How I Got Here
By Angie Kelley
Just like you, I’m a real person with real struggles. I grew up believing I was a chubby kid with a raging sweet tooth (and no, I can’t blame this on my wonderful, loving family). I started my first diet in the 3rd grade and have only recently settled into a healthy eating space. Even though I always struggled with body image and judged every morsel I put in my mouth, I LOVED to exercise. I didn’t even know I was exercising. I was just moving for fun. If the family went on a hike, I always made it to the top of the mountain with my dad while my sisters and mom turned around. I rode my bike almost every day just for fun, sometimes 25 miles to the nearest mall to go shopping with a friend. I loved to swim just for the experience of closing myself off from the world and listening to the muffled rhythms of swimming strokes. I often walked 3 miles home from school just to avoid riding the bus. BUT… I HATED RUNNING! Kids made fun of me for how I ran and I became very self conscious about it. Plus, it felt hard on my lungs!
Even though I always struggled with body image and judged every morsel I put in my mouth, I LOVED to exercise.
While attending a Step Aerobics class during my sophomore year of college at Montana State University, I was recruited to become an instructor. I loved the feeling of teaching large groups of excited people, guiding them through a workout that left them feeling amazing for the rest of the day. It was so exciting to discover that a person could get paid to exercise, help, and motivate others. I changed my major to Exercise and Wellness and didn't look back. During my years at MSU, I also watched my best friend and roommate struggle with depression and bipolar disorder. I was amazed to see how exercise could help her regulate her moods and bring her out of depression. I wanted to find out more about how exercise could help more than just your physical appearance. This lead me to travel to Tasmania, Australia and pursue my masters degree in Exercise Adherence. I learned that many factors determine your behavior patterns and whether you will begin and/or continue to make exercise a part of your life. Two of the leading factors are 1) self-efficacy - the internal belief you can do it, and 2) social support - surrounding yourself with supportive people or recruiting them to join you.
I was amazed to see how exercise could help her regulate her moods and bring her out of depression.
After returning to the US, I started a family and settled down in Bozeman. I have been working in health clubs and training clients ever since. While working, learning, and growing, I became better and better at helping my clients get through an injury or modify exercises in a way that allowed them to do almost anything safely. Did you know there are about 10 different ways to work up to doing a “push-up”? I’ve also really enjoyed becoming friends with my clients and seeing them through so many milestones in their lives. I try and carry what I’ve learned in Exercise Adherence through to my clients. I promote social events and activities so that people can “find their tribe”. If you can find someone to exercise with, your success at sticking with it will be much improved. I work hard at giving my clients the self-efficacy they need to believe they can exercise safely for the rest of their lives. Most recently, Foundation Training has helped me learn even more about helping people get rid of pain, use their body correctly, and strengthen areas that are chronically under-utilized so that they can get back to the things they love to do.
While working, learning, and growing, I became better and better at helping my clients get through an injury or modify exercises in a way that allowed them to do almost anything safely.
I am a walking example of how social support, self-efficacy, and proper technique and strengthening can get you moving in a way you never thought you could. Remember, I hated running? Well, I decided to conquer this problem by joining a running group (social support) taught by a great coach (technique). By slowing down, walking some, and working on technique, I learned that running could actually feel good! I also learned to believe that I wasn’t such a terrible runner (self-efficacy) and that it wouldn’t kill me. Today, running is my favorite activity. Especially if I do it in the mountains with friends. I’ve entered races like Jim Bridger, Headwaters Relay, and Bangtail Divide. You will probably never see me in the front of the pack at any race, but you will find me in the middle somewhere with a smile on my face, having the time of my life! -A.K.
I would love to hear your story--where you've been and where you want to go.
I can't wait to meet you and learn more about how I can help you reach that next goal, dream, or peak!
I can't wait to meet you and learn more about how I can help you reach that next goal, dream, or peak!