Staff Spotlight: Stacia Root
Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & 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: Certified Personal Trainer Stacia Root! You may know her as one of the friendly faces you see behind the trainer's desk, but did you also know she was on a competitive traveling jump rope team?
Q: How long have you been a personal trainer?
A: 2.5 years
Q: What is your educational and certification background?
A: I am an International Sports Sciences Association Certified Personal Trainer and also worked as a Registered Nurse.
Q: What made you want to become a personal trainer?
A: I worked as a registered nurse for 3.5 years and found that there was a lack of educating patients on preventative care and overall health and wellness. I saw many patients come back time and time again with medical problems that could be improved by implementing exercise and some nutrition guidance. This drove me to switch to personal training to help clients take care of their bodies on a preventative level. I love health and wellness and want everyone to be able to experience life to the fullest extent. I firmly believe this starts with investing time into your body, and I love working with clients to help them achieve their goals.
Q: What is your favorite kind of workout?
A: Strength training, or powerlifting, really anything in the weight room
Q: Do you participate in any other fitness activities outside of Western?
A: Yes, I ran a half marathon, and I run short distances weekly. I also enjoy playing tennis, kayaking, football, and almost any activity outside.
Q: What’s your favorite non-fitness hobby (or hobbies)?
A: Hunting, reading, hiking, traveling
Q: What motivates you?
A: The thought of my future and what I want my future to look like. I strive to take care of my personal health and wellness so I can be the healthiest version of myself for my family and friends throughout my life.
Q: What’s your favorite song to workout to?
A: I don't actually listen to music when I work out!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or any words of wisdom you can share?
A: You are responsible for your own happiness.
Q: What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled?
A: Belize
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: Kid Rock
Q: What’s your favorite junk food?
A: Pizza
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: Seeing the confidence clients develop when they start seeing progress.
Q: What’s something you’re proud of?
A: That I trusted myself in making the transition from nursing to personal training and that I've been able to help a client get her A1C back to normal levels so she no longer requires insulin.
Q: If you had to have a career outside of fitness, what would you want to do?
A: Since I already worked as a nurse, probably something surrounded with dogs but not exactly sure what that would look like.
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
A: 1. I love dogs! 2. I was on a travel jump rope team called the Kangaroo Kids in elementary school. 3. I hate scary movies. 4. I love to travel and check out new sights, breweries and restaurants.
Lightning Round: Either/Or Questions
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Tattoos or piercings? Tattoos
Outer space or the bottom of the ocean? Outer Space
Christmas or your birthday? Christmas
Breakfast or dinner? Breakfast
Texting or calling? Calling
Burgers or tacos? Tacos
Movie at home or movie in the theater? Movie at home
Introvert or extrovert? Extrovert
