Conversations with the Inspiring Lisa Reynolds

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Reynolds.

Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My journey in the fitness industry sparked from an early passion for movement, dance, and a desire to help others. I had danced all growing up and had discovered group fitness upon stumbling into a dance cardio class my freshmen year of college at Texas A&M University. Little did I know, at the time, I had found what would be my life’s work and greatest passion.

Almost instantly, I signed up for our fitness instructor training where I learned to teach a variety of formats– step aerobics, total body conditioning, mind-body formats, dance, cycle, etc. After auditioning and being hired, my first mentor in fitness and boss at the time, DeAun Woosley, set a rule; as a new instructor, you got to pick to train in a format you loved and then a format that she chose for you. I naturally chose dance fitness and DeAun had selected yoga for me. I will forever be grateful to her for guiding me that way as yoga has been my main format since starting Lisa Reynolds Fitness and has ultimately changed my life. Different from my background in dance, yoga was the first place where I felt I didn’t have to be perfect. My worth wasn’t found in my abilities but rather in just being. This is a message that changed me as a person and is constant in my own teachings of yoga to my students.

In the midst of discovering my passion for fitness and yoga, I was working towards my Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies so that I could teach Kindergarten-8th grade upon graduation. I had always liked children and had a desire to help others and make a difference, as many teachers do. Upon graduation, I moved back to the Dallas area where I taught first grade for three years in Plano-ISD. I am grateful for those years as they taught me so much about myself and how to teach; I will forever be grateful to the children that were in my care and my co-workers for supporting my growth. Even while I was teaching children, I had this little voice telling me that I would soon emerge onto the fitness scene on a grander scale.

During my years of teaching, I continued teaching group fitness and building onto my certifications, including completion of my 200 and 300-hour RYT certifications through the Yoga Alliance. Additionally, I was blessed with the opportunity to be a Master Trainer for PulsePointe Barre, and now am a Master Trainer for sister programs Barre Above and Balletone. In addition to these opportunities, I began coaching for the programming/teacher-training team at one of my yoga studios. I had my first taste of training new teachers and I absolutely LOVED it. Fitness education blended all of the skills I had learned as a schoolteacher with my passion for fitness and I knew I had found my calling.

This past year, I made the leap from teaching school to teaching fitness full time in the creation of my business, Lisa Reynolds Fitness. I had laid a strong foundation for myself, and with hustle and heart, I have manifested more than I could ever have imagined back in those early days. I now get to live my passion for providing high-quality continuing education for fitness professionals so they can be the change agents to helping others live happier, healthier lives, in addition to getting to teach my own classes myself. I am grateful for how my business has turned out and am excited to see how it evolves over time.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am someone who always looks to see the good in every situation and believes that our struggles are meant to teach us valuable lessons on our path. God has blessed me in many ways as I set out to make my dream become a reality. I was very fortunate to have a flow of abundant opportunities present themselves to me as I made my transition to teaching fitness full-time and am grateful for all of the studios and health clubs I work with for opening these doors to me. Every time I was offered another class, I would say to myself, “See? It is going to work, you are on the right path. Thank you, Universe!”

That’s not to say it hasn’t been scary or there hasn’t been an obstacle. I am completely independent; there is no financial aid coming from anyone, no roommate, no husband, not from my parents (nor should there be or not, everyone is on their own path), and I’ve been determined from the beginning to make it work no matter what it takes. I struggle with self-doubt, as many others do; there’s always that voice that creeps in and says, “what if you can’t “ and “what if you’re not good enough”, but with practice, I’ve learned how to re-route my thinking to one of faith and willingness to do it anyway. I knew to go into this that I was going to work hard and work a lot, but I was and still am committed to finding gratitude in the day-to-day as I am joyful to have the opportunity to call this business my job.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I would say to anyone starting out on a new journey or looking to make a change is to be fearless in asking for help. When I was making the decision to leave my job as an elementary school teacher to turn my passion for fitness into my full-time job, I spoke to everyone I knew who was already doing it. I wanted to know how they were making it happen, what were the different avenues for making a sustainable income, and what I could glean and tweak to fit for myself. Be ok with uncertainty; understand everyone’s journey is completely unique and there is no “right” way to achieve your goals. Above all, remember that we live in an abundant universe; there is room for everyone at the table.

