Meet Chris Baggett

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris Baggett . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Chris , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a common challenge in the personal training industry. Like many trainers, I’ve often questioned whether I’m good enough or knowledgeable enough to truly help my clients. This feeling often stems from a deep desire to help everyone who walks through the door, and the reality that sometimes, despite our best efforts, we encounter issues we’re not yet equipped to handle.

One of the first steps I took to overcome imposter syndrome was to accept that I won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay. It’s impossible to be an expert in every area, and acknowledging this helped me relieve some of the pressure I placed on myself. Instead of seeing it as a failure, I started to view it as an opportunity for growth.

My constant curiosity and craving for knowledge have been key in this journey. I am driven by a desire to be the best trainer I can be, and this means never being satisfied with just ‘good enough.’ This mindset has transformed what initially felt like a weakness—my imposter syndrome—into a strength. It keeps me humble and continuously striving to learn more, improve my skills, and stay updated with the latest in fitness and health.

In a way, imposter syndrome has been a catalyst for my success. It’s pushed me to seek out more education, gain diverse experiences, and ultimately become a better personal trainer. This humility and hunger for knowledge have not only helped me grow but also allowed me to better serve my clients. By embracing this mindset, I’ve learned to turn self-doubt into a powerful motivator for continuous improvement.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the founder and owner of Fully Alive Personal Training, an upscale private health studio located in Virginia Beach, VA. We specialize in helping busy people like you improve your energy, strength, flexibility, mobility, eating habits, and most importantly, your confidence. Our vision is to inspire our community to live more Fully Alive by growing stronger physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially through our fitness and wellness programs.

What makes Fully Alive Personal Training special is our holistic approach to health and fitness. We believe that fitness isn’t just about the physical aspect—it’s about nurturing the whole person. Our passionate staff is dedicated to providing each member with daily support, guidance, and accountability to reach their unique fitness and holistic life goals. We create a nurturing environment where each client can grow at their own pace, one step at a time.

At Fully Alive, we pride ourselves on creating a fun, stress-free environment that promotes personal growth for all. Our mission is to build a healthier community with engaged members and staff, all while making fitness an enjoyable and integral part of your life. Our motto, “You are the hero of your own life. Let us be the guide to help you live it fully,” reflects our commitment to empowering our clients.

We are excited to announce our plans for expansion to offer new wellness programs and special events designed to bring our community closer together and promote holistic health. We also plan to launch new group sessions focusing on different aspects of fitness and wellness, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

On a personal note, I’ve dedicated the last 16 years of my life to helping people become the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves. My passion for this work is deeply rooted in my family—my high school sweetheart, Leah, and our two children, Kailea and Chris. They inspire me every day to have a positive impact on the lives of those around me. Now, as an owner in the fitness industry, I have developed another deep passion: helping others who want to make this a career. I’m committed to creating a workplace that is fun, engaging, and a place where trainers can grow.

Fully Alive Personal Training is more than just a fitness studio; it’s a community where everyone is supported in their journey to better health and a fuller life. We invite everyone to join us and experience the difference and what it means to Live Fully Alive.

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 first and perhaps most crucial quality was learning to step out of my comfort zone. There were many things I was initially afraid to do, either because I’d never done them before, I didn’t like doing them, or I didn’t think I was good at them. By pushing myself to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, I was able to develop new skills and gain a newfound confidence. This willingness to face my fears and try new things opened up opportunities for growth that I wouldn’t have otherwise experienced.

The advice I would give for those early in their journey, I would recommend embracing discomfort as a sign of growth. Challenge yourself to take on tasks that scare you or seem out of reach. Start with small steps, and gradually increase the difficulty of these challenges. Over time, you’ll build resilience and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

The second key skill was staying committed to making my journey uniquely mine. It’s essential to remain authentic to your vision and not simply imitate what others say is the path to success. Creating something meaningful requires staying true to your morals and your “why.” While it’s beneficial to seek advice and learn from others, it’s important to filter that advice through the lens of your own values and vision.

I think as you build your career, be mindful of who you are and what you stand for. Define your vision clearly and use it as your guide. Take advice from others, but always adapt it to fit your own goals and values. This approach will help you make decisions that you can live with, whether they lead to success or teach you valuable lessons through failure.

Lastly, it’s vital to know exactly who you want to attract, both in terms of the clients you work with and the people you want to serve. Working with individuals who align with your values and goals makes the journey far more rewarding. When you’re passionate about the people you’re helping, it doesn’t feel like work; it feels like fulfilling your purpose.

The advice I would give with this is to take time to identify your ideal client. Consider their needs, values, and goals, and think about how you can best serve them. This clarity will help you tailor your services and marketing efforts effectively. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and support your vision. This alignment will not only make your work more enjoyable but also enhance your effectiveness and impact.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle I am currently facing is the transition from working in my business to working on my business. As a personal trainer who has found success training clients, it’s been challenging to reduce the number of clients I personally train. The goal is to focus more on growing the business and developing my staff, which will ultimately allow us to help more people. This transition is a bit daunting because it means stepping away from a model that has been successful for me so far.

However, I’ve come to realize that what got me here won’t necessarily get me to the next level. To address this challenge, I’ve started by changing my mindset. I’ve learned that staying busy isn’t the same as making progress. I’ve begun to delegate more responsibilities and trust my highly certified and amazing staff to take care of the clients who were once under my direct care. This shift requires me to let go of some control and trust in the process and the abilities of my team.

One of the steps I’ve taken is to ensure that my team is well-trained and shares the same vision and values that I do. I’ve invested time in mentoring them and providing the resources they need to succeed. This way, I can confidently step back from day-to-day client training, knowing that our clients are in good hands.

Additionally, I’ve started to focus more on strategic planning and business development. This includes exploring new wellness programs, special events, and expansion opportunities that will bring our community closer together and promote holistic health. By shifting my focus to these areas, I can drive the business forward and create more opportunities for growth, both for the company and for my staff.

In summary, while the transition is challenging and a bit scary, it’s a necessary step to take Fully Alive Personal Training to the next level. By changing my mindset, delegating responsibilities, and investing in my team, I’m working to overcome this challenge and set the stage for future growth.

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