Karen Harrington

I grew up in Atlanta, GA where I attended High School & Cosmetology School. My first career began before even finishing Cosmetology School, when I worked in a local hair salon in suburban Atlanta. Within 5 years I opened my own salon, Hair Artisans, in Atlanta and eventually employed 9 full-time stylists. Although I'd enjoyed financial success with my first salon, after 5 years of steadily building a dedicated client list I sold Hair Artisans and opened a new concept salon where I was the lead stylist and coordinated all the administrative activities as well. At Karen Harrington, PHD my business matured as I enjoyed an appointment-only association with established clients. By now I genuinely loved my work where my creativity found expression through new styles -or- by adapting alternative styles to the interests or mood of my clients. Thereafter, over the course of several years, I got married and had two wonderful little boys. I eventually sold my business in June, 2000 as a prelude to my family's move to Wisconsin later that Fall. While growing up in Atlanta my extra-curricular interests always began with dance & fitness. I took many dance classes, including: ballet, tap, and jazz. I also was a cheerleader in High School and worked with the Drama Club assembling dance routines & doing choreography. I also ran track as a sprinter. After graduating High School I still loved dance & exercise and continued taking different dance classes - Jazz & Modern Dance, Ballroom Dance, and Belly Dancing - I've always enjoyed learning new dance steps. I also developed a close working relationship with one client, a Jazzercise Instructor, whose classes I attended and for whom I eventually did substitute instructing. After first moving to Wisconsin I concentrated on getting our family settled while adjusting to a very different routine in the Upper Midwest. I began working part-time at a local salon and also joined a well-connected network of local YMCA's. After two pregnancies, several lifestyle changes, and a challenging relocation I knew I wanted to re-establish a dedicated exercise program. By now my older son was attending a pre-school close to one YMCA where I began regularly taking fitness classes. From the first week I was inspired by a fitness instructor whose fast-paced, high-energy class I really enjoyed. Pat was almost 10 years older than I, but really rocked! Her classes left me exhausted at first. However, as the weeks went by, and I attended Pat's back to back classes without fail, and others too, my stamina & strength came back. The weight I'd added through two pregnancies and the move eventually melted away. After two years the group fitness coordinator encouraged me to become a fitness instructor . I loved the idea! With my family's support I immediately worked out a schedule to make it happen. First, I began my one-on-one training and started teaching a Step Class that same month. I also soon gained proficiency in other aerobic programs including BoSU, Strength & Resistance, and Hi-Lo. Within a few more months I was supplementing my step classes by also substituting for other staff instructor's at three area YMCA's. I now also have certifications in: Group Fitness, Step, Stability Ball, Flexibility & Pilates. In 2006 I got my certification in Personal Training. I first learned of the Fit-Bodies Program from a fitness instructor colleague, Wendy Hauser. I've learned to be flexible & adaptable to a range of settings as a Fit-Bodies Instructor since JAN2005. As an Instructor I have enjoyed the opportunity to broaden my horizons & experience - I always look forward to meeting & working out with new people in a great atmosphere!

Since writing this profile , I have gone on 7 fitbodies trips . I really enjoy the position of meeting new people and promoting exercise at a fabulous resort ! Great fun !