Heidi Shortis

There’s something a little vulnerable about being a coach in the health and fitness world. People often think that because I’m a trainer, I must have it all figured out. That I always eat perfectly, never miss workouts, always feel confident in my body, and wake up excited to meal prep chicken and vegetables like some kind of fitness fanatic. I promise you… that is not the case. There are still days when I wonder why anyone would want to take my classes or trust me as their trainer. I still...

In the fitness and health industry, there’s a common misconception that personal trainers, group instructors, and other fitness professionals are always comfortable, confident, and satisfied with their health and appearance. After all, we provide advice, coaching, and encouragement to help people improve their well-being—and that naturally includes how we look and feel in our bodies. But here’s the truth: many fitness professionals experience the same insecurities, self-doubt, and obsessions...

I wasn’t always into fitness. In fact, in high school I hated gym class. I was the girl who had every excuse not to change my clothes and I always selected the easiest classes. I didn’t play sports and I wasn’t active- AT ALL. I was overweight, I smoked cigarettes and was mostly sedentary. I didn’t eat healthy, I didn’t even know what healthy eating was. The women in my life would binge and fast in order to control their weight and I thought that was how it was done. Except, I just...