Jessica Dambaugh

Fitness is my passion. Music is my career. People drive me. I am currently a classically trained flutist who holds a position with a full time symphony orchestra. I have always had an interest in fitness, being very active in fitness classes and hiking since high school. Six years ago when I moved to South Carolina, I decided it was time. Time to put my passion to work and help motivate others to get healthy and have fun while doing it. The rest is history. I remember the first time team teaching a step class with another instructor with butterflies in my stomach and thinking I sounded weird over the mic. The adrenaline I felt during that class was my hook. I knew I had to do this, I knew I could do this, and I knew I could do it well with study and preparation. From there I got certified through AFAA and taught everything from step to sculpt. Later I pursued the Les Mills Body Combat certification and taught that class for just over 1 year. Unfortunately the gym I taught that class at dropped the program at my location, so I proceeded to teach a general kickboxing class. Next I decided to give spinning a try. I hadn't been on a bike (outside or inside) in over 7 years. Went to a couple classes and was hugely surprised how HARD it was and immediately thought - "I can never teach this, I can barely breathe!" As persistent as I am, I didn't give up - I continued to attend spinning classes, and proceeded to get my Spin certification 2 years ago. At one point in my fitness career, I was teaching 4 spinning classes a week and loving it. I love how spinning is also about the music. Classical music is my career and my profession, but I appreciate ALL music and am constantly blown away by the impact music has on the mind and body. In a nutshell, it's a love. I love fitness, I love how it's not only about developing strength of the body, but of the mind as well. I love helping others discover my passion. That is why I do what I do.