Trainer Spotlight: Brittney Douglas
We asked Movement Revolution’s very own Brittney Douglas some questions. She enlightened us on her journey within the fitness industry, her go-to healthy post workout meal, and favorite winter pastime: hitting the slopes.
Explain your background and why you got into the fitness industry.
Growing up I had a lot of energy, so as a kid, you could always find me on the playground, at karate practice, swimming in a pool or in my front yard pretending I was an Olympic gymnast. When I got to high school I fell in love with competitive cheerleading and continued with it into college as a cheerleader for Portland State University. After college, I discovered snowboarding and 18 years later it is still my favorite winter pastime. I got into the fitness industry mostly for myself. I wanted to learn how to keep myself in shape so I didn’t have difficulty keeping up with my physically demanding hobbies. I also wanted to be educated on how to prevent and recover from injuries so I didn’t set my body up for failure as I aged. Once I knew how to take care of myself, I felt it was time to share my knowledge with others and help them with their fitness goals. When I was 28, I decided to go back to college and get my associates degree in fitness training from Clark College. After getting my degree, I became a certified personal trainer by National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). I then spent a few years learning different styles of training, completed my first triathlon, and even joined a CrossFit gym. I have now been training clients for a couple years through personal training and group fitness classes.
What are you most passionate about in fitness and health?
The thing I am most passionate about in fitness and health is keeping the body moving and pain free. As we age, our muscles start to take on a mind of their own through our repetitive movements, daily postural positions, and sedentary lifestyles. It’s important for me to workout as a way of training my body to move correctly, stand, sit, and move with good posture and correct technique, and to stretch tight muscles in order to avoid injury, pain and postural distortion patterns. I love seeing folks in their 60’s+ moving around like they did in their 20’s. That’s definitely motivation for me to keep up with it.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Why?
The most rewarding part of my job is watching my clients progress. Most of my new clients come to me with little to no confidence but a desire to work and change. When we both start seeing change, their confidence levels rise and they really get to see the power of fitness training and why they are here.
How are you active in your own life? What motivates you?
As I stated earlier, my winters are devoted to snowboarding. During the summer months, I love to enjoy the amazing amenities that the PNW has to offer. We have so many places to hike and explore. When traveling, I like to try to find outdoor activities to enjoy while there. One of my favorite memories traveling was when my husband and I traveled to Thailand for our honeymoon. We went rock climbing and scuba diving. It’s was an amazing experience. Being able to do anything physical is definitely motivation for me to keep myself fit. I don’t ever want to have to pass on something I want to do because I don’t have the strength and stamina to do it. I also want to feel active and healthy going into the later stages of my life. If I’m still riding a snowboard at the age of 60, I will be right where I want to be!
What are some of your short and long-term goals? Do you have additional aspirations outside of your fitness career?
As far as goals go, short term I would love to get my Corrective Exercise Specialist and Nutrition certification. I think this would be a huge benefit to my clients as well as myself. Long term, it would be great to open my own personal training studio.
What amazes you most about the human body?
The thing that amazes me most about the human body is how adaptable it is. You really can train your body to do anything if you try hard enough. Your body will pay you back for the amount of work you put in so don’t ever give up!
What is your favorite post workout meal?
After a hard workout, I like to fill my body with proteins, healthy carbs and any kind of green veggie. I usually work out at night so my post workout meal would typically be my dinner. I’ll eat something like sage crusted roasted chicken breast, a sweet potato, and garlic rosemary roasted asparagus. It’s important to me to eat flavorful foods so I use a lot of herbs and spices. They are very healthy for you as well!
If you could only bring one piece of workout equipment to a deserted island, what would it be?
If I could only bring 1 piece of workout equipment with me to a deserted island it would have to be my foam roller. I’m used to using nature as my gym but when my muscles get tight, it’s my foam roller that saves the day!
Brittney teaches at Movement Revolution Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights at 5:30pm. She mixes it up with super-fun and challenging circuits, obstacle courses, and other moves that are sure to break a sweat. We invite you to come check it out for yourself!
This article was written by our very own Megan Carter.