Two years ago, I attended the Wanderlust 5k in Dallas and the mantra that was said there has stuck with me ever since: “I love you, keep going.” Keep Moving. Our paths are rarely linear. Always return back to your intention, your spark, your passion, your heart, and trust that you are constantly being guided, even when it feels like everything is out of control. It is that commitment to trust and gratitude that has guided me and kept me going. Give yourself time, space, and grace; know when you need to step back in stillness to re-center, but also don’t let the fear of not knowing “with certainty” paralyze you from taking your next step because as we all know, there are no guarantees in life. You count and you matter and the universe needs YOU and your gifts.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Lisa Reynolds Fitness story. Tell us more about it.
In addition to teaching a variety of group fitness classes in the Dallas area, I play a role as a master trainer and yoga teacher trainer. As a fitness educator, I have the opportunity to train instructors on best practices in how to teach their classes, whether it be yoga, Barre Above, or Balletone. This role perfectly blends my love for fitness with my love for teaching and education. I love that by empowering my students with tools to teach, they can further positively impact their individual communities to move and lead healthier lives; it’s the ultimate ripple effect!

My mission statement is to help others find freedom through movement and music. I want to show my students their potential, to guide them to find joy in healthy movement and to live healthier lives in mind, body, and spirit. As previously mentioned, I teach 20 public classes a week in addition to corporate fitness classes, private lessons, creating and facilitating workshops, leading retreats, providing continuing education, and leading yoga teacher training and other programs. I get to do everything I love and still wake up and say, “ I can’t believe I get to do this!” A full detailed list of all of my services can be found on my website at www.lisareynoldsfitness.com. I post all of my latest updates to social media: @lisareynoldsfitness on Instagram and Lisa Reynolds Fitness page on Facebook.

It is with humility and gratitude that I can say I am proud of all that I have accomplished in my short amount of time in the fitness industry; I am the youngest Master Trainer with Savvier Fitness and have no intentions of slowing down or staying stagnant. I love using my creativity and intend to roll out more online content and instructor training in the future (stay tuned!). Bottom line: I deeply care about each student who walks through my doors, whether it is their first time or they see me every week. I want everyone to know they are loved and cared for and valued when they step into my class, training, or workshop. It is a privilege to observe the growth and transformation I see in my students, and I plan to continue this work for the duration of my life.

Which women have inspired you in your life? Why?
Oh goodness, there are countless women I work with on a daily basis, women who do what I do in addition to being mothers, wives, and holding down other full-time jobs. I admire all of these women for what they do and their tenacity to make this world a better place. There are so many women, past and present, who have shaped me into who I am today, and I am grateful for each one. Here are a few by name:

First, DeAun Woosley; my first boss and mentor for giving me a chance and providing me a strong foundation for launching my career. She is one of the most influential fitness educators I know; she has inspired so many students at Texas A&M and beyond and I admire her dedication to the world-class group fitness program she created there. It is because of DeAun that I started teaching yoga and fitness in the first place. She continues to be a sounding board for me and encouraged me in my creation of Lisa Reynolds Fitness.

One of my greatest inspirations is my current mentor, friend, and fitness role-model: Lauren George. I believe everyone needs a mentor and she continually coaches and nurtures my growth, so I can be the best fitness educator I can be.

I am grateful for my best friend, Becca Menhart, General Manager of Stretch Zone in Dallas and phenomenal girl boss, as she had become my dearest friend through our 300-hour yoga teacher training. Becca is always a positive light and every time we were together, she would consistently and compassionately encourage me to get out there and pursue my dreams as a full-time fitness instructor. I definitely give her a significant amount of credit for where I am today; had it not been for her encouragement and belief in me, I may not have had the bravery to make the necessary change.

Finally, I am grateful for the women in my family, specifically my mom and my sister. To my mom, for leading by example what it means to work hard and to pour your soul into what you love and to my sister for being my best friend and constant support. I am grateful for their support as I have pursued my dreams and know that they are cheering for me every step of the way. I would be lucky to be even half of the woman that these women have been to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lisareynoldsfitness.com
• Phone: 972-742-2158
• Email: lisareynoldsfitness@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisareynoldsfitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisareynoldsfitness/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Image Credit:
Bre McDaniel, Becca Menhart

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