Susan Doyle

Hi my name is Susan Doyle or as my clients used to call me "The Energizer Bunny":)

I love to workout and have fun while doing it as well as making sure it is fun for my classes.

I have a degree in Computer Science but became very involved in fitness about 28 years ago.  Let me tell you my story:)

After my first child turned 2 my husband and I moved to Houston, Texas.  Originally we are from Upstate New York where it can get very cold in the winters and comfort food is readily available and so are Big Puffy Sweaters!!

Over a period of 1-2 years I had slowly become 60 obs overweight and when we moved to a warmer climate it became much more apparent and I could no longer hide under those bulky sweaters.  So i looked for a gym that had excellent child care so that when I wanted to work out my daughter would be well taken care of and also have some fun meeting other children.  Golds Gym seemed a good fit so I joined and began my journey to be fit and meet new people.

I started by going every morning to a different variety of classes, changed my diet and soon began to look and feel much like myself again.  With 4-5 months I had lost the excess weight and then some.  I also noticed that my stamina and muscle mass had also improved and I guess others also noticed because I was soon after approached by the Group Fitness Director, Rhonda.  She liked the fat that I was so motivated and that I ws able to even involve others with my enthusiasm along with the results that I had accomplished through participating in exercise and watching calorie intake and she wanted me to be on her team of instructors.

Within a week I was Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) Certified in Group Fitness and soon started to get ready to teach.

my first class was one of the most difficult things I have ever done.  I was not a confident person so getting in front of 30 people whom I did not know and being that the previous instructor had been teaching that class for 10 years, was not easy for sure!!

I was so very nervous but was determined not to let it get to me.  So I started off with a big smile and an introduction, I dot long faces and not a very warm welcome in return.  I was still determined, then the stereo went out and the music stopped long enough to temporarily put me off beat (Not fun for a high/low aerobics class).  I made a few counting errors but then quickly got back on track.  Unfortunately a few of the members in the class wouldn't let that go and decided to be very vocal about it.  So needless to say not the best first teaching experience!

Soon after the class my boss called to see how it went and I told her straight up what happened.  Rhonda had someone form the club who was experienced participate in the class and said that she had been impressed of how I held up.  Rhonda then offered me the class and I took it.  I was determined to win them over.  This became my foundation for building up my confidence from there there was nothing I wouldn't try in the fitness field.  That class that I just spoke of ended up being one of my favorite groups of people and I theirs.  The biggest kicker of all in this experience was the fact that my boss had known how difficult these people would be and she purposely through me to the wolves so to speak, to see what I was made of and how I handled myself under pressure:)

We then moved to Rochester, NY and my 3rd child had just turned 2.  I now was TOTALLY addicted to fitness and nutrition and wanted to work in a fitness club that would provide awesome children programs and loving care to my kids while I taught classes.  Midtown Athletic Club fit the bill.  I loved helping other discover their potential and helping them achieve their goals.  I had been there and felt I could somewhat understand the hurdles that they may face along the way although everyone has their own struggles in their journey to a more healthy lifestyle.

At Midtown Athletic Club I found my fitness family.  It was the best experience I have ever had in the fitness industry.  I was able to obtain my Personal raining Certification through National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) along with other important certifications and experiences to allow me to be who I wanted to be and obtain my goals during my 16 years there.

All three of my children are involved in someway with fitness.  My daughters both played tennis in the Middle and High School years and my son played Lacrosse and ran Cross Country in his High School and College years.  My youngest daughter now has a degree in Exercise Science and has a very promising career in the industry.  My son is all about working out and nutrition but on a personal level and my older daughter is a very athletic and active young woman also on a more personal level.

I enjoy my career in fitness, no I have to say I LOVE my career in fitness.  It is so very rewarding helping other people obtain their goals.

My first love is my husband and children whom which without their support I would not be who I am today. Scott and I have been married 32 years and all of our children are on their own.  He is retired so we enjoy traveling to new places (some old ones we love to revisit as well) and meeting new people.

I love animals, especially dogs.  We had a wonder English Lab for 11 years and she was the best. I enjoy cooking and experimenting with different flavors, I love to run on the beach and really enjoy just being outdoors, especially in the sunshine.

The above story is only one of the many experiences that I have had but this one is the one that stuck with me as my foundation for what I do now.

I have gotten a little older but that has not stopped this "Energizer Bunny" from continuing to motivate ,inspire and share my experiences with others when the opportunity presents itself!