Meet Michelle Berry

 

We recently connected with Michelle Berry and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, 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?

My optimism is deeply rooted in the inspiration I draw from my nephew Zack. His courage and strength first inspired me when he served as a Cavalry Scout in the United States Army, bravely fighting for our country overseas. Later, he became my greatest source of strength when he faced the battle of his life against a rare and aggressive cancer, Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. Despite enduring surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and countless blood transfusions, Zack remained remarkably positive, maintaining an incredible outlook on life.

Seeing him confront such overwhelming challenges with grace and gratitude put everything into perspective for me. While many of us struggle with minor obstacles, Zack never complained or felt sorry for himself, even as he fought for his life every single day. Instead, he was grateful for each day he had on this earth. I’ll never forget the moment he appeared on the local news, sharing his story and offering the simple yet profound advice to take things “one day at a time.” That phrase has stayed with me, and I’ve carried it into both my personal life and my career.

Zack lost his battle with cancer on August 27, 2016, at just 24 years old. His legacy of strength, positivity, and the countless lives he touched continue to shape who I am and how I approach life. His enduring spirit is the foundation of my optimism, guiding me to face challenges with resilience and gratitude.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey in the fitness industry began with a deep passion for health and wellness. From a young age, I was enthusiastic about staying fit and helping others achieve their fitness goals. About 15 years ago, I made the decision to leave the corporate world and pursue a career as a fitness professional, and I’ve never looked back. This career change led me to obtain a nutrition certification, followed by a Master’s degree, and eventually, a yoga teacher training immersion in Bali, Indonesia. This combination of education and hands-on experience has allowed me to refine my skills, deeply understand client needs, and build a strong foundation in fitness.

After several years of experience as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and yoga instructor, my husband, Jason, and I decided to take a leap of faith and turn our shared passion into a business. In 2015, we established Elite Fitness & Nutrition as a private, boutique-style gym. Over the past nine years, our business has grown significantly, recently expanding into a 7,000-square-foot facility.

What sets Elite Fitness & Nutrition apart is our unique location within a beautiful nature preserve, offering a tranquil and private setting for our clients. With limited memberships, we maintain a quiet, community-focused atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging. Our main services include one-on-one personal training, virtual training, nutrition coaching, and private yoga sessions. We prioritize understanding our clients’ needs, preferences, and goals, offering personalized programs and experiences to ensure their success and well-being.

In addition to our core services, we offer a range of nutritional products designed to enhance our clients’ health, longevity, and fitness goals. Following our recent expansion, we’ve added more wellness services, including chiropractic care, micropigmentation & skincare, fascia stretch therapy, massage therapy, and mental health counseling. We’re also looking to expand further by introducing services like acupuncture and lab testing. We’re always open to new ideas and partnerships as we continue to grow and thrive as a wellness community.

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?

1. Finding My “Why:” Understanding my purpose has been the foundation of my journey. I’ve always been passionate about helping others become the healthiest versions of themselves, and knowing this was my life’s purpose allowed me to pour my heart and energy into my career. When you truly connect with and believe in your “why,” your work becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.

2. Patience: Building my business didn’t happen overnight. It took years of hard work before I felt confident, successful, and proud of what I had achieved. Patience was crucial in staying the course. Practices like meditation and mindfulness helped me remain focused and grounded as I pursued my path. Remember, “Good things come to those who wait.”

3. Determination: I refused to give up, even when faced with challenges. I let go of fear, excuses, and doubt, and became mindful of the words I used with myself. Our words are powerful! Positive affirmations have been a game-changer for me. Each day, I remind myself, “I am capable. I am strong. I am worthy.”

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
1. Take the time to discover your “why”—the deeper purpose behind your goals. When you find it, let it guide you.
2. Be patient with yourself and your progress. Success takes time, and the journey is just as important as the destination.
3. Cultivate determination by staying focused on your goals, and use positive self-talk to keep your mindset strong and resilient.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teaching me to treat everyone with kindness, respect, and compassion, and to express love to those who matter most. Growing up in such a loving and supportive family, with strong bonds that I cherish deeply, is something I never take for granted. This upbringing has profoundly influenced the way I build and maintain relationships with my clients. Running a health and fitness facility isn’t just about offering exercise routines; it’s about creating an environment that supports and empowers individuals on their fitness journeys. By prioritizing client relationships and focusing on their unique needs, I’ve been able to create a successful and fulfilling business in the health and fitness industry.

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