Trainer Spotlight: Cori Gonzalez
We are back with another Trainer Spotlight interview! This week we asked resident yoga and group fitness instructor Cori Gonzalez some questions about what inspired her to pursue a career in the fitness industry. We learned about her affinity for fitness and healthful living, how she stays competitive on the soccer field with her teenagers, and why fitness has proven to be such a powerful and transformative tool both in her life and in the lives of her clients.
She also makes a mean post-workout smoothie.
Explain your background and why you got into the fitness industry.
My background in fitness started when I was a kid playing softball. As a pitcher, there was always a push to gain strength. My dad bought me my first universal weight machine when I was 14. We lived across the street from my biology teacher who was also an amateur bodybuilder. He put a strength training program together for me. Later, I received my Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and then teaching credentials in Health and Physical Education. I also taught PE at a junior high school in San Diego County.
What are you most passionate about in fitness and health?
I am most passionate about getting people to understand and feel the mental benefits of exercise. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to develop the right mindset. Whether I have influenced them or not, it is still so exciting to hear about.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Why?
It is so great when a client reports that they were able to do something new or are better able to better perform a daily task, like carry or lift their own suitcase.
How are you active in your own life? What motivates you?
My own fitness routine consistently includes lifting weights. I change things up a little about every 12 weeks. I work out at home with a set of adjustable dumbbells, bands, a Swiss Ball, bench and a Bosu ball. Under normal circumstances, I am up early working out before my kids get up. I also enjoy walking in my rural neighborhood or the trails in Camas, and love hiking with my family and being outdoors with them. We recently added a volleyball net to our small soccer field and I enjoy being competitive with my teenagers.
What are some of your short and long-term goals? Do you have additional aspirations outside of your fitness career?
A short term goal I have is to do more yoga as a student. My long term goal is to keep my body moving in a way that makes me happy. Aside from fitness, my greatest goal is to release productive, capable and kind humans into the world.
What amazes you most about the human body?
I can't pinpoint one specific thing that amazes me most about the human body. I feel like no matter what our abilities are, we are all miracles.
What is your favorite post workout meal?
Since I usually workout in the morning, my favorite post meal workout is scrambled eggs with spinach and smoked salmon with fresh berries on the side. If I am on the run, I will have a smoothie with coconut milk, protein powder, a lot of greens, berries, almond butter and some added fiber.
If you could only bring one piece of workout equipment to a deserted island, what would it be?
If I could only take one piece of workout equipment to a deserted island it would be my pair of adjustable dumbbells.
Although we’ve temporarily transitioned all workouts to the virtual space, you can still catch Cori in action on Saturday with a relaxing yoga practice, or on Fridays for a full-body strength workout that’s bound to torch some calories!
Check us out on Facebook or YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4dgrSLv7cOpyImC94V5pHg! We’re also offering virtual personal training at this time. Give us a call or message us on social media to coordinate a session and come get sweaty with us!
This article was written by our very own Megan Carter.