Tell us a little about your business. – Capital City Fitness offers group fitness classes and personal training to adults looking to gain muscle, lose fat and have fun. We use the Training for Warriors program for cardio and weightlifting classes for people of all ability levels and offer personal training sessions for more individualized coaching needs.

How did you get started in the business? – During the Covid shut downs, one of the things that helped me pass the time and find joy was a consistent exercise routine. I had the opportunity to do a lot of Zoom workouts with gyms around the country through the Training for Warriors program, which inspired me to become a coach after seeing the impact fitness could make in people’s lives.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – When I started coaching, we were in the midst of the Covid pandemic. I am also a teacher, so I spent time during both of my jobs directing people in person at the same time as I was working with people on Zoom. At school, we were working with in-person and remote learners, and at the gym, we were coaching people in person while helping people work out at home through Zoom. It was a huge challenge in both situations to make sure everybody was getting the attention they needed. I was grateful when we returned to in-person learning and fitness classes.

Tell us a little about your family. – I am the youngest of five children and actually moved to Lincoln so I could live near my older sister and her two children. I have been married to my husband Jordan for 10 years, and we have three cats.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I had never been a very athletic person growing up and had never really lifted weights until I became an adult. A friend encouraged me to join Capital City Fitness with her and start working out when we were both having a stressful year. Once I started making exercising part of my routine, it helped me realize just how important it was for both my mental and physical health, which eventually put me on the path to becoming a coach.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to spend time outside, so I like to get out for runs, walks or hiking and play pickleball when I get the chance. I also love to read and listen to audiobooks.

Who inspires you? – I am always inspired by the members at our gym. We have a large range of ages from people in their 20s to mid-70s, and I love to see how they are willing to challenge themselves and their bodies no matter their age.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Michael John Bobak said, “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” I think that learning and growing in any area is always going to create some challenge and discomfort, but it’s important for us to recognize that a little discomfort isn’t always a bad thing and can make us better in the long run.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about, and are there any special reasons why? – The Teammates Mentoring Program of Lincoln is a great group that matches students in need of connection with strong mentors. As a teacher, I love to see how students light up when they get to see their teammates and their continual bond with their teammates as they get older. There are so many students that could benefit from a teammate if you have an extra hour a week to spare.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? – We have a lot of good restaurants in Lincoln, but two of my favorites are Saru Tea Bar and HF Crave.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – The website for Capital City Fitness is (capitalcityfit.com).