MEET MARNIE

Focusing on strength and movement may be something that I started as a “special interest”, but it has evolved into a passion and a tool that has helped me become more resilient and confident.

I have been involved in sports my whole life, primarily basketball, soccer, track, and I was on the rowing team in college (spoiler: where I met my wife!).

Moving and being active and healthy was something that I enjoyed and wanted to learn more about, so I got my Bachelors in Exercise Science.

After graduating, I became a certified personal trainer, and started working with people of ALL different backgrounds.

I became so encouraged by seeing how a few changes started to transform people’s lives, whether they were looking to: increase mobility and get up and off of the ground better to play with their grandkids, feel more confident and comfortable in their clothing, or start improving a specific health challenge.

The Diagnosis.

While my passion for health and fitness has kept me on the leading edge, it hasn't always been easy.

In 2018, I was warming up to train myself, and my right shoulder stopped stabilizing. I could barely put the bar over my head as my arm was shaking. I figured that I must have pulled a muscle, so I switched my training plan for the day and kept trying to rub it out.

Throughout the week, my arm got worse and started to go numb, my fine motor skills weren’t working, and my right eye didn’t track with my left. I had an MRI and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Taking Matters into My Own Hands

Naturally, I was terrified. I had made my living and my hobby out of moving, and now I was diagnosed with a disease which could take that away at any point in time.

I had to grieve this reality, and then chose to accept it and move forward.

I turned to many functional medicine principals: I focused on dietary changes, prioritizing my sleep, started facing my stress/trauma, and have learned to listen to my body in all facets-but especially when it comes to training. And I started to heal!

My Credentials:

  • I received my Masters of Public Health, focusing on Community Health Education and Prevention as I’m interested in using an upstream approach to enhancing people’s health.

  • I graduated from Creighton University with my Bachelors degree in Exercise Science.

  • I am a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association

  • (NSCA), and the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).

  • I also have my Fitness Nutrition Specialist (FNS) certificate.

  • I love learning and evolving and sharing what I learn with clients.

Just SOME random extras:

My wife also owns her own business and we love consciously cultivating our life to be as neurodivergent affirming and intentional as we can.

We love to create “themed days” (get ready — you may be invited to one!), and get our dog, Yoshi, involved as well!

I love to:

  • find gluten-free bakeries 🧁
    (if there’s one by you, let me know!)

  • pet every dog 🐶

  • make a strong Americano ☕

  • and smash the patriarchy! 💪🏼💪🏻💪🏽