Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Earle.
Caroline, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began teaching indoor cycling classes in college — The University of Tampa — during my senior year. I instantly fell in love with the musicality, physical challenge and group fitness community. Upon graduation I knew I wanted to keep teaching, but more of a part-time gig; after all, I graduated with my BFA in Art History and had goals of working at a museum or gallery.
My dreams were quickly brought to reality in 2009 when no one was hiring, let alone taking a chance on a recent graduate. I found an opening for a spin instructor at Harvard Business School and auditioned.
Being a part of the health and wellness community made me realize how much I wanted to dive head first into this lifestyle. Teaching fitness classes and personal training clients became my daily regime. 5 a.m. wake-ups and 6 p.m. classes were the norm. Through working in the industry, I realized how much I grew as an instructor when I would take others’ classes. This began my journey to start my blog, The Trendy Trainer.
It was 2011 and boutique studios were just starting to take off — in Boston, at least. I would make my way around the city trying out new and upcoming fitness trends. From stylistic comments to the parking situation and friendliness of the staff, I would blog about every aspect of the experience. My goal was to give others a glimpse into the studio or gym before paying themselves.
Fast forward to today. I am the strength coach and fitness director at an all-girls middle/high school outside of Boston. I began here by coaching lacrosse, and quickly realized how rewarding each day was spent with these vibrant and inquisitive teenager. Living in a world surrounded by social media, I knew it was my mission to promote body positivity amongst these young women. My goal, each and every day, is to teach them to take up space in — and out of — the fitness room. To engage them in healthy living practices. And to guide them towards feeling their most confident.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I failed my first group fitness exam … by one point. I was beyond embarrassed.
After talking to my mom post-test, she reminded me of a very important life lesson and one of my favorite quotes to this day,
“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out; the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. The brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough” – the inspiring words of Randy Pausch
I studied harder and retook the written exam. I passed. I busted through that brick wall.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Trendy Trainer story. Tell us more about the business.
My life has gone through many transitions. From full-time fitness to being a health and fitness contributor for an online publication, I finally feel like I’ve landed where I was meant to be.
I’d say I am now specializing in youth training, sport-specific strength and conditioning and overall body positivity. While I still work with adult clientele teaching at Btone Fitness and personal training clients (in-person and online), I spend most of my days working at the high school.
I am most proud of how I have grown and accomplished through my own personal blog, articles published, and the impact I hope to have on each individual I work with.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure I believe in luck when it comes to growing your career. Instead, I’m a big fan of hard work, kindness, persistence and pounding the pavement to expand your industry connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thetrendytrainer.com
- Email: trendytrainer@gmail.com
- Instagram: @trendytrainer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheTrendyTrainer/
- Twitter: @trendytrainer
Image Credit:
Nick Cosky
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
