Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Goleash. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In 2017, I volunteered to compete for my unit’s Army Best Warrior Competition. At the time, it was an excuse to miss drill and fulfill that competitive edge that I had been missing since my last year playing college basketball in 2013. At the Battalion and Brigade level competitions I was the only female competitor, which I won and advanced to State. The outcomes of simply saying “yes” when asked if anyone would be willing to represent the company have taught me one of the most valuable lessons that I have ever learned – if something feels uncomfortable or scary, its growing you, molding you, changing you. From there, success and great things will happen. I am now a Staff Sergeant with an awesome Army Career, Army Master Fitness Trainer, Unit Dispatcher, and on the civilian side I began my own online business personal training, completed a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Master’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition Education and more – all of which I honestly contribute directly to that single moment of stepping out of my comfort zone. Comfortability can lead to complacency and that can be dangerous for an individual who wants to grow. Continue to take risks, say “yes!” especially to the scariest of tasks, and most of all… ALWAYS take the harder path, the outcomes will be more beneficial than the easy road.

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

I’ve always been a tom-boy! Growing up, fishing, deer hunting, and tackle football with my brothers were prioritized over playing with barbies any day. I began playing basketball in elementary school through my freshman year in college, as well as volleyball and soccer. Following that final season in 2013, my activity level decreased but my eating habits did not change. I did not know anything about fat loss, and for the first time in my life I was overweight. I joined a nearby gym in a mitigative attempt, but had no idea where to begin. In May 2015 I enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard. That taught me how to be disciplined, work hard and be resilient. Those traits transferred into other aspects of my life, and it grew my love for exercise. While the aesthetic benefits of a healthy lifestyle are motivating, the improved mental health, mood, and stress-relief is what keeps me going long after it becomes uncomfortable. I believe everyone needs to find their “why” so when motivation fails, that will be what keeps you grounded. I was lucky that I had multiple individuals take me under their wing shortly after that, because without them I might still be spinning my wheels. From them I learned the importance of a well-built exercise program and the role nutrition played in achieving individual goals. Now I want to be the person they were for me, for others!

I began training clients one-on-one as well as group classes in-person, then started my online business for those living long distance/needing virtual guidance. I have loved the opportunity to be apart of these individuals journey’s, from ages 14 to 88, male and female, healthy athletes to elderly adults, those with injuries or needing rehabilitation, with various goals for fat loss, building muscle, increasing agility, improving flexibility, balance, or improving their overall health and prolonging their life. Each individual is wonderfully unique, requiring programs formed to fit who they are, and where they want to be. I write all plans completely from scratch for that reason. Training can be written for at home or at the gym, and includes full-body warm-up and stretching, strength training, mobility, flexibility, balance, plyometrics, high intensity interval training, cardio, unilateral training, correcting muscular imbalances, recommended target and max heart rate, and more. I teach clients how to track macronutrients/caloric intake, with all plans including free educational e-books I have written, and include weekly check-ins and direct contact with myself ANY time for additional accountability, which also allows me to adjust plans as needed as the weeks go on so that they continue to see progress long-term. This is no quick fix! I prioritize sustainability.

Degrees and Certifications:
Associates of Science – Black Hawk College
Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science – University of Illinois-Springfield
Masters of Science in Dietetics and Nutrition Education – Eastern Illinois University
Certified Personal Trainer – National Academy of Sports Medicine
Level 1 Modern Army Combatives and Combat Lifesaver
CPR/AED and DotFit Nutrition

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth! If you have ever had a great experience with any small business, I highly encourage you to share on social media or with friends and family – you would be surprised how much of a small businesses success can come from simply spreading the word!

How did you build your audience on social media?

Find your niche! If you spread yourself too thin in business, you won’t be able to give 110% in showcasing to any one specific audience. Find/choose your niche and gear your content towards that. Secondly, be authentic, people can recognize if you aren’t. Lastly, take online criticism with a grain of salt! There are “trolls” everywhere, don’t let it affect your mental health or wellbeing and if it does, take a step back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melissagfit.com
• Instagram: @melissagfit
• Facebook: @melissagfit
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-goleash
• Other: TikTok: @melissagfit Email: [email protected]