Samantha Fitzpatrick

Hello Fitness Enthusiasts!

My name is Samantha Fitzpatrick - I have gone through quite a journey in fitness and would love to help you reach your own fitness goals! Here is my story: 

I grew up in a Mankato, Minnestoa (USA) where I was active in sports such as gymnastics, dance, and swimming. One year in high school, I injured myself to the point that I couldn't do competitive sports anymore, so once I was cleared to exercise again I began taking group fitness classes. I began with Zumba and I was the youngest person in class by about 30 years. A few months into taking class, I was talking to other partiicpants who encouraged me to become an instructor... so I did. Another few months after that, I began teaching my own Zumba class where I got tons of feedback from my participants which shaped me into the instructor that I am today.

At that point, it was time for me to go to college. I chose the University of Wisconsin La Crosse where I not only worked for the Recreation Center for a full four years, but I also obtained my degree in Exercise and Sport Science with a concentration in Fitness which gave me a strong background for the practical applicaiton of teaching classes. Throughout my time in La Crosse, I took advantage of many opportunities to become certified in a variety of other formats such as TurboKick, INSANITY, 200 Yoga Teacher, Pilates, and Cycling while teaching for a wide variety of populations in town. Before I graduated, I also sat for my Certified Personal Training exam and Certified Group Exercise Instructor exam and passed for these more general certifications. 

I worked at a graduate assistant at Western Michigan University where I taught some group fitness and worked on teaching other instructors how to teach fitness classes this past year. Currently, I work full time at the University of Notre Dame as the Coordinator of Fitness and Instructional Programs for RecSports where I oversee all of the fitness programming including group fitness, personal training, fitness floor, and all instructor/trainer development processes.

I am comfortable with all types of class formats and all populations. I love to see others finding enjoyment out of exercise and pushing themselves to become better every day! I am looking forward to giving you all an awesome class!