Born in 1981 in East Germany, my family moved to West Germany right after the Fall of the Berlin Wall. I came to the U.S. in 2005 and have called Colorado home ever since. 

Growing up under Russian occupation, I was introduced to physical activity at a young age and always felt drawn to sports. Beyond school track and field, I was an active member of the local Acrobatics team, training at least four times a week. My team and I earned several state and national titles during my youth. 

However, things changed when I entered the workforce and moved to a new town. I didn’t know anyone and went from daily sports activities to a 40-hour work week as a construction draftswoman. It didn’t take long before I noticed my pants getting tighter, and I realized I had gained 10 kilos. Unhappy and a little panicked, I started searching for a solution. I found a small gym near my office and signed up, even though I had no clue what to do there. 

I began on the cardio machines upstairs, mostly occupied by the gym’s female members. I quickly got bored with just the treadmill and elliptical, so my curiosity led me downstairs to the weight room. I’d seen squats and shoulder presses, but didn’t know much beyond that. The entire concept was new to me, but I was intrigued enough to stick around and learn from a trainer. 

I also took my first yoga class, and that was when everything changed. I could feel my body transform. I made new friends, became passionate about healthier eating, and rediscovered my love for life. 

Coming to America gave me the freedom to choose a new career, and this time it was clear: I wanted to become a Personal Trainer. I started at World Gym as a front desk person, earned my certification, and opened my own studio in 2008. 

Being self-employed and having the opportunity to positively impact my clients’ lives brings me incredible joy. I’m so proud to help others transform—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.