Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Martinez.
Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a fitness professional specializing in weight loss and performance. I started in early 2012 after having both my children and moving overseas. Having two kids in diapers and a husband (at the time) who was active duty military, I was not in a position to work outside of the home. So, fitness became my hobby, it did not take long for me to wander into the world of exercise science. I was obsessed, I was consumed with learning more about exercise and perfecting my own programming. Pretty soon, I dived into the world of personal training. I dived deep into continuing education, becoming certified in supplemental training programs. I spent almost 30 days in Thailand becoming a Yoga Teacher YTT 200, Sydney Australia to attend a Training for Warriors certification, I went to Bret Contreras’ Glute Lab learning about building a better booty!
As I began personal training other military spouses and Marines, I learned that I could get better results if I tackled their nutrition coaching as well. I went from working as a contracted trainer for Semper Fit to becoming an independent trainer; training people in their homes. I decided that I would give my next self study my full attention. I took a 1-year hiatus to focus solely on nutrition education through a 12-month intense online course called Mac-Nutrition University. In the meantime, I moved BACK to Houston, TX after being away for almost 10 years.
In all of my continuing education, I have begun to “niche down” into Nutrition Consultation. Which is what brings me to Stronger U, SU is a conglomerate of 74 total nutritionist and register dieticians. Together we coach roughly 17,000 people all over the country. We coach everything from sports performance to weight loss to pregnancy, etc. You name it if nutrition is the solution we can do it!
I still personal train on a case by case basis, I still write exercise programs but nutrition coaching for me is how I spend most of my days. Stronger U is the best thing that has happened to me. After my divorce, I felt lost and unwanted, but this group of people has helped ME just as much if not MORE than I feel I have helped them…
Fitness is my life. It still consumes me, I am committed to bringing people to a healthier fitter lifestyle by any means. Whatever ails you or keeps you up at night. I am certain fitness is the answer or at least can lead to one.
Has it been a smooth road?
NO! It IS not a smooth road. I find that nothing is more complicated than stepping outside of your comfort zone. I had to immerse myself into exercise and nutritional sciences with a non-science educational background. I have had to compete with other trainers and nutritionist that want to watch me fail. I have wrestled with myself in my own mind about where my place in this world is. I have doubted myself to the point of debilitating anxiety. I have juggled mom life, self-education, and a failing marriage. I have built my own business and TRYING to create my own branding while trying to keep the peace with my now ex for the sake of our children. I have worried myself sick about money… coaching can be a thankless job. With so much expectation, it can be hard to deliver when your job rests on helping people change a LIFETIME worth of poor habits. Success is non-linear. There are ups, downs, full stops, pauses.. jumps, skips, do-overs, start overs and it never gets easier, I’ve just gotten better at bearing the load.
We’d love to hear more about Stronger U.
I help people change their lives through an online-based nutrition and lifestyle coaching program. I recently merged my own consultancy with a larger one called Stronger U. I am best known as a weight-loss specialist but I also coach sport-specific athletes to better performance. Personally I am known for having a no BS, “tell it straight” coaching style. I will more often than not get the clients that are looking for more of a “kick in the butt” than a softer more gentle style of coaching. I may or may not have been referred to as “The Savage” on more than 1 occasion, LOL.
I am most proud of being able and willing to coach any and all people from a multitude of backgrounds. I think what sets me apart best is how well-traveled I am. Since so much about food is cultural, I have been fortunate enough to have experienced so many different cuisines, people groups, and ideologies and it makes me a very approachable coach. As a group, Stronger U stands out because we CARE. We care about our members from the moment they express interests until well after they leave the program…
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think the biggest barrier to female leadership is well, other females. I find that more and more women are too concerned with competing with each other that there is hardly any genuine love and empowerment amongst us. It’s hurtful and serves no one.
Pricing:
- 12 weeks coaching $399
- 26 weeks (6mos) $699
- 1 year $1299
- Personal training $100/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: StrongerU.com
- Phone: 832-907-9209
- Email: michelle@strongerufit.com
- Instagram: IG.com/inked_bikini
- Facebook: FB.com/Michellemartinez
Image Credit:
Photographers- Ashley Wills, Jill Wescombe & Andy Tran, MUA- Cynthia Smythe
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