Today we’d like to introduce you to Chantelle Rateliff.
Chantelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My parents owned a gym in my hometown so I’ve been involved, passionate and knowledgeable about fitness my entire life. It’s been an industry of interest since I was 18 years old and could legally obtain a certification, but I wasn’t able to officially pursue it until about five years ago. After graduating with an Advertising/Public Relations degree from the University of Arkansas I did sports marketing for a Minor League baseball team and then switched over to teaching advertising graphic design while coaching cheerleading (my sport, I’m still the biggest cheerleader you’ll meet) on the high school level.
When we moved to Chicago for my husband’s job, I knew it was the perfect time to pursue my training certifications. I was incredibly lucky to have found fitness studio in Chicago as I was able to marry my passion of fitness & coaching with my professional background in business & marketing!
While Chicago was an all-around great experience, Texas is home. I have found a fitness home at Orangetheory Fitness and am very excited to continue growing with this incredible community!
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?
The fitness industry is a HUSTLE! From late nights and early mornings to the pressure of pleasing, and the physical challenges just to name a few. Most people think, “oh you work in fitness you must work out all the time” which isn’t the case. Being a fitness professional my focus and priority is on my clients and members. Many days I do not have time or physical energy to squeeze a sweat in!
Switching industries was a very scary process for me. Generally speaking, the fitness industry is an industry of passion, not profit, so taking that leap was intimidating financially. For the most part, it’s been very serendipitous as I’ve been blessed to meet and work with amazing individuals and businesses. I was even background talent in a Men’s Health Fitness DVD in 2016…giant check off my personal bucket-list!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Orangetheory Fitness Lakewood – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Where do I start? Orangetheory is a one hour, science-based, full body interval training workout. Every day has a different focus (endurance, strength and/or power) so we keep your training regime fresh and most importantly fun. Each member wears a heart rate monitor for the entire class so that they can see how their body is doing throughout the workout and when they can push harder or lighten up. My favorite thing about Orangetheory is how incredibly functional and accessible it is to ALL individuals!
My role as Head Coach is to provide a superior and safe experience to all members. Among many things that means mentoring my team of coaches and keeping the facility in tip-top shape.
I feel like I excel at personalizing group training. Although there are 28 members in a class, I’m efficient at focusing on each individual person. Yes, personal touches and individual challenges are something all OTF coaches focus on, but there are a few specific tools I’ve put in place at my new studio in Lakewood to set my coaches up for success!
People often say, there must be five of you in classes… you’re having to cue this, adjust an exercise for a member, announce timing intervals and more. The hustle is real, but absolutely worth it especially when you hear so often how personalizing our experience makes members feel more safe, confident & part of the community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1911 Abrams Rd. Dallas, TX, 75214
- Website: http://lakewood.orangetheoryfitness.com
- Phone: (972)474-0401
- Email: studiomanager1018@orangetheoryfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangetheoryntx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTFLakewood/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
