Confidence is built through consistency, and the more confident we are, the stronger we become, empowering us to better face life’s challenges.
When it comes to fitness, every trainer has a story and a philosophy that keeps them moving through life. From new moms to triathletes, these six local trainers share what drives them, how they tailor workouts, and the truths they wish everyone knew about health and wellness.
Michelle Tucker: Finding Strength Through Service
Michelle Tucker’s path to personal training started with passion and purpose. What began as encouraging friends to join her on runs evolved into a mission to serve the “overlooked” - from new moms to women navigating hormonal changes and people managing chronic illness or pain. Her approach begins with observation: “Watching clients move tells me where their strengths
and imbalances are,” she says. From there, she tailors programs around each client’s real-life energy, time, and goals.
Michelle doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all workouts. Instead, she emphasizes efficient movement, longevity, and listening to your body. As a mom of three, her own routine balances 30-45 minute sessions of strength, cardio, yoga, and stretching, proving that consistency, not perfection, is the secret to staying active for life.
Christa Gibson: Progress with Purpose
For Christa Gibson, fitness began as a personal journey toward confidence and evolved into a career focused on balance and sustainability. A triathlete and coach, she blends endurance, strength, and mindfulness in every program she designs.
Her philosophy is simple: start where you are, build slowly, and focus on what lasts. “Anything that promises fast results, such as extreme diets or miracle workouts, is overhyped,” she says. Instead, Christa champions strength training, proper nutrition, and recovery as the timeless foundations of health.
Her triathlon training mirrors her mindset: six days a week of structured, balanced workouts paired with nutrient-dense eating, hydration, and rest. “Consistency matters most,” she says - a message her clients carry beyond the gym.
Kevin Hinkle: Confidence Through Connection
Kevin Hinkle became a trainer to help others discover the confidence and strength they already possess. He adapts his coaching style to each individual, meeting clients where they are physically and mentally.
His philosophy reflects the evolving definition of wellness: “Today’s fitness is about balance - combining movement, nutrition, and mindfulness for long-term results,” he says. For Kevin, sustainable fitness means progress without pressure and strength that extends beyond the gym.
Zach Lewis: Building Strength for Life
Zach Lewis’s love of movement began outdoors on skis and mountain trails. Now, as a trainer, he channels that same energy into helping clients build resilience, both physical and mental. His programs focus on personalized strength training rooted in functional movement and mindset development. “Every client has a unique combination of strengths and challenges,” Zach explains. “Training should empower them to use what they have to overcome what they face.” He’s skeptical of supplement fads, noting that “a balanced diet with enough protein goes further than any miracle powder.” Zach’s own routine - a daily stretch followed by focused weight training four days a week, proves that steady, mindful effort drives the best results.
Brianna Jones: Joy in the Journey
For Brianna Jones, fitness is more than movement, it’s connection. From her first yoga and weightlifting classes in high school to teaching group fitness today, she’s witnessed how exercise uplifts both body and mind.
Her advice? Don’t chase trends - chase what makes you feel good. “Anything extreme that claims to be the only way to reach your goals is a red flag,” she says. Brianna champions balance: lifting weights with intention, staying consistent, and enjoying the process. Her weekly routine of weightlifting, HIGH Fitness, yoga, and long walks, reflects her practical philosophy. “People make time for what matters most,” she says, encouraging others to view fitness as a joyful, lifelong habit, not a temporary fix.
Stephanie Furrow: Strength Over Speed
A former preschool teacher turned fitness coach, Stephanie Furrow found her calling when she began leading outdoor workouts for moms. Her supportive, educational approach starts with one-on-one consultations to understand each client’s goals, limitations, and lifestyle.
She’s quick to debunk old myths: “You don’t need endless cardio to lose fat,” she explains. “Strength training is crucial, especially as we age.” Stephanie focuses on efficiency and consistency, reminding clients that shorter, smarter workouts often yield faster progress. Her own lifestyle is a model of balance: 4–5 weekly workouts, protein-focused meals, daily walks, and plenty of hydration. “The key is to move daily, eat well, and enjoy life’s small indulgences in moderation,” she says.
The Takeaway
Each of these trainers shares a different story, but their message is universal: fitness should empower, not exhaust. Whether it’s finding five minutes to stretch or training for a triathlon, success comes from showing up consistently, listening to your body, and finding joy in the movement that works for you!
Start the New Year off right by discovering your personal fitness journey at Windsor Community Recreation Center! To learn more about personal training and membership options visit www.recreationliveshere.com.