Trainer Spotlight: Maddy W.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, Maddy!
I love hiking and trail running!
I am also a psychotherapist
Currently working on Corrective Exercise specialization certification
I can very casually play saxophone, guitar, and ukulele- but this is definitely not an expertise and more of an interest
I love dogs, and wish I had one
What inspired you to become a personal trainer?
I’ve always loved sports and played every sport I possibly could as a child. When I got to college, my first major was Exercise Science, but after my first year, I switched to Outdoor Education with a minor in Counseling. However, I just could not get the idea of being a personal trainer out of the back of my mind. I continued my fitness pursuits throughout college with rowing, running a marathon (and getting 5 of my friends to run it with me!) and playing intramural soccer.
Fast forward a few years, I started teaching at a high school in south Brooklyn. My coworkers were beyond passionate about social justice and the work they did for their students. They worked so hard, until there was nothing left to give themselves, and eventually there would be nothing left to give their students. All too often, these hardworking, compassionate teachers were simply burnt out and in physical pain! I continued to use my workout routine as an outlet, and tried to share this resource with others. Before long, all I wanted to do was discuss the emotional and physical burnout my colleagues were facing. So I quit teaching in order to pursue this necessary work as a personal trainer and a psychotherapist. I am dedicated to providing individuals with the tools needed to take care of their bodies and minds, in a way that allows them to continue to do what they are meant to do with passion, energy, longevity, and intentionality!
What are your current certification(s)/ degree(s)?
I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I have a Master of Social Work from Hunter College, Master of Education from Brooklyn College and B.S. Outdoor Education from Ithaca College.
What is your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
I love meeting new people, building relationships, and sharing my passion for movement.
How do the benefits of physical training in the gym translate into everyday life?
Most of us are living very fast-paced lives, and we may forget to take a moment to slowww dowwwn and connect to ourselves. When we’re in the gym, (especially when learning new movements), we have to take it slow. Why? Oh yeah, otherwise we could really hurt ourselves! Slowing down in the gym and listening to what our bodies are telling us allows for more efficient and effective movement. Our body is actually providing us with internal feedback. It tells us what we may need to start, stop, do more of, or less of. We can actually take this skill with us to other aspects of our lives.
Try to create space for yourself to slow down, and listen to your internal feedback. This is just one example! There are many skills that can be learned from the gym, and can be translated into a more integrated you.
What is your sport or training modality of choice?
I love all types of movement: Trail running, hiking, tennis, yoga, capoeira, hiking, cycling, kayaking, swimming, soccer, snowboarding, car dancing… and I am just starting to learn golf! In terms of training, functional movement is at the top of my list. I want to be able to do all of these things for a long time to come!
What is your favorite part of being a personal trainer?
I love meeting new people, building relationships, and sharing my passion for movement.
If you could tell some brand-new to fitness ONE thing, what would it be?
Find your why and have a mantra! Having a goal of “getting in shape” usually doesn’t stick! Dig deep. Ask yourself: Why is being physically strong and flexible an absolute must?
What makes you unique?
We all have our individual interests and goals. But most of us have one thing in common: We want to enjoy life and thrive at it! My social work/education/fitness background, combined with my passion for movement, creates a unique package of expertise. No matter what your movement goals are, I believe I can provide the foundational tools necessary to thrive!
