Despite the innovations we’ve seen over the past couple of years, there are still some who are skeptical of virtual workout programming. After all, how much progress can you really make from your own home?
Turns out, a lot — especially when you have the right plan and coaching.
The advantage of virtual training is not just that it allows you to exercise from anywhere — although that certainly is a perk — but also that it allows you to work with the trainer that’s best suited for your personality and goals, regardless of where they’re located. This also makes it a great option for those who thrive with a hybrid (in-person and at-home) approach to fitness.
These four trainers have created their own Life Time Team Training Programs for those members who want a flexible plan but are seeking to make a real transformation with their fitness.
Anna Taylor, USAW, NASM
Taylor, based out of Life Time in Woodbury, Minn., has her B.S. in kinesiology exercise science, is Precision Nutrition-certified, and has her Living.Fit kettlebell certification. Her personal mantra is, “Show your energy and be persistent. Be the person you want to become, and have the willingness to overcome challenges along the way.” You can find her on Instagram at @annataylor333.
How did you get into health and wellness as a career?
In high school, I competed in basketball, track and field, and cheerleading. I received a full ride athletic scholarship as a pole vaulter to Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan.
Through starting athletics at a young age and continuing throughout college, I felt strongly that fitness and health was what I wanted to embark on as a career. Seeing the results that come from developing strength and sustaining healthy habits was what I wanted to teach others. Every fitness journey is different and I love helping clients overcome challenges they never thought they could.
Tell us about your Team Training Program: What’s it all about?
Client’s can sign up for my “Focus Training Programs,” and then choose between these three workout programs: “Build Focus,” “Fit Focus,” and “Sweat Focus.” All programs feature workouts four days a week, and the individual gets to choose what workout fits their needs for the day.
“Build Focus” makes use of in-club equipment for the 45- to 60-minute strength-centered workouts. You’ll use your body weight and incorporate machines, barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells in an effort to help you become and stay strong, lean, and fit.
“Fit Focus” also features 45- to 60-minute workouts, but requires minimal equipment (dumbbells, a bench, and bands) so is a great beginner program for individuals who want to start following a strength-training routine.
“Sweat Focus” is designed to get your heart rate up through 12- to 25-minute HIIT-style workouts. Equipment needs include two to three sets of dumbbells and a bench. You can use these as your quick workout for the day, or add them to the end of one of your other workouts if you’re in the “Fit Focus” or “Build Focus” programs.
I also provide participants with nutrition advice and send personal messages, articles, and coaching tips to help keep them on track so they can see the best results in their health and fitness journey.
Do you have any specialty areas you work with clients in?
I focus on strength and nutrition improvements in an effort to drop body fat.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
I enjoy the body-fat loss achievements that clients see along their training journey. However, the most meaningful part is teaching them that fitness is a journey and not a short-term outcome. Health is a lifestyle that everybody ought to incorporate into their daily activities for longevity. Seeing my clients evolve and appreciate fitness is a key part of why I love what I do!
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
My playlist would be called “Badass Anna Banana Playlist,” because it embodies the tough characteristics of myself, along with a fun rhythm to my name. I definitely choose songs that showcase me as a person, and have what it takes to push me through my workouts.
For those getting started on a health and fitness journey, what advice would you give them?
Make a commitment to a specific goal. It could be something such as, “I want to drop my body-fat percentage,” or “I’d like to increase lean muscle,” or “I’m hoping to become more fit for my kids.” Once you have your goal and have carved out the time to invest, you’re ready to begin your fitness journey.
This process will require work and willingness to change and stay consistent to a structured program. You’ve probably heard the saying, “consistency is key,” or “if it’s not challenging, it doesn’t change you.” These certainly hold true for long-term success. Seek out support and be persistent in the goals you set out to do.
If you’re interested in training with Anna, you can get started here.
Zack Wilkinson, NASM, CPT, CES, PES, USAW L1 and L2
Wilkinson, based out of Life Time in San Antonio, Texas, is Precision Nutrition-certified. His personal mantra is, “Each day is a new day. Focus on being one percent better then yesterday.” You can find him on Instagram at @coachzackwilkinson.
How did you get into health and wellness as a career?
I made the decision to change my college major from graphic design to exercise science because I was suffering from an eye injury. Working on graphic design was difficult because I constantly had headaches from my eye. I began to focus on bettering my health physically and mentally. I was active throughout high school and college with playing soccer and competing in martial arts tournaments, so fitness was what I really enjoyed. I enjoy helping others get fit, too. Growing up on a farm with a big family of cousins, we all helped each other out. That comes naturally to me.
After finishing grad school at the University of Arkansas, I was interviewing with a few different companies. I decided I wanted to work at the best possible place, and that place was Life Time.
Tell us about your Team Training Program: What’s it all about?
I’ve developed three programs: “Strength and Performance,” “Bodybuilders,” and “Physique.”
“Strength and Performance” is a five-day-a-week exercise plan. You can choose to workout at home using equipment like kettlebells, dumbbells, and bands, or in the club with the same equipment but also barbells and machines. It’s meant to take you through an entire year. The first four weeks focus on muscular endurance, the next four weeks focus on strength, and the following four weeks focus on power — then you repeat. Recovery days are included each week.
“Bodybuilders” and “Physique” are specifically for those wanting to focus on bodybuilding or physique training, respectively. Because those goals have some overlap, I prefer to meet with prospective clients who are interested in these programs first to determine which one is a better fit for them and their ambitions.
Do you have any specialty areas you work with clients in?
I’ve worked with high-level and competitive athletes, prenatal and postnatal women, those rehabbing after surgery, and individuals seeking weight loss.
