Angel Crowder
Why I became a trainer:
I became a trainer for two main reasons – I feel fulfilled through helping people and I have a passion for health and fitness. I believe that a healthy body is one of the greatest assets we can ever have. My goal is to help people get healthier and stronger in order to live the life they want and enjoy it to the fullest.
Why at Ferguson Fitness:
I train at Ferguson Fitness not only because the classes are challenging and fun but because of the community! Always welcoming and encouraging, they help support not only your fitness goals but your life goals as well. Anthony and Johanna played a big part in encouraging me to get certified as a personal trainer and I am thankful to them for that. I have also met many great friends in the time that I’ve been at Ferguson.
How fitness has changed my life:
I didn’t find exercise and fitness until my late 20’s. I had always told myself that I wasn’t athletic, that art was more my thing. I never played sports, quite the opposite, I was the kid that avoided gym class by pretending to be injured (not proud of that). Then, somehow, a friend convinced me to run the Blue Ridge 10K with her, and while I didn’t enjoy the running much and I ended up with shin splints, one thing lead to another and I began to wonder what I could do if I tried. Turns out, I really loved lifting weights because I could feel myself become stronger and more capable. Fitness pushed me outside my comfort zone and made me challenge the beliefs I had about myself. It helped teach me the value of discipline and consistent work and, at the risk of sounding cliché, it has made me more comfortable being myself.
My favorite ways to enjoy being active / workout styles:
Hiking is by far my favorite way to be active. It combines a few of my favorite things -being outdoors, enjoying the beautiful mountains, exercise, and spending time with my husband and dogs. In the gym, I enjoy strength training, HIIT cardio, and any kind of ab workout! I also have a short daily yoga practice.
What I’m listening to during my workouts:
My workout playlist is a mix of mostly alternative (The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, Cage the Elephant) with some electronic (Zeds Dead, Pluko).
Favorite class at Ferguson Fitness:
It’s hard to pick a favorite class at Ferguson! I equally love Sarah’s HIIT classes for the sweat and Stronger Together for strength training.
What book / movie or show am I loving right now:
I love to read. I’m a big fan of both nonfiction and fantasy books. I’m currently re-reading one of my favorites by Neil Gaiman, Neverwhere. I recently finished Man’s Search for Meaning which is the most influential book I’ve ever read about the power of mindset/attitude.
Favorite healthy meal:
Currently, my favorite healthy meal is quinoa or rice with fried eggs, spinach (or microgreens!), green onions and extra hot sauce.
Certifications:
I am a certified personal trainer through ACE and certified yoga instructor through Yoga and Ayurveda Center.
Family/Personal Life:
I’m happily married to my high school sweetheart and we have 3 dogs. Aside from hiking, my hobbies are growing microgreens, gardening, reading, and drawing/painting when I get the time.