Staff Spotlight: Morgan Wied
Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we spotlight the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers and instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes. Learn about their expertise and background, plus some fun facts!
Our staff member in the spotlight this week: Group Ex Instructor Morgan Wied. You’ll find Morgan up in the Mind Body Studio kicking butts in Barre or in one of the fitness studios getting you pumped in Pumped Up Strength. But did you also know she’s been speaking German since she was 5 years old? Lesen Sie weiter und erfahren Sie mehr! (That’s “Keep reading to find out more!” for all you non-German speakers out there!)
Q: How long have you been teaching group fitness?
A: 2.5 years
Q: What are your certifications or relevant education?
A: Barre and Pumped Up Strength
Q: What is your job outside of group fitness?
A: I work in Customer Service for Winland Foods (a local private food label manufacturer).
Q: What made you want to become a group fitness instructor?
A: I started out as a Western member, falling in love with all things group fitness over the years but never believing I could teach it myself. When I graduated college during COVID and moved back to Green Bay, I took the pandemic as an opportunity to say "why the heck not me!?", jump in with both feet, and start teaching thanks to the encouragement from Kari Merrill and all the instructors at Western.
Q: What is your favorite class to teach?
A: Barre will always be my first love, but I also love teaching strength-based classes.
Q: What is your favorite kind of workout outside of group ex?
A: Weightlifting—there's nothing that can't be fixed by some weights and a little throwback country in my headphones.
Q: Do you participate in any other fitness activities outside of Western?
A: I love taking walks with my fur baby, Murphy, and kayaking with my husband, Jacob.
Q: What’s your favorite non-fitness hobby (or hobbies)?
A: I love to cook and bake, read books, and travel.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I always joke that I'm an old lady at heart because of my personality, interests, and hobbies. But making health and wellness a priority and a habit means that I can be healthier, happier, and more active for my entire life, well into my actual old age. And I try to be a good example for the people I love.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: My fellow group fitness instructors—to see the amazing things they achieve and the differences they each make in our community is astounding.
Q: If you could have any famous person in one of your classes, who would you pick?
A: The King of Country–George Strait. Hands down.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or any words of wisdom you can share?
A: "Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”
Q: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
A: I studied in Galway, Ireland, for a month in college.
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: George Strait and Chris Stapleton last year at American Family Field. A true bucket list moment!
Q: What’s your favorite junk food?
A: A diner-style cheeseburger with fried onions and mustard and a side of cheese curds
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
A: Write a book and see somebody else reading it.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: I love connecting with people from all walks of life at different stages in their fitness journey. To think that we can all come together to sweat a little and share some laughs for a 45-minute class makes my heart happy.
Q: What’s something you’re proud of?
A: I'm proud of my journey–personally, professionally, and health, wellness, and fitness-wise. Life is full of twists and turns and taking chances. But I'm proud of where I am, where I'm going, and the amazing people I have met along the way.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
A: I'm a huge homebody. My parents' names are Paul and Paula (seriously). My family opened and operated Al's Hamburger in downtown Green Bay from 1934-2016. I have a big heart for rescue dogs, especially my 40-lb rescue mutt. I have 24 first cousins. I've been speaking German since I was 5 years old. I love true crime.
Lightning Round: This or That Questions
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Early bird or night owl? Early bird
Power of flight or invisibility? Flight
Tattoos or piercings? Tattoos
Outer space or the bottom of the ocean? Outer space
Christmas or your birthday? Birthday
Breakfast or dinner? Dinner
Texting or calling? Texting
Burgers or tacos? OH COME ON. Fine. Burgers.
Movie at home or movie in the theater? At home
Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert
