This week we asked each of our Personal Trainers to tell us a little bit more about their journeys to becoming PTs and training at Western. Learn more about what led them to this career, why they love it, and what makes training at Western special!
Ryan O’Connor
Why did you become a personal trainer?
Growing up I got bullied because I was smaller than everyone else. Everyday I was compared to my fraternal twin brother, who at one point was seven inches taller than me. I was lost and unhappy. Once I started working out, it honestly changed my life not only physically but mentally and spiritually. I started to love who I was. I wanted to share that amazing feeling I felt with as many people as possible. That is why I decided to become a personal trainer.
What makes working at Western unique?
Working at Western is truthfully unlike any gym I've ever been in. It has such a warm, family feeling to it. I believe that culture all starts with the owner. She really cares about each and every member and employee. It's inspiring and I am honored to be a part of it.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
My favorite part hands down is the relationships I build with my clients. Helping them achieve their goals, pushing their limits and showing them what they are capable of is extremely rewarding. Having any kind of positive impact on someone else's life is the best feeling.
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Alex Awve
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I became a personal trainer because I enjoy helping people and showing clients a way to become healthier version of themselves. I live to break barriers and show people what there bodies are capable from what they previously thought was impossible.
What makes working at Western unique?
Western is unique because we have so many different amenities under one roof. By having full access to all of these different amenities people are allowed to choose which path will help them the most. This ranges from spa, PT, tennis, cyro, fuel bar, group fitness, cardio, and strength equipment.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
My favorite part about being a pt is walking in Westerns doors every morning knowing I am going to make an impact. Being part of peoples journeys and seeing there accomplishments brings a smile to my face. I leave everyday knowing I have helped people get one step closer to there goal.
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Sarah Voet
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I love program design! Taking time to learn about a person's past mistakes, current struggles and inspiration, and future goals helps me to design the most beneficial programs for that person. I really enjoy helping people find their very own unique "best practice" and then put it into place.
What makes working at Western unique?
My goal has always been to join a team that has a considerable amount of passion for their careers. WRFC has the best employees around who live and breathe this passion every single day. I love representing a company who has passionate employees like ours!
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
My favorite part of PT are the text messages I get from clients saying how SORE and GREAT they feel after a workout with me. This appreciation helps remind me of why I started training others in the first place.
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Tad Taggart
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I developed a passion for health & fitness very early in life through sports and weightlifting with my dad. As the years went on, I learned more and more about human anatomy and physiology and its amazing intricacies. When it comes to helping people better their lives through health and fitness, personal training seemed like the best chance to be hands-on and make a difference.
What makes working at Western unique?
Western Racquet delivers "the whole package" when it comes to improving one's overall health. There are spa services, training services, a massive array of space and equipment, and even a cafe and bar for socializing. Though these might not be completely unique from some clubs, the atmosphere and constant innovation, or drive to deliver better is what makes this club stand out. When you are at Western, you are among friends and are part of a family. At Western, everyone you meet is on the same journey of "taking life further". Because of this, the club is a constant source of motivation and encouragement for all that enter the front doors.
What's your favourite part about being a personal trainer?
My favorite part of being a personal trainer is the people I get to work with. The clients that I get to work with make every day unique and fully rewarding. I emphasize that a client-trainer relationship with me is a partnership and not a purely instructor-client relationship. Working with people is how they find lasting results and I gain a lasting relationship that often evolves into friendship. Getting to share with others in their health journey and help point them in the right direction is what energizes me every day and makes me excited to come to work.
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Casey Alger-Feser
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I became a trainer because I enjoy coaching people and helping them learn new things. Training allows me to do that in workout/athletic-based environment.
What makes working at Western unique?
Working at Western is unique because everyone is very friendly and welcoming. From the front desk to membership to the trainers, everyone cares about the members no matter what level they are at.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
My favorite part about being a trainer is seeing my clients achieve things they did not think they were capable of.
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Alexis Alger-Feser
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I became a trainer and my favorite part about being a trainer are the same things: being able to see what people can accomplish.
What makes working at Western unique?
Working at Western is unique because everyone - members, staff, visitors - are friendly and enthusiastic about being here.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
It’s rewarding to see people achieve the goals they set and hit milestones in their fitness journey.
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Dan Chojnacki
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I've always enjoyed helping people, and after experiencing successes in my own fitness, I thought it would be great to be able to help people reach their own goals. It is also really cool to have my profession be something I'm passionate about.
What makes working at Western unique?
Western is unique because of the variety of equipment, services, and community presence. Not only that, but the employees are very knowledgeable and welcoming to old and new members alike.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
In short, I like to be a part of adding quality to my clients’ lives. I've worked with clients of all levels and goals, and it adds fulfillment to my life to be able to help them. Whether it is battling a medical condition, training for an event, or adding muscle mass, I enjoy being a part of my clients’ journey.
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Alex Zeller
Why did you become a personal trainer?
I became a personal trainer because I am fascinated with the human body's ability to train and adapt; I love bringing that enthusiasm to my clients and helping them to dig deep and realize what they are really capable of.
What makes working at Western unique?
I believe Western cares more about its members than the average club. We don't settle for mediocrity and genuinely care about our members’ and clients’ lives and well-being even outside the few hours that we spend with them. Western aims to please anywhere and everywhere.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
Being around and part of the outgoing staff. We are like a family.
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Andy Gaustad
Why did you become a personal trainer?
Initially I became a personal trainer because I wanted to work in the fitness field because it's my hobby. Now, I do it because it’s my whole lifestyle.
What makes working at Western unique?
It’s one of the only fitness clubs where you're treated more like a person instead of a number.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
I love helping people who have pain and helping them overcome it.
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Kari Merril
Why did you become a personal trainer?
In 2008, I had a Group Fitness regular tell me that she has lost 100lbs and has hit a plateau. She told me she has always wanted to learn how to properly lift weights and had all the equipment she needed at home. I quickly became Certified with NASM and was ringing her doorbell two times a week. This client jump-started me in my career as a Personal Trainer. I took such pride in really teaching and coaching clients not only how to exercise efficiently but how they can switch it up, shock it to rock it, and have FUN.
What makes working at Western unique?
100%, no question about it, THE PEOPLE! From the owner to the Directors, to the PT and Tennis staff to, of course, my Group Fitness staff, and everyone in between. We all truly love what we do and we are such a great team. Because we are a family-owned club, we are able to brainstorm and be creative with our programming and marketing. When our staff gets together, whether it is a meeting or just a quick chat in a cubicle, I am always blown away by how much everyone inside our doors wants to help not only our members but everyone outside our doors as well! We also have the BEST members. Hands down, no question. They are all so inviting. I never doubt for a second when a new member joins that they will not feel welcome with open arms.
What's your favorite part about being a personal trainer?
Besides being able to create one on one workouts that will truly help a client live a better life? I LOVE being part of the PT team. The energy, the knowledge, the passion. Nothing beats hanging out with the crew.
