Meet Maggie Priore

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Priore.

Hi Maggie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always been a mover. I grew up studying dance in the Chicago suburbs and began a professional career at 16. I received my BFA in Dance from Northern Illinois University and then danced professionally in Chicago and in other parts of the country. In the midst of having a dance career, I got certified in personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I was working in customer service at a gym in Chicago when the personal training manager found out I was certified and asked if I was interested in using my certification. Within a year, I had transitioned out of dance and began training full time. I have additional certifications in Women’s Fitness and Sports Performance Enhancement. I train people with all different goals and of all different fitness abilities, ages, and backgrounds.

I am also pursuing my Master’s of Science in Sports and Performance Psychology because of my interest in mental health and how movement and the mind work together. When the pandemic began, I was able to convert my business virtually. I was away from the gym for the first time in almost four years and decided to become independent. I started training clients virtually and outdoors. I also had an itch to move out of Chicago. I have always loved Los Angeles and decided it would be a good time for a new start. I am able to train my clients in Chicago and began training people in the Los Angeles area outdoors. Through referrals and word of mouth, my business has grown. I now see clients all over the country including Seattle, St. Louis and New York. For fun, I also blog about relationships. I started my blog “Playing the Game” to discuss the do’s and don’ts of dating. I use my social media to ask questions and generate content.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building a business and working in an industry that focuses on the body is not always easy. I suffered from an eating disorder when I was dancing. Through fitness and being welcomed into a healthy environment, I was able to get healthy, strong, and learn to love my body. I try to bring this message to my clients. I want them to look and feel their best selves. It is not just about a number. In terms of running a business, there are always points where you have to pivot, clients leave, major events happen. I have had panic moments. I have been scared that things were not going to work out. I kept going. I always put myself out there and very rarely say no to a new client, even when I am full. You never know what is going to happen or who will open a door for you.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I train people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and fitness histories. Some of my clients are looking to gain muscles, some want to improve their overall health, some are working toward a wedding or other major event. I am pre/post natal certified so I also train women who are getting ready to have a baby or are postpartum. I also work with people who play sports and are looking to use fitness to help with their performance. The thing that sets me apart is how I fuse mental health with fitness. I am studying Sports and Performance Psychology and am learning how having a healthy mind directly affects your physical health. I am committed to my clients 100%. They know they can talk to me, text me, ask me for advice. I like to get to know my clients, learn about their lifestyles, and hear what makes them motivated. I am proud of the accomplishments I have seen my clients achieve. Most of these are mental. Hearing that they feel more confident because of our work, they are able to progress in other areas of their lives, they feel strong. That is very rewarding.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I am surrounded by amazing family and friends who have always supported me. My clients in Chicago that have been with me since the beginning deserve a round of applause. When I panicked about my business at the start of the pandemic, they were there and ready to work. My former manager, Sharon, is also one of my best friends and a terrific mentor. When I was a nervous, not very confident dancer, she took me under her wing and helped me become the businesswoman I am today. My parents have also been great supporters and have always been my biggest fans. They supported my LA dream 100%.

Pricing:

• $80 for one hour
• $120 for two on one sessions
• $50-60 for half hour or 45 min options

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: maggiemaypt.com
• Instagram: maggie.priore
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaggiePrioreCoaching
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maggie-priore-coaching-los-angeles

Image Credits
Leta Stevens