Lisa Nelson

I have always lived an active lifestyle, starting with competitive sports at an early age. As I moved into my teen years, I focused my attention on swimming as that was my passion. I carried that through the collegiate level swimming on the Division I Women's Swim Team at University of Illinois at Chicago where I learned how to not only pursue my passion, but also to stay extremely dedicated and saw what can happen through hard work. I knew I wanted to include health and fitness into my career path but was unsure of where that would lead, so I began working on my Master's degree through the online program at University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Kinesiology specializing in Exercise Science. That path lead me back to my hometown area of the Quad Cities, IL where I took a chance and applied for a personal training position at Fitness Xpress. I was offered the position and fell in love with the fitness industry. I later became the Fitness Director and oversaw all aspects of the facility, personal training and group fitness programs. I also received my certification in Les Mills Body Pump and GRIT. I have since moved into a different setting as a Fitness Manager at El Rio Spa & Wellness. I am able to continue help people change their lives through finding health and wellness, but on a much smaller scale. This has given me the opportunity to work more closely with our members and participants and focus on the things that I truly care about. This position has also lead me to my certification in the Beach Body PiYo program. I have continued my healthy lifestyle and passion for sport through running, and have completed two half marathons, a full marathon and a sprint triathalon. I love challenging myself with new adventures and look forward to where the future takes me!