Meet Bree Cunningham, Skimble‘s featured Trainer! After discovering her own passion for running, she now wants to help others gain confidence by giving them the tools to get in better shape. We recently had the chance to chat with Bree and learn about her journey from Texas to the Dominican Republic, and all of life’s great developments along the way.
Tell us a bit about your background and where you’re from.
Bree: I’m originally from Houston, Texas. Texas will always be home since I met my husband and had my two boys there. I started my fitness journey 20 years ago by watching workout VHS tapes in my bedroom (Billy Blanks Tai Bo, if you must know). I’ve been hooked on exercise ever since then and love doing a variety of different workouts. I’m a certified personal trainer with the NAFC. My passion is running, and I’ve competed in many races. My favorites races would be the Surfside Marathon (all on the beach), the BP MS150 (170 miles on a bike), the Xterra half marathon trail run, the ULTRA in Punta Cana, and the 5150 triathlon series. My favorite place to run is Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, where we lived for 5 years.
What inspired you to become a personal trainer?
Bree: Being in the passenger seat of somebody else’s journey is amazing. Helping someone walk their first 5k or accomplishing their first 30-second plank is indescribable. Watching struggle, pain, and tears turn into determination and joy is my inspiration.
What are your training specialties?
Bree: I’m a firm believer in functional fitness and being able to get a complete workout in with minimal or no equipment. My heart is definitely in running! I started walking about 12 years ago which slowly turned into running. I couldn’t stop if I tried!
What keeps you motivated to stay fit yourself?
Bree: I think a long time ago I realized the mental benefits far outweigh the physical. If I’m having a bad day my husband asks me: “Do you need to go for a run?”. Obviously, I’m initially irritated, but I know he’s right… Staying fit melts the stress away!
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Bree: Paaahaaa! Do I ever! Magnum milk chocolate ice cream, sour patch kids candy, and chocolate-covered peanuts. Let me mention one more time, ice cream! It deserves its own praise. Does it say something about me that this is the easiest question to answer? 🙂
Who are your heroes?
Bree: My athletic hero is Ballet dancer Misty Copeland, hands down. I am not, nor will I ever be a ballet dancer. However, I admire Misty because as an athlete she has immense power and strength. She can then convert that into elegance and beauty.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Bree: Yes, I have the ability to embarrass my sons while doing nothing. It’s a gift really. All moms have this ability wired in their DNA.
What’s your favorite Workout Trainer feature?
Bree: I love the app and have been using it for years. While living in a third world country, you don’t have access to gyms, so Workout Trainer was a lifesaver. My favorite feature is the ability to create your own workouts with ease. It’s the best!
Do you have any go-to training gear that you would recommend?
Bree: Good shoes and resistance bands. If you want to take on running, all you need is a great pair of shoes. That’s it! I love resistance bands because you can take them with you anywhere you go and they are so versatile.
Please share a secret health/fitness tip with the Skimble community…
Bree: Don’t think too much! The hardest door to get through is our own front door. Our biggest competition is our own mind. The journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Take the first step and then… rejoice in every single step that follows.
Thanks for sharing with us, Bree, we’re excited to see what the future will bring for you and your training biz!
Bree Cunningham is currently accepting new clients for 1:1 Online Personal Training in Workout Trainer. Get signed up today and let her help you crush your fitness goals.
Want to follow Bree and other great trainers? Download the Workout Trainer app for Android & iOS, then head on over to the Trainers tab.
Are you a fitness professional? Want to become a Trainer like Bree and have access to our online coaching tools and more? Get started for free on Skimble’s Trainer page.
