Q: Were you raised with an emphasis on fitness or is this something you discovered on your own?
A: No, my family spent time outdoors, but not specifically exercise. I became really interested in exercise when I met my husband in 1986 . He introduced me to many outdoor activities, and from that point on exercise was an everyday element of my life. I then found myself participating with other like minded individuals who also wanted to exercise.
Q: Do you raise your own kids with a strong emphasis on fitness?
A: Definitely. This is one of our main family values. We believe it affects all aspects of our life. Wether it is skiing, rock climbing, running or biking we believe it keeps us physically and mentally healthy. Plus, it’s great family bonding.
Q: When did you decide to start Fit Focused?
A: During the 20 years spent traveling with my husband, I met many fitness business owners and realized that it was something I wanted to do because of the value that they were giving to their communities. Therefore, when my husband retired from the military, I had the opportunity to start my own business.
Q: Where did you meet your husband?
A: We were camp counselors in 1986 at a 4-h camp in Moodus Connecticut. He was the outdoor counselor who lived in a tent in the woods.
Q: How does he influence your work?
A: He encourages me, whether it is ironman training or just hiking around Newfoundland.
Q: Why is Fit Focused special?
A: Fit Focused is a small business embedded in a local community. As an individual with world experience across many fitness regimes and cultures, I feel FitFocused provides a creative and highly unique exercise experience.
Q: What’s your favorite class to teach and why?
A: My outdoor class at Gillette castle. I love to see the changing landscape each week and the eagles or deer that suddenly appear out of no where. It is very exhilarating no matter what the season and I like using nature as my weight room!
Q: What motivates you?
A: The people in need of good health really motivate me. I love to help them physically and mentally.
Q: What is one thing that everyone should change about their fitness routine?
A: Always review your fitness goals on a 6 month basis. That way if it is not working you can change it. One year of commitment could equal weight loss, increasing bone density, running faster, jumping higher, or even walking without a cane. A close friend of mine became a half ironman in 6 months. That is how radical your goals can be!
Q: What has been your proudest moment at Fit Focused?
A: There are so many, but watching my youngest client get third place in the National Irish Dance Championships in Nashville and the face of my 76 year old client whom had not skied in years after he came down a blue run at Mount Snow are two of the most gratifying experiences.
Q: Who are your heroes?
A: In the days before FitFocused, a Military Physical fitness Instructor really encouraged me to start my own business. He gave me the confidence I needed to go for it.
Q: Where exactly have you traveled?
A: I lived in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cyprus, Belize, Hong Kong, but also traveled to Macau, China, Nepal, Sweden, France, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
Q: What did you take most from your travels that applies to Fit Focused?
A: Experiencing different environments and working in arduous conditions with the British Army. I had to develop training programs that benefited every one from soldiers to families. Having to be resourceful in these environments allowed me to think out of the box when developing my classes. For example we were assigned to the outer Hebrides of Scotland where the environment did not lend itself itself to exercise unless you were an outdoor enthusiast. I was pregnant at the time and found a way to stay fit. I walked a 4 mile windswept beach in the rain and wind daily, but I still felt felt so much better when I came home.
Q: A lot of people say they don’t have time to work out; how do you balance it all?
A: Make your fitness as high of a priority in your life as a doctor’s appointment. There is no excuse not to.
Q: If you could be anywhere in the world right now where would it be?
A: On my snowboard, with the family, at the top of a nice long trail out West.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: Good Cheese and a glass of wine.
Q: What was the best decision you ever made?
A: Starting my own business.
Q: Which is worse, failing or never trying?
A: Never Trying. You’ll never know if you never try, and you’ll never live to know your full potential.
