Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Pagud.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a naturally active person and dedicated to athletics of all kinds. However, fate took over and paved a different path starting with a massive head injury during a major basketball tournament during my freshman year of high school. A standard concussion followed by needed R&R over the thanksgiving break did not heal wounds. **Unfortunately, it lead to eight months of severe migraines, light sensitivity, and time off sports causing one de-conditioned teenager. Light presented itself in the form of a chiropractor in late spring correcting two vertebra in the neck and immediately eliminating all symptoms. **Unbeknownst to me, this chiropractor would become my boss 15 years later as I developed my dream of changing the industry. But in the meantime…. lessons had to be learned and the roughest one was facing facts that eight months off has a profound effect on the body and takes a lot of work to get back. Unfortunately, the head injury made me hypersensitive to my surroundings which also caused me to flinch when a ball was thrown in my direction. Needless to say, “I couldn’t hack it anymore!”.
So one year later, while visiting my grandparents per the norm in Palm Springs, CA. I found myself taking my grandparent’s golf cart for a joy ride and hitting golf balls on their country club range. Terribly is an understatement. My grandfather’s golf pro instructor had noticed my struggles from the clubhouse and made her way to give me some tips and tricks of the game. Within 30 mins, my natural athleticism had kicked in and I was hooked. Upon my return from spring vacation, I continued to practice through the summer and persuade a position on the high school golf team that fall. In my junior and senior year, I played team caption and focused on graduating early so I could attend golf school at David Leadbetter golf academy and train full time. Which I was blessed with doing so for two years. This lead to being recruited by a school in California to which I attended to complete my two years of general courses and where I was blessed yet again to meet one of the most fabulous nutrition and athletic trainers that influenced my future studies. The combination of golf school and my college professor kept me focused on health and wellness as a whole. Golf school analyzed not just the swing itself, but all the work that goes into it. It starts with understanding body mechanics, how the muscles trained to affect the precision of the technique. Nutritional balance and regulation primes the muscles for enhanced performance. Lastly, the mindset creates focus and fluidity in all parts. This is the bread and butter that Kapitol health is based on.
After acquiring my B.S. in Health and Wellness, it was time for me to join the workforce and start making my attempt to change lives. I was passionate about exercise and nutrition as a whole, so it was difficult for me to choose between the two during college… so I didn’t. **As I established myself as a personal trainer through the industry, I focused on adding to my credentials by adding a performance enhancement, corrective exercise, precision nutrition, and golf enhancement certifications. Three years working for the industry kept me content. But not satisfied. I started to notice over the years that I would find commonalities within my clients that didn’t pertain to body types, nutritional habits, nor exercise issues. It was LIFE! Life kept presenting obstacles that would prevent them from achieving their goals. One client, in particular, had lost her father several months back. Being of Jewish faith, she was unable to attend her morning team group due to needing to light a candle at the temple each morning. When she was finally able to return (six months later)… she did not walk into the gym excited. Instead, she did the classic walk of shame that most gym-goers do when they have been on hiatus. Awkwardly walking down the hall while being uncomfortable with their surrounds. Even being shy and timid to approach others and conversation. This is a moment of return… this is a moment of celebration! This should never be a moment of shame! Life happens…we have all been there. No one should ever have to apologize or be ashamed of the obstacles life brings!… and this is how Kapitol Health was born.
This is the moment I decided that we were going to eliminate the insane obstacles that life presents and bring the industry to the individual. Via in person or on your virtual device. But how do I do this while working for the best gym in the industry. Well… this is when fate stepped in again and lead me to need a tune-up at my local chiropractor. Which in turn, needed a new person to run PT for his office and I seemed to fit the bill. The freedom he provided me within my schedule allowed me to start Kapitol Health in my free time and fix his clients that needed assistance with their reoccurring aches and pains. My experience with him brought my education to new heights that even modified some of Kapitol health’s approach to providing service of those with injuries/recovering from surgery to those needing a good old butt-kickin’!
In the year 2016, shortly after my youngest was born, I found our family contemplating relocation for family/medical needs. Although I am still recovering from leaving one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, this finally allowed me the time I never had to allow Kapitol Health to grow. And sure enough… since its start in 2014, Kapitol Health is set out to not only change the way training is done but also change the way the industry is for the client and the professional.
This is not a one size fits all concept. This is personalized to you, your schedule, your physical, mental, and nutritional needs. Whatever needs to be done to keep you focused, keep you grounded, and keep you on track with your goals is what Kapitol health will provide. Your body is a monument and you should treat it as one. The first thing we do as humans is to sacrifice our needs to help take care of others. I will help you be there for your family, friends, and work… but I will never have you sacrifice from yourself.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone can ever say it’s been a smooth ride when it comes to starting a business. I think the biggest obstacle has probably been myself. **Here I have these crazy ideas about how to change the way training is provided for clients to make their life better in reducing stress and accomplishing their goals… however, what I didn’t realize is that I was also trying to change the way the industry is and how they affect the trainer and the client. They were just ideas and concepts discussed with my husband at home. The more frustrated I became with all of it… the more he kept saying “well then, do something about it”. I kept asking him if I was crazy… he retorted “yes, but it has to be done!” If it weren’t for the support of my amazing husband, it would have been a very bumpy path. Thankfully, I am blessed with the great support of family and friends that see my vision and keep reminding me I’m a crazy genius!
Kapitol Health – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Kapitol Health provides fitness and nutrition services via in person or on your virtual device. Specializing in weight loss, core development, nutrition, corrective exercise, strength training, performance enhancement, pregnancy training, golf enhancement, endurance training, stretching/ myofascial release techniques, and general fitness.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
To be perfectly honest… the fact that I have many families, friends, and clients that feel as passionate about my vision as I do makes my career worth the effort I’ve put in. I’m blessed when people see results. I’m amazed when something for them becomes life-changing. I’m honored to be a part of their life and to make a difference. I’m thankful that they find relief not having to conform to what society has told them is normal.
Pricing:
- 1 on 1 training (all types): $80 (packages fluctuate based on amt per month)
- Stretching session $45 (30 mins) $60 (45 mins) $80 (60 mins)
- Accountability checks ($45-30 mins)
- Program design- 8 workouts to do on your own $60
- Functional movement and nutrition analysis $FREE
- Educational Presentations-for coaches, teams, corporations, team building $100
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.kapitolhealth.com
- Phone: 866-KAPITOL
- Email: kapagud@kapitolhealth.com
- Instagram: @abbypagud
- Facebook: @kapitolhealth4
- Twitter: @kaptiolhealth
Image Credit:
Fred Mahusay and Elizabeth Mahusay with FRED SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
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