Meet Anne Van

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anne Van. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anne below.

Hi Anne, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Your purpose isn’t something that simply appears one day; it’s something shaped by experiences, people, and the choices you make along the way. For me, finding my purpose was a journey filled with ups and downs, unexpected opportunities, and moments of doubt. It wasn’t a single event or achievement that defined my path—it was the people I met, the challenges I overcame, and the passion I discovered for helping others.

One pivotal moment in my journey was meeting Regena Cooper, a mentor who saw potential in me before I even saw it in myself. One day I had mentioned wanting to go back to college to get a degree. And when I expressed doubts about going back to school, she pushed me to take action. By the end of that day, I was enrolled in college, and years later, I walked away with not just one, but two degrees. She didn’t just instill in me a love of lifelong learning on that day—she gave me confidence.

But my purpose didn’t stop with education. Through hard work and determination, I found that my true calling lay in helping others—specifically through fitness coaching and community engagement. My husband and I built Van Acres Homestead which eventually became Van Family Fit, not just as a business but as a way to make an impact in our community. Through health, wellness and farm animals, we’ve created spaces where people can connect, grow, and improve their well-being.

Finding my purpose wasn’t about chasing titles or accolades—it was about embracing opportunities, surrounding myself with the right people, and never allowing self-doubt to hold me back. My journey has taught me that purpose isn’t something handed to you; it’s something you cultivate through passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition Coach, my mission is to empower individuals to take control of their health, build confidence, and create sustainable lifestyle habits. Through Van Family Fit, my husband and I have built a health and wellness community that goes beyond traditional fitness coaching. We focus on accountability, education, and accessibility, helping people discover that fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling strong, energized, and capable in everyday life.

What Makes Van Family Fit Special?
What sets Van Family Fit apart is our commitment to meeting people where they are—whether they’re beginners who have never stepped foot in a gym or seasoned athletes looking to refine their nutrition and performance. We believe fitness should be fun, inclusive, and sustainable, not intimidating or overwhelming.

We offer:

Personalized Training Programs – Tailored workouts to help clients reach their fitness goals, whether it’s weight loss, muscle gain, or improved endurance.
Group Fitness Classes – High-energy strength and resistance training sessions at the YMCA and free community workouts to make fitness accessible to everyone.
Nutrition Coaching – Helping clients make realistic, long-term dietary changes that fuel their bodies and support their goals without restrictive dieting.
Exciting Updates & What’s Next
We’re always looking for ways to expand and make a bigger impact in our community. Here are a few exciting things we’re currently working on:

Expansion of Van Family Fit – We’re building out our health and wellness website with more online coaching options, virtual workout programs, and nutrition resources for people who can’t attend in-person sessions.
Community Events & Free Workouts – We continue to offer free weekly workouts in the local park, welcoming anyone who wants to get moving in a fun, supportive environment.
FITTEAM Partnership – We are growing our brand partnership with FITTEAM, offering science-backed supplements to support health, weight management, and athletic performance.
Local Youth Sports Sponsorship – We proudly sponsor two Greenville Youth Sports little league teams, promoting healthy, active lifestyles for kids in our community.
Van Acres Homestead Volunteer Program – In addition to fitness, we offer volunteer opportunities at our hobby farm, giving people a unique way to stay active while learning about sustainable agriculture and animal care.
At Van Family Fit, we’re not just training bodies—we’re transforming lives through fitness, nutrition, and community. My goal is to help others discover their strength, build confidence, and create habits that lead to long-term success.

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?

Looking back, I can pinpoint three key qualities that had the biggest impact on my success as a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition Coach—and honestly, in life as a whole. These are traits that I believe anyone can develop and use to achieve their own goals, whether in fitness, business, or personal growth.

1. Relentless Work Ethic & Discipline
Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it certainly doesn’t happen without hard work and consistency. I’ve always given 110% to whatever I do, whether it was going back to school, working a full-time job while being a single mom, or starting Van Family Fit and Van Acres Homestead from the ground up.

How to develop it:

Create structure in your life – Use calendars, goal-setting, and time management tools to stay on track.
Show up even when you don’t feel like it – Motivation will fade, but discipline keeps you moving forward.
Do the hard things first – Tackle challenges head-on rather than avoiding them.

Advice: Start small. Develop habits that reinforce consistency, like setting a daily workout time, meal prepping once a week, or reading 10 minutes a day on a topic you want to grow in. Over time, discipline becomes second nature.

2. Resilience & Adaptability
Life will never go exactly as planned. I’ve faced setbacks—from personal struggles like divorce and loss, to professional challenges like imposter syndrome and stepping into roles I didn’t feel “qualified” for. But instead of letting obstacles stop me, I’ve always pivoted, adapted, and kept pushing forward.

How to develop it:

Shift your mindset – Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, see them as lessons.
Surround yourself with the right people – Find mentors, coaches, or friends who lift you up and help you navigate tough times.
Take care of your mental health – Therapy, meditation, or journaling can help you process and move forward.

Advice: When things go wrong (because they will), take a moment to acknowledge the setback, but don’t stay stuck. Ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” and then take action.

3. Passion for Helping Others
At the heart of everything I do—whether it’s fitness coaching, nutrition guidance, or running our homestead—is a deep desire to help people become the best versions of themselves. Passion is what drives me to wake up early, stay up late, and put in the extra effort to support my clients and community.

How to develop it:

Find what excites you – What would you do even if you weren’t paid for it? Start there.
Keep learning – Stay curious, take courses, read books, and always work on improving your craft.
Give without expecting – Offer help, advice, and encouragement to others. The impact you make will always come back to you.

Advice: If you don’t know what you’re passionate about yet, try new things. Explore different paths, volunteer, or shadow people in fields that interest you. Passion isn’t always immediate—it’s often discovered through action. It took me almost 40 years to put my purpose and passion into action.

Final Thoughts
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Your journey is yours to create. Success isn’t about luck—it’s about the choices you make daily. Develop a strong work ethic, build resilience, and find something that fuels your passion. Everything else will fall into place.

For those just starting their journey, I’d say this: Start small, stay consistent, and never stop growing. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just take that first step and keep moving forward.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

Who is My Ideal Client?
As a Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition Coach, my ideal client isn’t defined by a specific age, fitness level, or background. Instead, they share certain mindsets and characteristics that set them up for success. I work best with individuals who are ready to commit, open to learning, and willing to take action—even if they’re starting from zero.

Characteristics of My Ideal Client
Willing to Put in the Work – You don’t need to be the strongest, fastest, or most experienced, but you do need to be willing to show up and give your best effort. Consistency beats perfection every time.

Open to Coaching & Learning – Whether it’s fitness, nutrition, or overall wellness, the best results come when someone is coachable—willing to listen, learn, and apply what we work on together. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, you’ll see real progress.

Positive & Growth-Oriented – I love working with people who are solution-focused rather than excuse-driven. Life happens, obstacles arise, but the question should always be: “How can I adjust and keep moving forward?”

Committed to Long-Term Change – Quick fixes don’t work. I want to help people who understand that real transformation takes time and are committed to building healthy habits that last.

Looking for a Supportive Community – Whether in my group fitness classes, personal coaching, or Van Family Fit community workouts, my clients thrive when they engage, support others, and embrace the team mentality.

Contact Info:

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