Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Smith.
Hi Bonnie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my career in the fitness industry in 1983 teaching high impact aerobics. I had just had my first son and asked for a gym membership for Christmas. When I took my first high impact aerobics class I fell in love.
As I was leaving, the owner approached me and asked me if I was an instructor. Taken back, I said “no”, she said I was a natural and I began teaching three days later.
In 1989, I began selling club memberships.
With the membership, you received a session with a club counselor (that’s what a personal trainer was called back then).
After one session, I could see the confusion in their eyes. How can you know everything you need to know in one session?
I knew personal training was now my future.
I went back to school and got my personal training certificate and took as many classes I could to learn the “Why” behind body movement.
I did an internship with a physical therapist and learned the most important lesson “your joints are everything”.
I’ve always believed that stretching should be your number one component. It doesn’t matter how much muscle you have if you can’t move it what good is it!
I started my own personal training business in 1991. It was my passion I wanted to teach my clients the necessity of exercise. How to start and sustain. The secret is consistency, consistency, consistency.
I was also able to create my own hours and be available for my three sons.
Then January 1, 2000 I opened my own location.
Fit For One Designed By Bonnie.
It’s located on the Newport Beach peninsula and I’m still currently in the same location.
I’ve always been passionate about sharing with the general public the necessity of exercise. I was given that opportunity, I was a contributing writer for the OC Registers wellness section.
My editor Leo Smith believes in my philosophy “Exercise is not about the outside, it’s about how exercise improves the quality of your life”
He is currently helping me write my book.
I want to share with the general public THE BONNIE SMITH METHOD…
SMART, SIMPLE, PURPOSEFUL
Exercise begins with movement.
Your body was designed to be in motion. One exercise is better then nothing. Exercise is like brushing your teeth, you need to do a little something everyday!
In 2021 I became a zellapro representing zella activewear for Nordstrom. It’s Nordstrom’s exclusive line of activewear.
I teach Pilates Mat classes on site and do in store appearances teaching the public the necessity of exercise.
I’m still currently an influencer for zella activewear.
My Personal training studio is still my passion.
I’m currently teaching Pilates Mat classes and Pilates Reformer classes.
With the many classes I have taught, I take pieces of each class and add it to my current classes.
I’m again stepping outside of my box and doing some modeling.
I always love a challenge.
Being of service to my clients is still my number one focus.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When owning your own business, there’s always struggles along the way. Surviving 2008 economic changes was my first struggle.
But surviving the last 18 months has differently been my greatest challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My personal training studio is unique because I’ve been a one on one facility. I currently have another instructor working alongside of me.
So during these uncertain times, it’s differently benefits my clients.
I’m able to social distance.
My gym is known as the “Cheers gym”.
Where everyone knows your name and cheers everyone on.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m a very nurturing person. My family is and has always been my focus.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @BodyByBonnie
- Facebook: Fit For One Designed By Bonnie
- Twitter: @BonnieSmith
