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Caroline Chant has been a RAC member for almost two years and in that time has grown in her passion for health and fitness. So much so that she is now pursuing her dream of becoming a personal trainer. We sat down with her for a little Q&A session to find out what makes her tick:

Q. Where did you begin your fitness journey? Tell us a little about how you got started working out.

A. I got started with fitness about 7 years ago when I returned from a semester abroad in Australia and had come to the realization that I needed to get out of my comfort zone and get healthy. I had tried to get fit multiple times before that, but realize now I was doing it for others and not myself, but this time I approached it with a very different attitude. 

At that time I was introduced to an amazing personal trainer who challenged me in so many ways and helped me grow into the person I am today. When I started training I despised running, but she taught me how to enjoy it, and I’m about to run my 3rd half marathon in May! In the past 7 years my weight has been up and down, but throughout that time I’ve learned a great deal. I’m down 30 pounds from when I was at my heaviest and have kept it off for about 4 years now!

Q: What part did the RAC play in your journey?

A: I cancelled a gym membership that I had for a long time and I decided that I wanted to find the right gym. So I tried out a bunch of health clubs in town to find the place I felt the most comfortable and fit me. Once I came here, it just felt right. It got me back on track. Everyone is so welcoming and the facility is wonderful but most of all the amazing and diverse group fitness schedule reeled me in.

I was recovering from a severely sprained ankle and I could not run — I was training for a half-marathon at the time. Getting back in the gym was a really big deal for me, so that I could get my health back on track and stay active. It has helped me to get back from that injury and coming here has really pushed me into doing the personal training certification.

Q: Did you have an”A-HA!” moment that made you want to pursue your personal training certification?

A: It probably was about six years ago. I always knew I wanted to be a personal trainer but I was always too scared to take the leap. I was doing other jobs, working in international education, commuting to Denver for two years. Then I transitioned to a new job and finally just said ‘I’m going to do it.’ The timing is never going to be perfect, but I am just going to take the leap and do it.

I’ve always enjoyed helping people and I love seeing them have that “A-HA!” moment of what fitness can do for their life and how it can change them similar to the moment I had  seven years ago.

Q: Do you have a favorite group fitness class at the RAC?

A: Body Attack for sure. I know I can be in there for an hour and get a killer workout, especially if I don’t get in a run that day, it takes care of all my cardio. It’s really challenging, but to see how far I’ve come since I started the class, both my coordination and strength have drastically improved.

Q: Is there that one song that gets you going and gets you pumped up?

A: There really isn’t, it just depends on my mood. Lately it has been Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’, cause that one is a lot of fun and it is probably one of my favorite Body Attack songs that Sydnie teaches. I have a lot of random songs on my running playlist.

Q: Who has been the biggest role model or offered you the best advice in the pursuit of your certification?

A: There was a girl that I used to work with and she was kind of the inspiration for looking for a new job when I was commuting. She just kept telling me, “There will not be a perfect time for you to do this. If this is something that you truly want, then you just have to go for it.” That was what I needed to hear.

My personal trainer from years back also inspired me. I thanked her for being an inspiration to me and she said ‘No, you are the one that inspires, because you are wanting to do this. If it is your dream, then you will follow through and follow your heart. It will guide you to the right place.” And I truly believe that, because it is something I’ve wanted for a long time. 

Q: What is the one thing you have learned about yourself during this journey?

A: That no matter how hard something seems and/or how intimidating it is, if you break it down in little goals, you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

By: Jon Yunt & Bridget Holt