Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Roberts.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first dealt with imposter syndrome a lot, I did not think I could become a personal trainer, I like cookies too much and do not have a “personal trainer body”. It took some time before I realized I was exactly what was needed and by not offering my services, I was doing a disservice to my community.
The fact that I was a foodie, not an athlete made me the perfect trainer for a lot of people who were intimidated by just the thought of diet and exercise altogether. I have always wanted to help those who have never worked out or eaten healthy and show their workouts can be fun, and they can do it, and veggies are good!
I figured I can help so many more by showing my struggles as well as my commitments and bringing everyone with me on this health and wellness journey. I knew I could not let fear and doubt win. I was scared but I knew I had to get off the “hamster wheel of Corporate America and start helping others and doing what I love to do. Because when you do what you love, you’re not working. Thus, Personal Changes Training was born. And I haven’t worked a day since.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There were a lot of bumps and learning curves along the way. It’s hard to find good help. My clients are my family and finding, trusting, and keeping another trainer to work with my loved ones has always been hard. Before adding anyone to your team make sure you both have clear expectations in writing and don’t waste time having meetings when you can send an email.
I had to learn how to say no to some things and not follow what everyone else is doing. I, like many trainers, had to find my niche. I trained many different clients with many different goals and tried different ways to make money including multi-level marketing companies. I was just doing too much! I had to focus on myself and my brand. I learned quickly that the more you can specialize in your field the more special you are.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being a personal trainer takes on many roles. It is not just exercising or counting reps. You have to be the trainer that your clients need and when they need you. I am also certified in “Coaching Healthy Behaviors and Nutrition from Cooper Institute. Wellness coaching comes into play a lot more than you would think during our training session. Nutrition counseling and meal prep are always a big focus as well.
While training I noticed a lot of my clients were older so I wanted to specialize in that area to best fit my client’s needs. Therefore I became a Certified Functional Aging Specialist. While teaching Silver Sneaker classes I met my first adaptive client, Glenda. She was a wheelchair user and was looking for a trainer that would be willing to work out in the water with her. She immediately changed my life.
She introduced me to the world of adaptive fitness and the wonderful ministry of Powered to Move. A non for profit organization that provides financial assistance to those living with disabilities, or what we refer to them as inconveniences. I then became a Certified Adaptive Trainer. I believe my proudest moment came when Glenda told me she was able to roll over in the middle of the night by herself!
Now to most people, that may not seem like a big deal but to Glenda who has not been able to move her body like that in over 15 years, that is a very big deal. She used to have to wake her husband up or stay uncomfortable but after training with me she had gained enough upper body, core strength, and confidence to be able to roll over all by herself.
What sets me apart from other trainers is the “Personal” part in Personal Trainer. I have the best clients, they are all my favorite and our family. I have such a great relationship with all my clients and they know I care and am always there for them.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Once a trainer gets certified, then what? I want to be the trainer to show them how to be a trainer. I would like to share my best practices and share mine over eight years of knowledge and experience. Not only do I have this in writing but I also would like to work in hands-on person shadowing and training.
Especially if you are interested in working with individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with disabilities and looking for more information on hand cycling, group adaptive fitness, personal training, community, or any other assistance please contact https://www.poweredtomove.org/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.personalchangestraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/personalchangestraining/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PersonalChangesTraining/
- Twitter: @PChangesT
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCayza1Br9o7WGovUjtnq42w