For postnatal women, those rehabbing (unless injuries are minimal), or weight-loss focused members, I do prefer to meet in person at the club for an evaluation and for the first three months of training. Then I can transition them to virtual training if preferred.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
Having the opportunity to encourage clients to believe in themselves and accomplish their goals daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. It’s always great to see the look on their faces when they thought they couldn’t do something — and then they do it.
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
“Halfway There,” because we’re always halfway to the end.
For those getting started on a health and fitness journey, what advice would you give them?
Identify these elements: your “why,” your goal, and your defining moment. Without those, it will always be easy to make an excuse. Remembering your “why” will help keep you on track, even when obstacles or other people may try to derail you.
If you’re interested in training with Zack, you can get started here.
Eden Bobo, PT
Bobo, based out of Life Time in Houston, Texas, is Precision Nutrition-certified. Her personal mantra is, “Motivation comes and goes; dedication is what pushes you through.” You can find her on Instagram at @edenb_fit.
How did you get into health and wellness as a career?
Getting healthy and diving into fitness truly changed my life — my mindset, my body, and my habits. I joined my first health club when I was a new mom, I had just moved to a new state, and I was at a low point both mentally and physically.
The day I joined, I went to my first cycling class. I instantly fell in love with movement and the energy. From then on, everything started changing for me. I knew shortly into my journey that I wanted to help make a difference for people on a more personal level. That’s when I became a personal trainer and nutrition coach.
It has taken time, education, and a lot of trial and error to get where I am with my health and fitness today. That’s why I have such a deep-rooted passion to help people reach their goals by cutting out the guesswork, frustration, and false information. I guide my clients on setting healthy and sustainable habits that bring joy and fit within their lifestyles.
Tell us about your Team Training Program: What’s it all about?
My “Dream Bodies” program is a progressive, ongoing program designed for women who want to achieve their physique goals, feel empowered in and out of the gym, and thrive in their nutrition.
The program includes four to five days of training per week, including two upper-body days, two lower-body days, and one optional full-body day. There are in-club and at-home versions of each workout. I also provide education around nutrition, weekly recipes, and tips for achieving and maintaining goals.
Do you have any specialty areas you work with clients in?
I specialize in nutrition, fat loss, physique goals, and developing healthy and sustainable lifestyles.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
I love getting to be part of clients’ journeys to becoming their best, mentally and physically, as well as creating a support system and community for my people, and witnessing them love and appreciate their bodies. I thrive when my people thrive!
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
“Werk It, Own It” because we all need to feel like a boss in the club.
For those getting started on a health and fitness journey, what advice would you give them?
Commit to yourself, but don’t expect to change all of your habits or your body overnight. Health and wellness is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t focus on short-term fixes.
Also, know there is no single best approach, so find the program and nutrition plan that works best for you to adhere to for the long run. You have to find what fits for you and your lifestyle. Enjoy the ride and be kind to yourself!
If you’re interested in training with Eden, you can get started here.
Tish Cangelosi, PT
Based out of Life Time in Pickerington, Ohio, Cangelosi’s personal mantra is a go-to Bible verse, “For God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self discipline.” Find her on Instagram at @CoachLaTisha.
How did you get into health and wellness as a career?
Many years ago, I was personally dealing with a lot of health issues. Seeking my own healing was initially what drew me into the area of health and wellness. I began to experience the mental and emotional strength that taking a holistic approach to health gave me, and I knew this was part of my God-given purpose — to be a light of strength, resiliency, and power, even when faced with some of life’s hardest struggles.
Tell us about your Team Training Program: What’s it all about?
My program, “Barbell Queens,” is designed in a way that’s similar to how I personally train as a fitness and bikini competitor. I have to put extra focus on all the areas I must dial in on when I compete, including my curves, glutes, abs, and shoulders.
I realized that these are areas other women want to put effort toward as well, so I designed my program with that in mind, but it also includes workouts that train the total body. I want to help women achieve a strong body and a balanced physique while also using that external strength to empower them to be able to do more internally.
Do you have any specialty areas you work with clients in?
Women who want to specifically improve some of those areas I mentioned — such as their glutes, core, and shoulders — are my sweet spot. However, I feel well-rounded as a coach, and I train both men and women.
I also enjoy coaching through proper form and technique, ensuring each client gets the most out of their time at the club or at home, as well as coaching clients to establish and deepen their mind-body connection.
What is the most meaningful part of your job?
The most meaningful part to me is seeing how I can take what I’ve learned and the strength I’ve gained and instill that in those I work with. Many women tell me, “I can’t do that,” or “I can’t lift that weight” — but I convince them to try any given thing at least once. If they really can’t do it at the time, I’ll modify the move, and we eventually master what they once saw as impossible.
Seeing my client’s discover a newfound confidence and strength through this process makes me so happy. I love how I’m able to help inspire others to live a healthier and more empowered life.
If there was a playlist named after you, what would it be called?
“She is Resilient” because I’ve been through a lot in my life from childhood. I’ve experienced trauma, abuse, losing finances, and I really had to restart my life in my 30s. I’m not a quitter and always make a choice to have some faith. If someone asked about me, they would tell you, “She’s a fighter and a winner — she’s resilient.”
For those getting started on a health and fitness journey, what advice would you give them?
Schedule to meet with a coach. We’re here to help people get started, and it is our responsibility to get you to your finish line — whatever that might be. Speaking your goals out loud to those around you — and to a coach — helps take them from a thought and turn them into a reality. Having someone help you clearly define your areas of need and wants while establishing a game plan is a recipe for success. You can’t win the game without a well-executed plan.
If you’re interested in training with Tish, you can get started here.
