Little Peculiar Fitness Training & Coaching

Why I Became a Personal Trainer—A Journey Back to Myself!

If someone had told me years ago that I’d become a personal trainer in my 60s, I might’ve imagined it for a second, smiled politely—but I wouldn’t have believed them. I had a cushy, high-paying, mostly amazing desk job as a mobile developer. I loved it. I felt satisfied, even successful. But the last three years of that career changed drastically to the point where I was not happy. I was overworked, unsupported and stressed to the point where everyday I struggled mentally and physically. I was then let-go (call it a blessing in disguise) and forced to decide what to do next since finding another job in my field was practically impossible!

I didn’t set out to become a fitness professional. I set out to find myself again. Somewhere between my years as an athlete and my time behind a desk, I lost the vibrant, strong, and active woman I used to be. Becoming a personal trainer was my way of reclaiming her—and helping others do the same. I honestly never imagined I would love it as much as I do.

My Early Love for Movement

Growing up, movement was in my DNA. I played soccer with passion, trained regularly, and loved the feeling of pushing my body, setting goals, and being part of something bigger than myself. Fitness was a natural part of life, not a chore—it gave me energy, clarity, and confidence. One of my favorite memories is going for a run late at night with my oversized Doberman, through my neighborhood, and ending up at an enclosed park where I could let him run while I did sprints and core exercises. Yeah, I was crazy like that.

Life Got in the Way

Then came the career chapter—a high-pressure desk job that demanded long hours and all my mental energy. A career I loved up until three years ago. Slowly, the workouts stopped. My body began to ache. The stress piled up. I felt tired, disconnected, and out of sync with myself. I missed who I used to be, but more than that—I missed how I felt in that version of me. My lack of fitness and game focus led to a serious knee injury where I kicked a clump of grass and severely sprained four ligaments in my knee, on top of a bone bruise. And this at 60.

The Wake-Up Call

Like many people, I kept telling myself “I’ll get back to it soon.” But soon wasn’t soon enough. I felt it every day, the aches and pain of age and inactivity. And then one day, I fainted starting a new workout. I freaked. I saw a cardiologist and thankfully was cleared. But I just knew: If I don’t take control of my health now, I might not get another chance. That moment of truth was my wake-up call—and it lit a fire I hadn’t felt in a long time.

I didn’t want to just get back in shape. I wanted to understand the body again—especially my changing body. I wanted to learn how to train smart, not just hard. And I wanted to help other women like me who felt like they’d “aged out” of fitness, or believed it was too late.

Why I Chose Personal Training

I became a certified personal trainer just this year and later added Corrective Exercise and Nutrition Coach to my toolkit—not just to work out and eat better, but to build a path back to health, strength, mobility, and confidence in a body that’s seen a lot of life.

Becoming a trainer gave me purpose. It taught me that fitness isn’t about looking a certain way—it’s about living a certain way. It’s about freedom, resilience, and feeling capable in your own skin, no matter your age.

My Mission Today

Today, I work with young and older adults who are starting over, just like I did. I have a crazy range of clients too, from a 15 year old golf prodigy to a seventy-two year old with Parkinson’s. Everyone I have worked with so far have been amazing. I know it’s only been a few months but it has been most satisfying to see people my age, and younger, feeling happy and accomplished after my workout. Honestly, as an introvert, I didn’t think I would enjoy the interactions and connections I am making. So this is it. This is my journey. This is the new me redefining the old me. Please join me. Tell me your story. Whether you’ve been away from exercise for months or decades, I want to help you feel strong again—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.

Because the truth is: you don’t have to be young to be strong. You just have to be willing to start.

Thanks for reading—and if you’re on your own journey back to fitness, I’d love to connect. Follow me here, or reach out. Let’s move forward, one step at a time, together.

— Gina 💪💫