Living the Dream with Britny

We’re excited to continue sharing the stories of our dedicated trainers here at Jean-Robert’s Gym. We recently sat down with Britny to learn more about her journey to becoming a great personal trainer and massage therapist.

Where are you from and what brought you to Aspen?

I’m originally from Detroit, Michigan, and I moved out here in 2005. My mom got a job in the valley so she packed up my brothers and I, and drove us out here!

What were you doing before you started working at the gym?

I was working a few jobs and trying to go to school, I initially wanted to get into art and graphic design.

How did you move from art to personal training?

Well, I started working at Jean-Robert’s Gym as a receptionist. At the time, I was nineteen years old. I had no idea what to do in the gym except run on a treadmill or cardio machines. One day, I asked my boss if he could show me how to use free weights and the strength machines. This was a double hitter as I could better explain the gym to clientele and also workout myself.

When I started out at the gym, I worked three jobs so in between shifts Jean-Robert would train me for an hour or so. As I started working more and more at the gym, I realized how much I enjoyed it, how much fitness helped me personally and with the things that I do daily and outdoors. As for art, it became a hobby.

So do you still make art?

Yeah, on my own time. I’ve won an art competition, but it’s just really hard for me to sit down and draw something unless I am inspired. It’s better just doing it on my own on a whim; I really think that was the issue with that path. Basically, at this point I am not looking to delve into art as a career.

It sounds like your experience at the gym was both a personal and professional transformation. How else has working there benefited you?

The fitness industry is constantly growing and changing; being involved in this industry forces me to stay up-to-date with continuing education and growth in this career field. In turn, this helps me tackle most physical issues my clients would like to address whether it be personal aesthetic goals or corrective exercise.

How long ago did you start working at the gym?

Six years now.

Wow, that’s a long time to be with one company.

Yeah, as with any company, there is turnover but we have a core group of people who have worked here awhile and really help each other out.

What made you decide to get the second certification?

The massage therapy certification actually helped me understand anatomy and physiology on a deeper level. Also, now I can double as both a trainer and massage therapist for my clients.

You’ve touched on this, but how has having both certifications benefited your career? Do most of your clients do both massage therapy and personal training with you?

Half of them. Some of my clients work with another massage therapist or personal trainer because either they've worked with someone else already or that’s just their preference. It definitely did help me increase clientele, because it’s like a one-stop shop.

Do you have any advice for folks thinking of pursuing either certification?

As with every profession that you can do, there’s a lot of pros and cons with these two professions. If being a trainer or massage therapist is something that you want to do, do it. You won’t regret it. Both these career choices can be something you can do for side-work regardless if you decide to do something else. The hardest aspects are self-marketing, they're both physically demanding, and keeping clientele motivated. When you pursue either they're a lot of fun and it helps you physically, mentally, and they're very rewarding in the end.

What’s a piece of advice you have for folks about exercise and wellness?

Just put in the effort, and you’ll get what you put in back!