Lauren Heap, Personal Training Manager at AHWC's Fitness Center, has been a dedicated member of the team for over a decade. She started at the front desk, driven by her passion for fitness and the center’s mission, and worked her way up to personal training while building lasting client relationships. Now, as a leader, she mentors trainers and clients and develops programs to help individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Her latest program, Women on Weights (WOW), is an eight-week strength training series designed for women new to resistance training. Running every Wednesday from February 19 to April 9, WOW focuses on foundational strength techniques, proper form, and progressive programming. Lauren hopes this program will empower women with the skills and confidence to navigate the gym and build sustainable fitness habits.
We recently spoke with Lauren about her journey in the fitness industry, her leadership role at the Fitness Center, and the vision behind WOW.
Wellness Connections: Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming the Fitness Center Personal Training Manager? What led you to this role?
Lauren Heap: I have been at the center for a long time- over 10 years! I started working at the front desk to get my foot in the door because I loved the center’s mission. I studied to become a personal trainer while working at the front desk in the early mornings and having discussions with the personal training manager of my ultimate dream goal of becoming a personal trainer! This led me to working the fitness floor and shadowing other trainers to learn the ways of personal training. I created rapport with members and eventually started getting my own clients and growing my business. I grew immensely during this time and have built long standing relationships lasting 9 years and counting. My success promoted me to the Personal Training Manager role where I now get to help coach our trainers and help with the business needs.
Wellness Connections: You run several programs at the Fitness Center—can you give us an overview of what you currently offer?
Lauren Heap: We offer 1:1 training, duo training, and small group training!
Wellness Connections: Women on Weights (WOW) is starting soon! What inspired you to create this program, and what can participants expect?
Lauren Heap: The gym is an intimidating environment especially if you are new. I developed WOW to help build confidence, competence, and a love of getting stronger! Participants can expect to learn the foundational moves of strength training with proper form and how to create a progressive
Wellness Connections: Strength training can feel intimidating for some. How do you help women build confidence and feel empowered to lift?
Lauren Heap: Focus on developing habits on who you want to become not what you want to achieve. If you want to be a gym person, you must come to the gym. Each time you do this; you reinforce in yourself this is who you are and becomes more automatic.
Wellness Connections: What do you hope people take away from working with you and participating in your programs?
Lauren Heap: Exercise is banking rewards for your future self. What you do in the gym makes life easier, more fun, less pain free, and opens the door to more possibilities.
Wellness Connections: What do you find most rewarding about your role?
Lauren Heap: I love interacting and learning about a variety of different people. I get to have such interesting conversations with people and get to help make an hour of their day all about them. I love being able to help people achieve their goals, gain confidence, and feel better!
Wellness Connections: What’s one piece of fitness or wellness advice you always share with clients?
Lauren Heap:
- Measure yourself from where you started, not against your ideal. You will remember how much you have accomplished rather than get frustrated.
- Consistency over intensity.
- Motion is lotion. Get moving. You will always feel better!
To learn about the Fitness Center and the services available, please visit our website here or call 303-724-WELL (9355).