Meet Theresa Secor of Madison/Perry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Secor.

Hi Theresa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been someone that has been active – softball, volleyball, running, hiking, kayaking, etc. It wasn’t until I was listening to others talk about getting a personal trainer, and the changes they were seeing, that I had even the smallest thought of getting a personal trainer myself. After getting a personal trainer of my own, I realized this was something I would love to do – help people, and be a support person for that someone to come to, that maybe didn’t have the support from other groups or individuals, to lead a healthier lifestyle.

So the journey began. I signed up for classes, did all the work – took my test, and bam failed by 1 question. As someone that doesn’t take tests well, I was bound and determined to make this happen. So I studied hard, and took the test and passed!! Now to get my hands on, and complete my internship – harder then I thought. Went to several different places that were listed – but because I wanted to do something on my own, and run my own gym, people weren’t so willing to help me complete this last step. So after going place to place, I finally went to a YMCA that is near me and they were more then willing to offer their trainers expertise to teach me the ropes. They were great, allowed me to experience all their classes to really let me see what was out there, and gave me so many pointers. Once I finished my internship, I was on my own.

So I started in the sunroom and kitchen of my house. Very little equipment, but enough to get me going. I had my first client in the first month of putting myself out there. When the weather was great we were training on my deck or in the driveway! This first client was wanting to get in better shape for her wedding, and she was just coming off of a fractured ankle. So let the stratagies begin. As I have learned everyone has something you have to work around. I was actually invited to her wedding and everyone was excited to see who this person was that boosted her confidence, and had her looking better then ever. Talk about a motivator to me, and we are still friends today.

Then 6 months later we ended up moving, and now I’m wondering how am I going to make this work? I only had a couple of clients at this point, and wasn’t busy enough to rent a space out. Well, luckily my husband has always been my biggest cheerleader, I took over the garage. We stripped it down, scrubbed the floors and walls, bought flooring and there you have it – the garage was transformed into a full gym! And it’s been perfect ever since. Perfect smaller area for the ones that hate the “BIG GYM” feel. For the women that don’t want to exercise in front of others, or have never been in a gym atmosphere.

As for the name “Fit for Me” – well as I found out, until YOU are ready to change your life for YOURSELF and not for anyone else – that’s when the changes will come, and the positive mental changes happen. So I needed to get “Fit for ME” and no one else.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I did mention the struggles along the way of getting started.

Right now keeping people motivated, and realizing people will move on from you. One time I had 4 clients messaged me in 5 minutes and say they weren’t coming back for all different reasons. For me, I was devastated, blaming myself, asking “what did I do wrong”? Then my cheerleader told me – “you can’t take this personally”. Everyone moves on at one time or another. As devasted as I was, he was right. So now when I hear clients are coming and going, I don’t take it personally – I just hope I have taught them enough to continue their healthy lifestyle on their own, or have them move to another trainer, already doing the hard work for them. Getting someone motivated, and on a good path is usually the hardest part of my job, once they get a taste of a healthy lifestyle they will usually continue in one way or another.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Fit for Me with Theresa we do Small Group Personal Training sessions. Personal Training with no more then 4 people at a time. Depending on the time frame someone may still have a one on one session.

I also offer a Saturday class called Workout Monopoly that I just began this past year. I began this as an outdoor workout that will allow families to come together and workout together. I love when families that have kids come into the gym and workout together. Kids are so busy on their phones, tablets, etc that they are less active now then ever before. So when I started this class I loved the fact that kids were coming with their parents and getting active and off the couches.

Even though I am not registered to do meal plans, we have a great app that we use that can also help with making better food choices, and setting up a meal plan for you. We talk alot about the foods we eat and why. We try to narrow down what is going to work for each individual to reach their goals.

I think what sets us apart is that we are small, but the support that everyone gives to each other is huge! At this time I have a mom and her twin girls, and to see them grow like they have, and the support that my other clients give not only to them but to everyone is just amazing. The input from clients to others about where they were at one point in their lives and what has worked for them just shows other’s they are not alone.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would just tell them

1. You’re not alone. Everyone’s journey is different, we start at a different starting points, but we are all on a journey. You can learn from others, and realize you’re not alone on what you have been through, or are going through, someone else has been there.

2. Don’t be afraid to start on a new journey, be open minded on change. You’re here to make changes, physically, mentally and sometimes emotionally, so in order to do that you have to make changes with what has not worked. You’re coming to someone that wants to see you change, and reach your goals, so trust in what they tell you.

3. Find a trainer that you feel comfortable with. Not every trainer is going to be a good fit, and that’s why we always do a sit down one on one to see – will we be a good fit together? Am I able to help you get to your end goals?

Something I wish I knew when I was first starting with my trainer is: How strong I really was. I’m not talking how many push ups I could do, I mean mentally how strong I really was. And not to beat myself up with negative thoughts and words. That held me back for a long time, the negative talk, and being my worse enemy.

Pricing:

• We are very affordable: We do pay as you go, or package deals. No memberships
• : $35/session
• : 10 for $300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitformewiththeresa.com
• Instagram: ffmtheresa
• Facebook: Theresa Bornhauser Secor
• Other: https://www.vagaro.com/fitforme