We recently connected with Lindsay Meyers and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lindsay thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

What’s so rewarding about helping people in their health and fitness journeys are hearing the stories of lives changing for the better. When they realize and are able to perform physical tasks that they wouldn’t even consider attempting previously to starting an exercise program. Seeing not only physical changes but how their lives can improve on a larger scale. Relieving pain issues that may have impacted their lives for years, limiting the things they were able to enjoy in their daily lives simply because they couldn’t. People who have insanely lowered or even come off prescription medications, such as blood pressure or diabetes medication. There are countless stories on these aspects that may seem small, but can greatly impact quality of life as well as add on years of life for many.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey in the fitness industry began when my parents opened a gym in Southeast Michigan shortly before I graduated High School. While working there, I received my first personal training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and began training clients at their gym. From there I continued to train at a few different fitness centers for several years before opening my own studio in Denton, Texas in 2014. At Optima Fitness Studio, we offer private one on one, or one on two personal training sessions in 30 or 60 minute sessions. Our studio currently has two trainers and a massage therapist. Before beginning a training program, I meet with each person individually to chat about goals, health history, etc., as well as perform a movement screening to assess muscle imbalances that may be affecting their body as a whole. From there we can determine areas to strengthen, stretch, etc., and know a more specific direction to take their program so it provides the most benefit to them. Being that Optima is not an open gym with dozens of people inside at a time, individuals typically feel comfortable in our atmosphere whether they’ve worked out their whole lives, or it’s something totally new to them.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being able to listen to people, effectively communicate, be relatable, build trust and develop relationships. Obviously first and foremost people want to see results, I think therein lies the training and knowledge component. Secondly, there has to be a certain level of comfort. Not that each workout or exercise can’t get uncomfortable, but each person needs to be comfortable in the environment and with their trainer. The gym atmosphere can be intimidating, especially to someone who may not have a lot of experience inside one and feels that they lack knowledge. I believe it is important to see things from their perspective, be kind and help to build their confidence in the gym environment. This can translate to much success for them in not only working with you as a trainer, but can be impactful on their future with exercise. Many of my client relationships have turned into lasting friendships, and that’s not necessarily something that can happen in every field.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Offering something different from the norm. I think in a lot of cases when people think of a personal trainer they picture a grueling beat down session with an aftermath of not being able to walk or move for several days after a workout. In my experience this doesn’t work well for a number of reasons for the majority of people beginning an exercise program. What we offer has a bit different of an approach. Progressing clients from where they are today and moving forward is where we begin with everyone. Each individual is different and should be treated as such. There is no “one size fits all” program that can work for everyone. Each person has their own health and wellness history, lifestyle, physical capabilities or limitations, etc., which should all play a role in developing and beginning and exercise program. We want to change peoples lives for the better, and long term.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.optimafitnessstudio.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/optimafitnessstudiodenton