Heidi Axelrod

I was not always a healthy and fit person.  In fact, I spent most of my adult life overweight and perpetually on some sort of “diet” to lose weight. At my heaviest I weighed over 250 pounds on my 5'3" frame. 

I began to take yoga classes as I enjoyed the slow movement and strength I was building and the stress relief I felt from each class.  My teacher encouraged me to become a yoga teacher and that is where my new life began.

I met my future business partner in yoga teacher training; she was a personal trainer just starting a bootcamp business so I decided I’d join. Mind you, I had never exercised, lifted weights or anything beyond yoga but yoga gave me the confidence to become stronger. I prioritized 5am workouts and learned how to eat real food and follow a healthy meal plan. I steadily lost weight, became stronger and for the first time in my life felt good about who I saw in the mirror.  It took me 18 months to lose the last 50 pounds, I’ve kept it off for more than 15 years. I ran half marathons and marathons and even an Ultra Marathon (31 miles)!  I’ve completed Spartan races at age 52, I’ve squatted and deadlifted over 200 pounds and taught over 2000 hours of yoga.

I live a healthy lifestyle forever. My bootcamp instructor became my business partner and we started a personal training & yoga studio, Transform U Fitness, which we operated successfully for 7 years. During those 7 years I’ve worked with hundreds of clients helping them find their fitness and health, literally transforming their bodies and their lives.

I started Over 40 Personal Training, to work with clients just like me, who aren’t happy with their current situation.  Whether it be the number on the scale, toning and adding muscle to the body, addressing aches and pains in the body from years of not taking care of it or helping clients improve their posture and movement through yoga and stretching.

 I specialize in working with (primarily) women over 40. I have several clients over the age of 80.  I understand the limitations our aging bodies have and I don’t train my clients like they are 20 or 30 years old.  Most have a mobility challenges – a bad back, sciatic pain, knees that hurt, bulging discs etc.  All areas which can be worked around and most times improved once we develop a consistent workout routine.  My programs incorporate strength training and yoga improving range of motion, joint health and improving quality of life.