Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lindsey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My entry into physical fitness started at the age of 3 when I was enrolled in dance and gymnastics. Exercise has always been a priority for me, whether it was my involvement with gymnastics, dance, high school drill team, group fitness, strength training, or even martial arts (Krav Maga). Oh, and let’s not forget old-school fitness DVDs! Denise Austin, along with the entire Beachbody gang were my best friends!! On a serious note, I always found that exercise completed me. It was my go-to stress reliever, my safety net, and where I always found peace. It was and is “my thing”.
I left home at 18, married my high school sweetheart, and we started a family. I stayed at home raising my 2 kids for about 10 years, then went to college, after which, I worked government defense contracts for about 10 years. In all of that time, the one true constant for me was exercise. Whatever job I had, I would promote fitness to my co-workers. I would always try to get everyone to do some type of fitness challenge, like a push-up challenge, or try to get them to do yoga one day or walk outside on breaks. It has always been a part of me to encourage people to get healthy and try to inspire them to take care of themselves.
Fast forward to my 40th birthday (Summer 2016), I was feeling like it was time to make a decision about a career change. I was unhappy with my current career path, coincidentally unemployed, and looking for a more rewarding career. I really wanted to be able to do something I was actually passionate about. After doing some research, I came to the conclusion that personal training would be a great way to help people gain control of their lives by making their health a priority and as a bonus I could do something I actually enjoy! Encourage, teach, and inspire others.
I researched several certification programs because I wanted a legit program that was nationally accredited. I chose the American Council on Exercise(ACE). I liked that it was a non-profit organization whose goal is to help people make movement their goal while offering programs that are based on science, and best of all, it was in my budget. My first training job was training my mom. She was a great guinea pig because she was recovering from a 2-year sickness, so it was definitely a challenge. Training her was amazing because she helped me to get my feet wet and gain confidence to reach out to others. And as a bonus, she was inspired to stay active through her local gym and continues to make her health a priority.
I have since been employed as a personal trainer by the YMCA of Greater Houston, as well as worked as an independent personal trainer and small group instructor.
I recently became certified as a Youth Fitness Specialist and am in the process of reaching out to local neighborhoods and schools to implement after-school fitness programs for kids. I am truly passionate about fighting the ongoing battle of childhood obesity in our community. I don’t believe that there are enough youth fitness programs out there that focus on overall fitness and not just a particular sport. Youth of all ages can benefit from these types of programs. Whether adult or youth, I hope to touch as many lives as possible with a positive exercise experience that continues for a lifetime. I truly believe the good Lord put me on this planet to help others and that is what I plan on doing for as long as I am able.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have faced and am still facing challenges. While doing my research on personal training as a career, I must have skipped the part about how this industry is probably one of the most difficult industries to conquer.
When I started out a year ago, I didn’t know anyone in this industry, so I have had to do everything from the ground (marketing, networking, social content, other business related). Thankfully I have met some great contacts over this past year that are a big part of my success, whether it is listening to their advice, or just getting someone else’s perspective of the challenge I am facing. All of that has helped me grow.
Even still, with all the challenges I have faced, every time one of my clients tells me a story about how they feel stronger, they have more energy, they can pick up their kids without blinking an eye, or the pain they once had is gone, it warms my heart, and I know that it’s all worth it.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jessica Lindsey – what should we know?
I work as a sole proprietor and truly love working this way because it allows me quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to my work. As far as specialties go, I am a Functional Training Specialist and a Youth Fitness Specialist through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
As a Functional Training Specialist, I help my clients move more efficiently in daily life. By training functionally, my clients are able to improve balance and flexibility, build strength, and even prevent injury. Functional training is beneficial to everyone, whether an average adult or an athlete. As a Youth Fitness Specialist, I have the ability to work with kids of all ages, and focus on what each age group needs in order to increase balance, flexibility, strength, endurance, and overall wellness.
I use creative techniques to keep my clients engaged and change things up so they never get bored. I want all of my clients to have fun and enjoy their exercise experience. I don’t necessarily believe that we need to eat, sleep, and breathe exercise. But I do believe we need balance in everything that we do. I like to emphasize moderation in all things. Training is not only about supplying an exercise program for a client. It is about giving the client the tools they need in order to succeed in making their health and wellness a priority for the long term.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe I need to be willing to adapt and overcome any situation, and meet my clients where they are. I need to show encouragement and support to each client and form lasting relationships. Active listening is extremely important.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessilindseycpt.wixsite.com/jlindseycpt
- Phone: 281-698-0298
- Email: jessilindseycpt@gmail.com
- Instagram: jessisue76
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/
JessicaLindseyCPT - Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessilindseycpt
Image Credit:
Shannon Honeycutt Photography
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