Natalie Knutson

I graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 2003. After high school I received my Bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota (UND). My four year degree is in Physical Education and Exercise Science, with a minor in Health Education. Within my university studies, I also studied and spent six months at the University of Newcastle, in Newcastle Australia. This is when my travel excitement began to heighten. After graduating college, all I wanted to do was travel. I moved back to the small town of Fergus Falls where I grew up, but told my boyfriend at the time (husband of 6 years now), that we had to travel at least once a year. Once back in Fergus Falls, I started substitute teaching in an attempt to land a full-time job. During my subbing days, I was approached by the director of our YMCA to see if I would like to teach group classes. I received my YMCA Group Fitness certification and began teaching in 2006. I felt myself beginning to enjoy my time in the fitness industry more than I did in the schools. That's when I decided to study for my personal training certification. In 2007, I became certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Personal Trainer. I believe this truly kicked off my fitness career. I began to build a clientele one at a time. As I continued to grow, I realized that professionally I had to move on from the YMCA in order to grow and learn. I applied and accepted a job at Lake Region Healthcare as a Sports Trainer. I became certified as a Sports Trainer through Athletic Republic and continued my professional growth, not only with my adult clients but with a high intensity athlete clientele. At this point, I realized I was still missing that group fitness atmosphere. That is when I decided to start up my own business. In February of 2009, I opened the doors to Phatty Nattie's Group Fitness. What started out with 15 clients and a CD player, is now a booming place of success story after success story! Phatty Nattie's receives 100's of visits weekly and continues to inspire individuals to be their best day in and day out. In 2012, Phatty Nattie's merged with Lake Region Healthcare and is now a service provided by Lake Region Healthcare. Now in 2014 I teach group classes 5-6 days/wk along with personal training and small group training by appointment. In addition, I am the Coordinator of Wellness here at Lake Region Healthcare and I am always looking for new ways to grow. 

Throughout all of this, I know how important it is to continue to take time for myself. My husband and I travel a few times a year; short trips within the continental US as well as Mexico, Caribbean, Central America, Europe and our latest Thailand. During these trips, I always find it very important to stay active, many times motivating others to join me!