Health and wellness is a field that has immensely expanded in the last few years. With the rise of new boutique studios and sports such as pickleball, there are more fitness lovers than ever.

COVID-19 can contribute to some changes in people’s interests and priorities. The global pandemic increased awareness of health management and activity for our physical, mental, and emotional wellness. I can admit that I was also one of many influenced by this transition.

Before the surge of the pandemic, you would never catch me dead working out or outside on a casual stroll. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I cried and ran out of the gym the first time I went. I was terrified by the number of people there and fearful of the unfamiliarity with the equipment.

Fast forwarding to now, I have my Certified Personal Training license and have spent about 100 hours teaching group fitness classes. But how did I do that with no pro sports experience? I’m here to share my journey and spill the secrets I have learned along the way.

Let me start with my background. I did play sports in high school (I was the captain of my tennis team my senior year), but I was not very good. In college, I accidentally found myself in many sports/fitness-oriented roles, such as being a part of my collegiate sports marketing department or an operations specialist at my college Recreation Center. Again, barely worked out during my college years, so I have to say this was some play by the universe.

It was not until my post-graduation that I started to take an interest in working out and exercise science. I was lucky to have such an amazing support system that motivated me to stay consistent and educated me on proper form + movements to achieve my progress goals.

That same year, I started working at an agency where I managed paid ad campaigns for fitness franchises. Here, I spoke with clients who were either owners or general managers of fitness studios. I learned about the instructor hiring process and the challenges of running a studio. This experience gave me a well-rounded idea of how to succeed in the industry and what was most needed.

In 2023, I applied for an internship as a group fitness instructor. I went through my first audition and received one of the positions. And let me tell you, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be.

I have always struggled with confidence, especially with public speaking and confidence. I had to adjust myself to an entire new jargon and familiarize myself with the human anatomy. And then add on speaking on this to a crowd of 30+ individuals, which as a beginner is petrifying. It’s one thing to be passionate about fitness; it’s another thing to be educated in the science behind it.

**Celebrating a milestone with my lovely FBBC family**

As difficult as it was, I am truly thankful for this experience. I became comfortable speaking in large groups, which has helped me succeed in my professional work. Additionally, I have a new sense of inner confidence that I have never had before. I am more secure than ever in my body and am unworried playing with new equipment and exercises (which is a huge development since I cried my first time at the gym).

— I’d like to think the gym bros now have nothing on me. —

This opportunity allowed me to study and attain my NASM Certified Personal Training license, giving me the credentials to be an independent personal trainer or a group fitness instructor. This was a huge accomplishment for me, as it finally gave me physical validation of the work and progress I had made.

When I first started this journey, I was met with a lot of skepticism. Especially as a South Asian, it’s very rare to see fitness instructors from my community. I was lucky to have parents who supported this passion; my mom even signed up as a member of the facility I interned for. She truly was my biggest supporter, always showing up to my 6:30AM class to cheer me on and provide feedback.

So what I am up to now? Well, I just taught and programmed my first yoga and breathwork workshop with a non-profit called South Asian Network.

**After class mingling after the SAN workshop**

To keep myself competitive in the industry, I’ve auditioned for some of my favorite gyms to continue practicing and receive feedback on my skills. In my experience, the best way to learn is by taking classes with trainers I respect and taking notes on strategies that I could use to become a better instructor myself

Also, I am now a pickleball lover and I have my tennis background to thank for that.

I certainly am not an expert in comparison to the many talented instructors I have had the pleasure of working with. I am learning as I go and have so much room for growth as I move along. I am thankful for the community of friends I have built who share that same passion, as that has motivated me to keep going.

The greatest satisfaction I have felt has been from helping friends (esp my gal pals) become comfortable in the gym and introducing new concepts that enable them to reach their goals. Making that first step is so difficult, especially when building consistency.

I’m never one to say no to being a system of support for anyone looking to start their journey. Because of the social support I received when I started, I am now lucky to be in a position to pay it forward.

I have listed out my absolute favorite workout facilities/communities in Orange County. Check these world-class places out:

Motion Fitness Group — a functional fitness facility with world-class entertrainers. This is the only facility where I have stayed consistent and there is a great reason for this. I leave each class sore for days and I love it. New members receive their first two classes FREE.

Cyclebar UTC — I am certainly biased since my best friend is an instructor (shoutout Andrea Alvarez). But, all the instructors are so kind and bring a contagious energy that will push you to the very end of class. If you love music and cardio, this is the place for you! Click here for your first class FREE.

**Hit my 10 class milestone at CycleBar UTC**

Trim Fitness Studio — I am a lover of the lagree pilates method. It is a high-intensity, low-impact workout that activates the parts of my body that I don’t normally engage. You will leave class with your body shaking and heart pumping. They also have VersaClimber Cardio classes so members can have both strength and cardio workouts in their membership. Their new member offer gives your first 6 classes for only $129 (a steal!)

Newport Run Club — This has been a new group that I have been involved with. The group meets at Newport Pier on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Fridays at 6:30am. It is totally free and just an amazing way to meet more people in the community (and maybe find a runner boyfriend? 😉)

Orange County Pickleball — I recently joined the OC Pickleball Facebook group. Since playing the last month, I have gotten to know the community more closely, and they are certainly a warm group of players. There are popup events and tournaments all over Orange County, so you can always find a partner wherever you go.

To my amazing community- never hesitate to reach out if there are any tips or help I can do to accelerate your fitness journey. Check these places out and let me know which one you enjoy the most!

Connect with me on Instagram to follow my journey. To get access to my content before it is live, follow me on Medium!

Feel free to check out my portfolio to learn more about my work. I offer marketing solutions such as paid advertising, website buildouts, and copywriting services. Reach out if interested!

I Became A Certified Personal Trainer With No Experience- Here Is How I Did It

what i have learned during my ‘no buzz summer’

Masala Mixtape LA In Review