Kelly Gonzalez - Fitness Instructor

Kelly's Fitness Philosophy

When I was 16 years old, I walked into a health club and thought, "this is like a playground." Fitness has always been fun for me. Never has it been forced, never just another dull chore on my endless to do list. It's a priority; a daily priority that I complete with enthusiasm.

Fitness is a priority solely, because I am aware of the benefits. I have endless amounts of energy, my mind is clear, my body runs like a well oiled machine, my creativity flows, and I have enthusiasm for life. It may sound over the top, but that's what true passion is. It's miles over the top, because there's no possible way to explain raw passion.

I've found that it's difficult to get bored in the health and fitness industry. There's so much to learn- continual research, various training methods, a myriad of sports to try, so many intelligent people in the field to network with. You could spend a lifetime being a student of fitness.

In a few words, that is how I define myself. I am a student of fitness. I will never know it all, but I enjoy the learning process, and therefore I wish to share my passion for learning about health and fitness with others by providing them with the knowledge that I have gained and continue to accumulate.

Kelly's Background

Kelly grew up in Annapolis, Maryland. She attended St. Mary's High School where she played lacrosse and field hockey. Her involvement in sports ignited Kelly's interest in health and fitness. She worked at the local health club part-time and by her senior year of high school became a certified personal trainer and Spinning Instructor.

Kelly went on to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. She graduated in 2008 with a BA. in Writing Seminars. Throughout college Kelly was involved in fitness as a member of the women's Division I lacrosse team. She taught group Spinning classes at the campus' recreation center, worked as a personal trainer, and wrote a weekly health and fitness column for the Johns Hopkins Newsletter called "Busy Bodies," to encourage Johns Hopkins' students to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

During her junior year of college, Kelly competed in the Baltimore Marathon, finishing with a Boston Marathon qualifying time. She competed in the 2007 Boston Marathon that April and finished in a time of 3:30:22.

After graduating in 2008, Kelly lived in Australia for 6 months. She worked part time at a private personal training studio and worked as a waitress to fund travel expenses. In Australia, Kelly was able to gain a broader view of holistic health practices. Her mind and body connection was enhanced with a week long trip to Bali, Indonesia.

During the fall of 2009 Kelly turned her love for fitness and training into her ultimate sport as she entered the world of physique competitions. Kelly competed in her first NPC national bikini competition in November 2009 at NPC Nationals in Hollywood, Florida. After placing 2nd in her class she was determined to earn IFBB Professional status.

On July 10, 2010 Kelly accomplished that goal. She earned her IFBB Bikini Pro Card at the NPC Team Universe pro qualifier in New Jersey. This was a significant moment in her life as she has desired to be a professional athlete since childhood.

Kelly holds a Bachelors of Arts from Johns Hopkins University in Writing Seminars, and Masters in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has her own business Kelly Gonzalez Fitness, LLC.

Kelly is a freelance health and fitness writer, certified personal trainer, fitness model, and IFBB professional bikini athlete.

Education, Certifications, and Achievements:

Education:

BA. in Writing Seminars from Johns Hopkins University

MS. in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania

Certifications:

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

ACE Certified Personal Trainer

NSPA Certified Personal Trainer

NSPA Weight Management Consultant

NASE Speed and Conditioning Specialist

CPR/First Aid Certified

Reebok Cycling Instructor Certifed

Johnny G Spinning Instructor Certified

Published Health and Fitness Articles appear in:

Johns Hopkins News-letter (2006-2008)

Delaware Wave Newspaper (2008-present)

Annapolis Sunday Capital Newspaper (2009-present)

Bodybuilding.com (2009-present)

Simplyshredded.com (2009-present)

BodybuildingVT content writer (site launch date TBA)

Competition History:

OCB Central Eastern Seaboard States Figure Open Short June 2008: 4th place

OCB Central Eastern Seaboard States Figure Novice Short June 2008: 4th place

NPC Baltimore Washington Invitational Bikini Short October 2009: 1st place

NPC Nationals Bikini A Class November 2009: 2nd place

NPC Jr. Nationals Bikini A Class June 2010: 2nd place

NPC Team Universe Bikini A Class July 9-10 2010: 2nd place: Earned IFBB Professional Status

IFBB Europa Battle of Champions July 23-24 2010: 8th place: Pro Debut

Other Athletic Achievements:

Division 1 Lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University: 2004-2006

Baltimore Marathon 2006

Boston Marathon 2007

Mid-Atlantic Beach Flags Regional Champion 2007

USLA Championships 2007 2nd place in Beach Flags, 2nd place in 4x100 Relay

USLA International Surf Lifesaving Competition Team Beach Sprinter: Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, November-December 2007

Trained with Northcliffe Beach Sprint Team in Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia, Fall 2008

My Key Beliefs:

Take responsibility

You have one body. It is your responsibility to take care of it. Everything you do, everything you eat, how much stress you allow your body to amass affects how your body will operate in the present moment and in the future. Why not save yourself the trouble, and implement healthy changes to improve your wellbeing? Not only will you potentially decrease health risks, but you will also look and feel like a million dollars. You're worth that and so much more!

Search for knowledge

You know how babies are amazed by their own reflection in a mirror? I believe that we never stop being intrigued by our bodies and minds. What's happening to our bodies on a daily basis? What could happen in the future? What can we do to stay healthy? Take advantage of the wealth of resources available to you via books, the Internet, journal articles, local community classes and clinics. Learn about yourself!

Whatever you, do it with passion

I've trained for various sports and events. No matter what I'm training for I become completely engulfed in it physically and emotionally, because I'm extremely passionate about my goals. If you want to accomplish any goal it's important to answer the big question, "WHY?" You can't accomplish goals on a grand scale if you're trying to please other people, doing it just for the money, fame, or whatever it may be. Sure, you may reach your goal, but you must have intrinsic motivation to truly receive the full effect. Back your objectives and goals with your own personal passion. When you complete a task that seemed impossible not too long ago, put in the hard work, and reap the benefits, you not only receive physical changes, but also emotional changes. By accomplishing one goal you may be ready to take on another at an even higher level. The cycle continues, and all along the way more self-assurance is accrued.

Vision Statement:

To inspire, motivate, and educate others to adopt a healthy lifestyle and enhance the quality of their lives.

Mission Statement:

To provide the community with knowledge and resources to increase health awareness, make fitness fun, and encourage people to make their health a priority.

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