classes while working on my group aerobic instructor certification. After passing the exam, I started teaching my own classes. I thought I was in heaven! I loved everything about it!

To all of the ladies that attended group classes in the late 80’s-early 90’s, you know what I’m talking about. Think leg warmers, matching tights with thong body suits, hair up in a ponytail! It was high energy. Repeater jumping jacks, high knees and kicks, Madonna and Janet Jackson blaring from the speakers and yelling “just 10 more!”
That particular job didn’t turn out to be my “forever job”. But it did lead me where I am now.

I moved after graduating with a BS degree in Elementary Education. I started working at a gym as the Aerobics Coordinator and teaching classes 5-6 days a week with men and women. I had to change my wardrobe!
I soon learned that my passion was not teaching in public schools.

I began shadowing my mentor as a Personal Trainer while studying to get certified.
As the only female PT, I instantly had a full schedule.

That’s how it all began.
I KNEW this was my passion.
I spent the next 20-ish years at that same gym.
My kids were both grown. I had long since gotten a divorce.

I met a guy!
Moved to Rogers, Arkansas.
Married the guy and gained 2 more kiddos.
I knew I wanted to continue my career, but no longer wanted to be in a gym setting. I opened my own home studio where I began training clients.

The journey continues.

My husband and I recently moved to Bella Vista, where we both enjoy the beauty of our back yard, hiking, mountain biking, walking our dog, supporting local breweries and volunteering for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter.

I still have my own studio in NWA where I train clients or I travel to their homes.

I’m now in my late 50’s and I still love what I do. But a few years ago, I realized that my body doesn’t recover like it used to. Having been through menopause (UGH), I knew that I needed to start moving a little differently. I knew I needed something to help me sleep better, recover more quickly and I needed some calmness.
Yoga!
I started practicing Yoga and I instantly knew that I didn’t just want to just practice it, I wanted to TEACH it.

It took me 2 years to finish my certification, but it was SO worth it!

I now offer individual PT and Yoga sessions, small group fitness classes and group Yoga classes, Yoga Retreats and Sound bath.

You can find me on socials @healthylivingwithregina

Regina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a woman in her late 50’s, I understand what aging can do to our bodies.
The loss of bone density and muscle mass. The brain fog. Wrinkles. Feeling frustrated. Weight gain or loss of weight. I totally get it.
I want to help women feel confident and strong, at any age.
I combine the education and knowledge of my Personal Training, Yoga and nutrition coaching to help clients reach their health and wellness goals, no matter their age.
I offer one-on-one instruction and group classes.
The core things that I focus on are mobility, strength, flexibility and balance.
I am passionate about living the BEST lives we can live! I believe we need to live intentionally and make every single day count.
Don’t wait for something to happen to start making changes. All you have to do is START and then be consistent.

You can find me on all of the socials
@healthylivingwithregina

Come join me on this journey. Together we can do great things!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

2005 was the most challenging year of my entire life.
My oldest daughter left to attend Baylor University. My son and I were going through some tough teenage boy stuff.
My marriage was failing.
I had a hysterectomy that didn’t go as planned. My surgeon “knocked” my bladder which resulted in having internal sutures and a catheter. I was put on bed rest for several weeks, resulting in weight loss. I was out of work for quite a while.
After being released and resuming my Personal training job, my then husband and I took a motorcycle ride. It ended with us both in the hospital. Him with a few broken ribs and a broken ankle.
Me, I had multiple scull fractures, including an orbital fracture. I spent 10 days in the ICU. My recovery was long, painful and very depressing. I began to wonder if I would ever fully recover. Would my body be the same? Would my clients stay with me?
I began having seizures because of the head trauma. I now have epilepsy. I take medicine and practice self-care to control the seizures.
This only added more stress to my marriage. We ultimately got divorced.

I began a second job to afford my bills.
Soon after starting the 2nd job, I received a.phone call that one of my younger sisters had died. She had been shot by her husband. She was only 34. She left behind 2 young children.
The stress of this wreaked havoc on our family.
The pure agony and anger was overwhelming. I thought my Mom was going to need hospitalization.
My life began to spiral. My children were angry and confused.
I started going down a path that didn’t represent my lifestyle. I drank too much and became very depressed.
I decided to get involved with the local Women’s Shelter. That was my saving grace. I began speaking at events, volunteering and helping to bring awareness to domestic violence.
I was able to refocus. I was able to turn my pain into something good and use my experience to help others through overwhelming times.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I would absolutely keep doing what I chose as my profession!
No doubt!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.healthylivingwithregina.com
• Instagram: @healthylivingwithregina
• Facebook: healthylivingwithregina

Image Credits

Burke Gower