How Personal Training Became My Passion

In 2014, my former husband, 2-year-old daughter, and I moved from Russia to California. It was a big change. I started taking English classes while taking care of my little child and thinking about continuing my education in mathematics. A new country with a completely different environment, an abundance of tempting food, and almost no physical activity… A year later, I found myself in a situation where I didn’t feel good in my own body. It took a toll on my personal relationships and the overall quality of my life.

I knew little about working out, but I had one clear goal: to do something — anything! — that would help me feel better.

When I first walked into the small gym in our apartment complex, I felt embarrassed and overwhelmed. The treadmill was the only piece of equipment I felt comfortable using, so I started there. I’d walk, stretch on a mat, and call it a day.

At the same time, I started watching workout videos on YouTube and trying out what I learned. Little by little, I made small changes to my nutrition and followed a calorie-restricted meal plan. That’s when I began to notice my first results. It boosted my confidence and energy levels and gave me continuous motivation to reshape my body!

I was so inspired! This journey awakened a strong desire in me to learn more — about exercise, the human body, and how to create a lifestyle to stay fit and healthy. I found a personal training program at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills and decided to pursue it as a career. In 2018, I became a Certified Personal Trainer.

Looking back, that decision to step into the gym for the first time changed my life — and now I get to help others change theirs too.

  • Foothill College Certified — Personal Trainer

  • NASM Certified — Personal Trainer

  • NASM Certified — Women’s Fitness Specialist

  • NASM Certified — Corrective Exercise Specialist

  • TRX — Functional Training Course

  • BC Academy Certified — Stronglifting: Level 1

  • FAI Certified — Functional Aging Specialist

  • FIT4MOM Certified — Pre & Postnatal Foundations Program

My Education and Certifications: