Check Out Lacey Fema’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacey Fema.

Lacey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up on a hobby farm near a small town in Wisconsin, so small that my graduating high school class was something like 79 students. I started playing ice hockey in the 3rd grade and participated heavily in track and field through middle school and high school, that’s really were my love of athletics and competing started. I then moved to Madison, WI and went to school for fashion marketing and managed a shoe boutique for five years (far different career choice than what I do now!)

I started CrossFit in 2017. I joined a local box in order to meet new people after a seven years relationship had ended and I needed an excuse to get out of the house during the Midwest winter! I immediately loved it, so much so I dove head first and signed up to take my CrossFit Level 1 only after a month of being a member. What hooked me was how challenging it was and how empowering and strong it made me feel during such a dark and gloomy period for me. Fitness helped me feel like I was taking back control and I wanted to help others feel that same way!

Knowing I always wanted to move out West to find my own bit of gold, I started to take solo trips to explore the lay of the land in Los Angeles; my family was not thrilled. Only horrible news from such a big city makes its way to our slower, simpler way of living. I coached for about a year in Madison, Wi and had been doing coaching development online when I decided to move to the Mecca of fit people in California with aspirations to become the best coach I could be.

The week of my birthday in the fall of 2018 I packed up my little silver 2004 Rav4 and a U-haul trailer and started my solo trip west with no job lined up, no apartment, or place booked to stay my first night on the road. My family yet again was not thrilled. Ended up making it to a Super 8 in the middle of nowhere Nebraska my first night and was able to stay with a friend in Utah for my second and final night on the road. With every stop, I made sure to check the oil and tire pressure because with the U-haul acting as a big sign “hey, I have all of my belongings and I’m on the road by myself” I couldn’t afford any mishaps. After 37 hours of driving, I made it to a friend’s place in LA; now it was time to figure the details out.

Fast forward, I was able to find a part-time retail job on the bustling Abbot Kinney and an internship at the local Venice gym, I had done some online development from. I finally settled in a tiny efficiency apartment not far from Windward Circle in Venice with no countertops and ONE sink. It’s the best I could do at the time. LA is so expensive vs Madison, WI! During my intern period, I was able to start coaching group classes in 2019. I also started private training then as well; I was willing to work with anyone at any time, getting as many coaching reps and experience as possible

Over the last three years, I have coached about 2,000 group training / Crossfit classes of all different skill levels and hundreds of hours of private training sessions in between, in spite of Covid. The lockdown was a huge scare for my profession, but it ended up being a catalyst to my development as a coach. Through a variety of factors, my class load almost tripled and I was finally able to survive as a coach full-time. With many other gyms being closed (ours had outdoor space) I was exposed to a wide range of folks. The safety / distance protocols created new challenges for me; I had to adjust certain coaching / cueing styles due to social distancing. This time under tension really advanced my coaching quickly. I also took on a larger role as a programmer for our strength program and programming for clients at home.

Functional strength and conditioning / CrossFit has given me an outlet to keep competing at a high level after hockey, track, pole-vaulting, soccer … the list goes on. It is a way to constantly work on developing strength and skills that provide excellent carry-over to my personal life. I’m thankful to have a position to help my clients over the years feel the same way. Being able to create excitement and confidence through movement, education and instruction is truly a reward for me.

I recently moved to a new gym location to further challenge myself as a coach and athlete. I was seeking change again, where my goals and interests better align with the philosophy and methodology, the culture if you will. Here I’m exposed daily to guidance and collaboration from high-level competitive athletes and coaches alike.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that the first challenge was building the courage to leave the Midwest alone with little to no money at the time to a new place and chasing a profession that was foreign to me.

The obstacles that the industry faced during the height of COVID was another learning lesson and place for growth and a time to adapt. Things like tactile cueing were no longer on the table and creating not only a safe space for everyone but a fun one during a time of uncertainty.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a strength and conditioning / CrossFit Coach in both group classes and private training sessions. I find that a lot of female clients reach out. Gyms can be intimidating and I create a space for women to feel comfortable but yet challenged.

I’m most proud of becoming someone that people can look up to and feel comfortable and courageous enough to take the next steps in their fitness journey with. I’m also proud of my personal development as an athlete over the years.

I think what sets me apart is how I bring my genuine personality to my classes and sessions. That I am personally on my own fitness journey and I am excited about it and interested in making other people excited about theirs and my ability to provide a great training environment and experience for a wide variety of clients. Some people want a place to have adult recess while others are chasing down personal bests. Having the ability to cater to a wide variety of needs really delivers a fun class and workout experience.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be patient, but continue to work hard and take less things personally.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laceyfema.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/laceyfema/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lacfem5/

Image Credits
Amber Waller Conrad Mar Julian Martin