September 9, 2020 by Skimble

Skimble’s Trainer Spotlight: Bree Cunningham

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.

Workout Trainer by Skimble: Trainer Spotlight: Bree Cunningham

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.

July 29, 2020 by Skimble

Skimble’s Trainer Spotlight: Brian Fallon

Meet Brian Fallon, Skimble‘s featured Trainer! Recently retired from an entirely different career, his love for triathlons goes way back. We recently had the chance to chat with Brian and learn about his coaching business along with its guiding principals that focus on “Harmony through Balance” in all aspects of life.

Tell us a bit about your background and where you’re from.

Brian: I’m actually a retired New York Air Traffic Controller! I live in Northport, New York, which is like a triathlete’s playground!

What inspired you to become a personal trainer?

Brian: I got into triathlons about 20 years ago and was totally hooked after completing my first race. I became an ASCA Level 2 (American Swim Coach Association) and Ironman Certified Triathlon Coach a few years ago, and since I retired, I now coach swimming and triathlon training full time.

What are your training specialties?

Brian: Swimming, Biking and Running (obviously), and Strength Training to help prepare the body to sustain the loads that this kind of intense training and racing will impose, especially for the long course options (Half and Full Iron distance).

Tell us a bit about AquaTerra Coaching?

Brian: I started AquaTerra Coaching, LLC because I wanted to be an alternative to the “Gotta make it hurt!” mentality that I see a lot of people subjected to in their training. It ends up causing a lot of unnecessary injuries. Triathlon training is grueling enough as it is; there’s no magic in the formula for success – dedication, consistency, and realistic efforts proportional to the demands of the event for which you are training, will take you farther than you would believe. Our guiding principle of “Harmony through Balance” means that while we will always strive to help you achieve the best physical performance possible, we also attempt to reach that goal in a healthy and holistic manner that is in sync with not just your race-day goals, but your life goals as well.

What keeps you motivated to stay fit yourself?

Brian: Seeing 80-year-olds compete! Seriously! To see people in that age group in action – and I mean SMASHING it – is unbelievably inspiring to me. I want to be like that when I grow up!

Who are your heroes?

Brian: My heroes are names not well known, but in my opinion, should be household names. Rudy Garcia-Tolson, a gold medal Paralympian (2008 & 2012) who became the first double above-knee amputee to complete a full Ironman Triathlon. Mikey Brannigan, a Northport native who has autism, who went on to become the 2016 Paralympian gold medalist in the 1500 Meter run. And so many others like them!

Do you have any hidden talents?

Brian: I draw cartoons in my spare time.

What’s your favorite Workout Trainer feature?

Brian: I was searching for a timer app that I could use to program custom workouts and then send those to my athletes when I discovered Skimble’s Workout Trainer app. Brilliant! It had all the features I was looking for and more! I really love the playback feature which allows a demonstration of the exercises. Sometimes, you just need to see it being done in order to understand what to do yourself, or – as often is the case – what NOT to do! The audio cues also make it so easy to follow along without having to keep looking at the device.

Do you have any go-to training gear that you would recommend?

Brian: Stretch cords! They are so amazingly effective when used correctly. You can bring them anywhere and get an incredible workout done.

Please share a secret health/fitness tip with the Skimble community…

Brian: You want to get stronger? Go to sleep. Seriously; the science on this is unequivocal. Workouts are where you “damage” your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It’s during sleep – deep, restful sleep – that your body repairs, rebuilds, and strengthens everything in preparation for the next round. Make sleep a priority in your life.

Thanks for sharing with us, Brian, we’re excited to see what the future will bring for you and AquaTerra Coaching!

Brian Fallon is currently accepting new clients for 1:1 Online Personal Training in Workout Trainer. Get signed up today and let him help you crush your fitness goals.

Want to follow Brian 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 Brian and have access to our online coaching tools and more? Get started for free on Skimble’s Trainer page.

July 13, 2016 by Skimble

Skimble’s Trainer Spotlight: David Rivera

Meet David, Skimble’s latest featured Trainer! David is a nationally certified Personal Trainer with a B.S. in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. This Georgia Fitness Coach developed a strong drive to help people after undergoing his own 80 lbs drop – talk about dedication!

We recently had the chance to chat with David Rivera about his personal fitness journey and how he uses Workout Trainer to help others achieve their goals.

Tell us a bit about your shift from Athletic Coach to Personal Trainer?

David: I was an Athletic Trainer for various Sports Medicine Programs at High School, College, and Amateur/Semi-Pro level for over 10 years. Within that time I neglected my own fitness and no longer represented the knowledge and discipline I promoted. I took a step back to make lifestyle and priority changes that would allow me to find a healthy balance. After my own transformation of going from 250 lbs to 170 lbs for my first Half Ironman, I chose to become a Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach. I knew I was able to relate to individuals struggling to find a balance in life, work, family, etc. I felt compelled to help others as my educational background prepared me to not only rehabilitate athletes back from injury, but to assist individuals with any physical limitations to successfully attain their personal goals.

Having undergone such a big transformation yourself, what keeps you motivated to stay fit?

David: Feeding off the energy of other like minded individuals as we all grind through our struggles, but strive to be our best every day.

What’s your own favorite workout style?

David: I have evolved from triathlon and endurance training as a focal point and am now enjoying powerlifting. My favorite workouts are the Leg Blaster and Powerlifting Chest workout. I’m also dabbling in weightlifting at the moment, I like taking on new challenges.

How has Workout Trainer helped you build your coaching business?

David: It’s been a fantastic way to stay in contact with my clients, send workouts if schedule conflicts arise, and give feedback for improvements. I can now provide one-on-one coaching from anywhere. The workouts are great for my clients to cross-train when out of town or on vacation. As the Skimble community grows, it’s become a great place to feed off the incredible energy and motivation shared throughout.

We’re so happy to hear that! Do you have a favorite feature in the app?

David: My favorite features are the playback and audio cues that accompany the exercises. They make it easy for my clients to do workouts when I’m not with them in person for guidance and coaching.

Finally, please share a secret fitness or health tip with our community…

David: Challenge yourself to your own standard of success and never let anyone dictate the path you choose in your fitness journey. There are 101 ways to attain the same goal, but it’s up to you to find the path that keeps you motivated, consistent, and progressive. Never let fear, outside influence, guilt, or doubt become a factor in your journey – Trust Your Process –

Thanks for sharing with us, David, and make sure to check out our new 1:1 Training Tools in the latest app update!

Want to follow David and other great trainers? Download the Workout Trainer app for Android & iOS, then head on over to the new Trainers tab.

Are you a fitness professional? Want to become a Verified Trainer like David and have access to free coaching tools and more? Get started on Skimble’s Trainer page.

Tag Archives: triathlon

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