We recently connected with Colleen Ussia and have shared our conversation below.
Colleen, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My strong work ethic is a direct result of my mother’s influence. When my father lost his job, my mother assumed the responsibility of providing for our family. She worked tirelessly to put food on the table and pay the bills. Eventually, she obtained her insurance license and became a top sales representative. After a successful career in insurance, she transitioned into the stock brokerage industry. Through her unwavering determination and drive, she overcame the challenges of working in a male-dominated field and achieved remarkable success. Her journey from financial hardship to affluence serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit. Her ability to persevere in the face of adversity has instilled in me the belief that no obstacle is insurmountable.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As I prepared for retirement and relocation to Florida, I contemplated my next professional chapter. At the age of 48, I sought a meaningful and impactful career. Given my passion for fitness, I embarked on a three-month training program at the local YMCA in 2011, culminating in my certification as a Group Fitness Instructor. Recognizing my affinity for senior fitness, I pursued and obtained numerous Silver Sneakers certifications. Additionally, I enrolled in and successfully completed an Aqua Fitness Instructor program, enabling me to teach water fitness classes.
Upon our move to Florida in 2012, I secured part-time employment at a local YMCA. In 2014, I made the decision to establish my own business, offering eight classes per week at a local senior center and church. This entrepreneurial venture afforded me greater creative freedom, flexible scheduling, and the ability to cater to individuals who preferred an alternative to a traditional gym environment.
The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift in my teaching approach, leading me to embrace virtual instruction via Zoom. Currently, I conduct four virtual classes weekly, complemented by one live class at a local church.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three most important qualities for becoming a successful fitness instructor are motivation, communication, and empathy. Without motivation, you will struggle to create new programs and stay committed to your work. Communication is essential for ensuring that your clients understand how to exercise safely and effectively. Empathy is crucial for understanding your clients’ needs and meeting them where they are at. If you lack any of these qualities, your journey as a group fitness instructor will be challenging.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is a 60+ year old individual seeking to enhance their overall fitness level. They prefer the convenience of home workouts and require accountability to maintain consistent participation. Their fitness goals include improving strength, flexibility, agility, and balance. Recognizing that individual abilities vary, they seek a knowledgeable and experienced instructor who can modify workouts to ensure their safe and effective participation, while also providing opportunities for them to challenge themselves and progress in their fitness journey.
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Colleen’s Fitness, LLC
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