Meet Stephanie Fountain of Sweat with Steph

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Fountain.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I was always very active and took part in many sports ( first love being soccer) but it was high school that I really began being interested in working out and nutrition.

I remember my first gym that I worked out in was a Gold’s gym and I loved the feeling of pushing myself and becoming stronger. I got a taste of the corporate fitness setting when I unturned at Friendly”s Voroerate Fitness center in Wilbraham. Although I didn’t pursue this particular path, it was there I realized the potential I had to help motivate and help people to become healthy.

From that point, I knew a career in health and wellness was the path I would take. In college, I attended the University of Massachusetts Boston where I studied exercise physiology and I enjoyed every bit! When I attended, I was going toward a more clinical setting. I interned during my last semester at Norwood Hospital in the cardiac rehab.

After college, I relocated to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, with friends, to pursue a great opportunity in the restaurant business. It was here I became engaged and was ready to start my family. Suddenly, my life was struck with tragedy. I suffered an incredible loss all the while, pregnant with my first child. It was at this one vivid moment (I still remember), at the hospital just after losing my husband, in a small room grieving, when I remembered I was pregnant. It was also at that moment I remember telling myself, I’m not going to be a sad story, I am going to be a happy one. I knew I had to pick myself up and continue to be that happy, and ambitious person.

At only 26, I knew I had my whole life still ahead of me and I was going to make s good life for my unborn baby boy. I didn’t know how I would do this. There were tough days when I just didn’t see how things would get better. I remember telling myself how unfair it was, the card I’d been dealt. For me, it all came down to having the amazing and undying support of my family. They picked me up when I needed it the most, putting together my broken pieces.

I moved back to Massachusetts where I planned to raise my baby. Never thought I’d end up back where I started but moving back home at that time proved to be the best decision… While still pregnant, I began part-time work as a trainer at the Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham. This was the beginning of SO many new beginnings in my life. I exercised every day and was the healthiest I could be for the remainder of my pregnancy.

After giving birth to my son Brady, I still continued to work as a trainer at the Y. I became part of the Y family and met so many friends and one of my most beloved mentors. I began teaching classes and helped start their Livestrong at the YMCA and loved being a part of helping people. It was around this time, at the Y that I was lucky enough to meet Brett. Brett was a good man and he promised to be a good husband and a good father to my son Brady. After getting married and starting my new family, I had found my happiness again. I took some time off and was a stay at home mom.

After a few years, it was time to back at it. We built a house in town and with it the thought of a basement studio, where I would be able to do personal and group training sessions. After a lot of hard work and planning, I launched my business which I call Sweat with Steph. I started by doing a couple of classes and had an increasing interest in what I was doing. I concentrate on full body circuits using a wide variety of equipment. Arms, legs, cardio, and core all in one great workout. These are small groups which are not only fun but it also provides a great connection and encouragement between participants…

In addition to my small group sessions, I also do personal training and youth conditioning. This summer, I began partnering with a registered dietitian, Stacy Garvey of WellPoint Health Solutions. E created an outdoor exercise and nutrition program called FitParkFun. This program was intended for ages 10 and up. It is 6 weeks and includes 2 outdoor workouts and weekly meal plans.

A perfect way to maintain a healthy diet and keep motivated with total body circuits. The program was a success and we are hoping to expand and continue to bring it to other locations. I am happy to still be working and doing programs at The Y while continuing to grow my business and pursue my passion for fitness with Sweat with Steph.

Has it been a smooth road?
I cannot complain. I have a great following of amazing and hardworking people, who confuse to support me and what I love to do. There are always hiccups along the way but I’ve learned when something doesn’t work, not to be afraid to change it up. You have to keep things fresh and fun for people and get creative so people don’t get bored with their workouts.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sweat with Steph – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Sweat with Steph was started because I love to work the whole body in 1 workout. I created my circuit, always using different equipment. It started with a focus on classes but now is a dedicated program that people are committed to with 2 workouts/week for a 6-8week period. My focus is on outdoor programs during the warmer months.

In addition to these Challenge Groups, I also offer personal training, small group training with 3 person minimum and youth conditioning for ages 10 and up. I think one of the things people enjoy my workouts is that I never repeat the same workout, ever. It’s kind of my thing, that I like to challenge myself to keep reinventing different exercises to keep all my clients and their muscles guessing.

I think what I’m known for is for working with people of all fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, have injuries or are a youth that needs conditioning, I can work with your needs. I am not a boot camp. I am in the business of providing exercise that is safe and effective for people of all fitness levels. I assure you, if you come to work hard, you’ll leave sweaty and feeling great, however, I also provide modifications for every exercise, as needed.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love Wilbraham because it’s where I’m most comfortable. It’s a great town to raise a family in as well. It is a beautiful town, it has a great school system and has a great sense of community.

What I like least is there’s not a lot of restaurants it shopping. You have to travel a good distance to go to good stores.

Pricing:

• 6-8 week Challenge Groups $150-250
• Personal Training $50 1session, $45 2Xs/week
• $15 drop-in session, $10 (youth 10 and up)
• Mod/ High-Intensity Running Session $15

Contact Info:

• Website: Sweatysteph.com
• Email: sweatysteph@gmail.com
• Facebook: Sweat With Steph

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