We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Duncan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Ashley, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
As they say to find optimism, you must look for the good. Easier said than done especially with the immense negativity that is thrown at us from different outlets. My optimism was taught to me at a young age from my parents. My father in an Army Veteran who served in the Gulf War and my mother is an immigrant from South Korea. They both showed me that even in hard circumstances there is always a lesson to be learned and you can only control your own mindset. Positive thinking can bring such great mental health boundaries against the dark clouds of life. You can’t prevent bad things from happening but you can control how you react. Optimism shows hope and not being afraid to try again. Being a personal trainer and aerobics instructor, optimism is one of our driving forces that helps us help others. There is so much beauty in happiness and fitness brings those intense inspiring moments even if it’s just an hour. Fitness groups are proof that optimism is a happiness magnet and shows the ability to enjoy the present, overcome the past, and believe in a brighter future in spite of hard situations. Optimism is in my foundation through my family but fitness as allowed it to flourish and encourage others into my fulfilling life. Keep smiling and shining, the impact is so powerful, just like you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Motto: “Make People Feel Good” I believe living a healthy lifestyle can be amplified with having a happy relationship with your mind & body. For many individuals that includes maintaining a strong and fit lifestyle mentally & physically, that’s where I can help. Whether that’s for aesthetics, performance, health, stress relief, or just feeling better. At dash.fitness not only do I run a business helping others but I also like to volunteer my time at events providing free workouts and percussive massage therapy. My most recents volunteer events include school fundraisers, Nature Trail Hikes, HIIT workouts at Red Rocks, and I was invited to join a yoga event in Central Park NYC. I love giving back to the community and spreading the love & knowledge of fitness & recovery.
Prior to starting my business I majored in Rehabilitative Science at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. I had the intention of becoming a Physical Therapist but the fitness industry found me not long after my move to Colorado. I have now been in the fitness industry for 6 years now and continue to grow in multiple modalities. My most recent certifications have been in prenatal/post natal care and furthering my yoga education. This industry is so fulfilling and I am proud to say I Love What I Do. This industry does change lives and there is always mutual appreciation for the results that are attained and learned for a lifetime.
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?
Enthusiasm, Encouragement, and Education. I wouldn’t be where I am without these three things. The enthusiasm of my friends, family, and clients who have kept me loving what I do and showing appreciation throughout my journey. They give me the energy to love what I do and expand my business in new ways and venues. Encouragement from my coworkers and event partners. They are my cheerleaders and push me beyond my comfort zone. Because of them I have been more involved in volunteering and free events. This has been so motivating and fulfilling during my off time and builds my connection with people in so many new ways. Finally education. It is because of my schooling that led me to where am I today. Being surrounded by my fellow coaches and educators who want to keep growing and help others is so good for the mind. You meet so many different levels and learn new ways of doing things in these environments. Life is always evolving and progressing so the more I can learn the better I can be for my clients. Knowledge is power and education keeps you humble that there is always more to learn. My advice to future trainers, coaches, and instructors is to keep up the hard work and having fun while you interact with others. The fitness industry is only successful if we are good to the people who are helping us. Without people and healthy connections we wouldn’t be successful. People come to us to feel better, whether that is mentally or physically. Care for them and that energy will be reciprocated.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to partner and collaborate! I’ve done events ranging from school fundraisers, clothing store outreach, nature hikes, and free park workouts. I really enjoy partnering with people who work in industries that incorporate or support fitness goals, such as nutritionists, spas, clothing stores, or fitness facilities. I also like to collaborate with other instructors/coaches for group workouts. The energy from working with other fitness experts is always fun! Large fitness group events are amazing and remind me of county fairs but with lots of exercise entertainment. Collaborating with anyone is great because getting the exposure is special in any atmosphere. For any entrepreneurs, businesses, or individuals who would like to work together, I would love to chat!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dashfitnesspt.com
- Instagram: dash.fitness
- Youtube: https://instagram.com/dash.fitness?igshid=MjEwN2IyYWYwYw==
- Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/co/denver/personal-trainers/dashfitness/service/401635274776985608
Image Credits
Ginny Haupert, Brenda Bickerton, El Dantzler
