Gretchen Trasorras

My maiden name is Gretchen Sellers. I earned a BFA in Theatre Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1987. I was married in 1995, divorced in 2010. I have two beautiful daughters ages 15 and 13. We all love fitness, travelling, seeing new places, doing new things, meeting new people. I am also a breast cancer survivor (diagnosed 2007) which makes your program so attractive since it reflects the four things I consider very important: fitness, travel, people, and FUN!

My fitness career began in 1988 at a small YMCA in Auburn, NY teaching Hi/Lo Aerobics and Mat Conditioning. (I was touring with a children's theatre company during my time in NY State.) When I relocated to Brandon, FL in 1991, I passed the Lifestyle Family Fitness Centers (LFF) audition, earned my AEA certification and my first AFAA Primary GFI certification, then began teaching Hi/Lo Aerobics, Hi/Lo Circuit and Aqua Aerobics for LFF. I gained the bulk of my fitness experience over the 20+ years with LFF shifting and changing with the different fitness trends as they came and went. The Step hit the scene in the early to mid 1990's, and I earned The Step certification then as Step classes were included on the schedule. In 1998, LFF contracted with Les Mills. I certified in BodyPump in 1998 and started teaching as one of the first string of BodyPump instructors on the LFF team. Since LFF had an exclusive contract with Les Mills, the other Les Mills programs like BodyStep, BodyFlow, etc, became the largest part of our group fitness schedule replacing many of the traditional group fitness classes. The Les Mills programs for which I held certifications and taught with regularity were BodyPump, BodyStep, and BodyFlow. I still have an active BodyFlow certification, but not a permanent class. In the early 2000's, LFF added Cycling to the group fitness schedule, so I took a supplemental certification and began teaching Cycling. Although I did not have a permanent senior fitness class, I occasionally subbed Silver Sneakers, a senior fitness program subsidized by Humana, that LFF also offered their members. In 1992, during the early days of my career at LFF, I earned the AFAA Personal Trainer Certification, then in 2000 earned the ACSM group fitness leader certification, then later earned the NASM CPT (2x) and worked for LFF as a Personal Trainer until 2011. Through the PT department at LFF after the 2008 economic downturn, we began implementing Group Personal Training classes that included BootCamp, Abs/Core Conditioning, and kids fitness. I have learned over the past 20 years that my personal training experience enhances my effectiveness as a group fitness instructor, and conversely, when the trend shifted from one-on-one PT to Group PT. Psychologically, I understand the fears and motivations of participants, as well as, their need for socialization and fun. Technically, I can effectively communicate exercise technique and modifications so every participant feels welcome and successful.

In July 2012, LA Fitness bought LFF. LA Fitness does not offer Les Mills programs which has brought my group fitness teaching experience full circle. I earned my second AFAA Primary Group Fitness Certification in October 2012 and hold my current CPR. Although there have been subtle differences in the cultures between both companies, the transition has been relatively smooth. I am having a fun time tapping into my creativity again! The classes I currently teach for LA Fitness are: BodyWorks + Abs, yoga, mat pilates, BootCamp, Step + Abs, Cycling, AquaFit.

Yesterday, Julie Tipton, a LA Fitness colleague of mine, raved about the Fit Bodies, Inc program, and encouraged me to do my research. I like what I have read and seen! I am hopeful that you will consider my experience and certifications suitable to accept me as an instructor on your team.