Trainer Profile – Liz B
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Age: 42
Occupation: FitWit Trainer:)
First FitWit class (date): April 2016 – bring a friend day
Tell us about any sports & fitness background:
Gymnastics and soccer as a kid, played tennis in high school and college (Boston University), played competitive sand volleyball after college (still play as often as I can!). After having kids and before FitWit, I would run occasionally and workout at home on my own with KBs.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting FitWit (before/after, weight loss, body fat, workout improvements)?
I was 4 months postpartum when I took my first FitWit class. It was my 3rd pregnancy (and twins) – I had gained a lot of weight and couldn’t exercise much during the pregnancy because of high risk with twins and pre-eclampsia – so I was looking for something to really help me get back to feeling like my old self. I clearly remember that first workout, and it was FitWit love from the get-go. I signed up and came for workouts religiously, even sneaking in extra ones from time to time (don’t tell Josh).
In the first month I started to feel stronger and more fit, and set goals of improving my mile time to sub 7:00 (first mile was 8 plus), getting 1 pull-up, and losing the last 10 lbs. of baby weight. I had my body fat tested in Oct. 2016 (after several months of FitWit), and it was 20%. (I haven’t had it tested since).
Since I started working as a trainer in March, I’ve upped my workout frequency to 5x/week, and that’s made a big difference in my fitness. I can now do 8 pull-ups, 6:26 mile?, 72 double unders (I started at zero!), 7:55 2K row (first one was 8:14?), and I don’t know my body fat currently but I know my clothes fit very differently and I’ve definitely lost the last 10 lbs of baby weight.
I feel stronger than I ever have, I’m leaner than I’ve ever been, my body HURTS LESS THAN IT EVER HAS!! (knees, shoulder, back, ankle), I have more energy on a daily basis, and I feel generally happier and less stressed.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like FitWit that were totally unexpected?
SEE ABOVE. Also, I got a job! I never expected to work in this field, especially leading large group classes – it’s totally out of my comfort zone – but I absolutely love it. It’s one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done.
Why do you FitWit?
There’s not enough room on the paper for this one. See all of the things above, for starters. Coming from a sports and physical therapy background, I highly value the emphasis put on balanced workouts, not just lots of sweat. FitWit truly helps people be the healthiest they can be in all aspects. Also, the community at FitWit is something very special. Lots of really incredible people with big hearts, open minds, and a dedication to taking care of themselves so they can take care of others and other important things in the world. It’s a pleasure and an honor to be a part of it.
Favorite workouts? Walk It Out, Ropes and Running, Jump Around. I recently enjoyed Minute to Win It
Least favorite workouts? 2K assessed row. Pure pain. But also the most rewarding. Also any Tailpipe workout.
Three words to describe you: Loyal, hard-working, strong willed.
Any favorite FitWit moments?
Too many to list. EVERY DAY seeing people show up, work hard, support each other, sweat together, work towards goals… it’s totally inspiring. I love seeing things go up on the High-5 Board, and when campers share personal accomplishments and how they’re seeing positive changes in their lives: Mel running a mile without stopping to walk, Michael Dixey lifting his disabled dog in and out of the car, Eytan’s mile PR. One member told me how she can now lift the 5 gallon jug onto the water cooler at work. And another said she didn’t have to ask for help at Home Depot to get the 80 lb. bag of concrete mix. That is awesome stuff.
Fitness Goals? Sub 6 min. mile. Start chipping away at my 2K erg time. 100 double unders in a row
Words to live by (Favorite Quote)?
“Happiest is he who expects no happiness from others. Love delights and glorifies in giving, not receiving. Learn to love and give, and not to expect anything from others.” Meher Baba
Something cool we don’t know about you? That last pregnancy was as a surrogate for friends.