Brooke Anderson, personal trainer, shares why she became a personal trainer, her favorite spots in New England, and her favorite place to watch a sunset. She also shares words of wisdom for aspiring personal trainers!

Lauren — Travel and Write Today: How did you decide to become a personal trainer?

Brooke Anderson: I was always active in school and decided to join a gym after graduation. My mentor grabbed me after her step class one day and said, “You have good rhythm, you should try teaching fitness.” That’s all she wrote — I was hooked! I love helping people, and this became my calling. I had a desk job and taught fitness on the side during college. One day I decided to leave my desk job and take fitness on full-time. I became a trainer and continued to teach my group fitness classes. Both jobs marry well together because I grew my clientele through the trust I built in my group fitness classes.

TWT: Your content is always so inspiring, so I know you are great at motivating everyone who takes your classes (even virtually)!

BA: Awe thank you! I love teaching virtually! The community and feeling behind it has meant so much during the pandemic.

TWT: I know you’ve spent a lot of time in New England — what are some of your favorite spots to visit here?

BA: Oh I loved the time I spent in New England. My family was in Massachusetts for 7 years before heading back down south. We went sledding in the snowy weather in Stowe, VT. We loved apple picking, and would pick a new farm to go to every year. Cider donuts are our fave! We also went to Maine last summer, and rented a cabin in Rangeley. That was by far one of my favorite vacations up there. We needed a remote getaway because of the pandemic, and it totally made us all feel so great. The cabin was in the woods with no Wi-Fi or tv — it was the best!

TWT: We love cider donuts too! We love going to Lookout Farm in Natick to grab a bag!

TWT: What is one of your go-to spots in Miami?

BA: I’ve visited Florida so many times, but still need to get to Miami! Miami is super fun! A must go-to spot is South Beach. I would say it is THE PLACE to go when you visit. It is glamorous, with tons of restaurants and shops!

TWT: What is your go-to coffee (or tea) order, and what is your favorite coffee shop?

BA: I love Starbucks. Starbucks is one my treat, and I have switched to cold brew since we moved to Miami. I usually go for a low-calorie option unless I am really treating myself. I look for cold brews that are 100 calories or less. They always taste good to me!

TWT: I go to Starbucks and Dunkin’, but I love Starbucks too!

TWT: What is your favorite place to watch a sunrise/sunset?

BA: I love walking to the bay in the evenings with my doggie Tucker. The sunsets are amazing near the water.

TWT: What is one of your favorite places to take a family vacation?

BA: We love cruises! One of my favorite places we visited on a cruise was Curaçao. The water was completely clear, and we went to the most beautiful beaches.

TWT: I went on a family cruise for my 16th Birthday – I remember the water being so beautiful!

TWT: What is your favorite book?

BA: I’m a true crime kinda gal. I love a good murder mystery. Because of kiddos and limited time, I have switched to podcasts lately. It feels like my mind is still able to get creative as I listen to the stories. Pre-kids, I loved the Twilight series. I think the books are so much better than the movies.

TWT: What advice would you give to aspiring personal trainers?

BA: Be kind to yourself. It’s easy to overwork and burnout. Set some good goals for yourself and your business. Be a good listener and be honest with your clients. If you don’t know something, don’t pretend you do. Do the research and plan your clients’ workouts that fit them individually. If your client’s needs are outside of your scope of knowledge, do not be afraid to refer your clients to another trainer or health professional. And number one, don’t compete with others. Be a team player. It’s always best to surround yourself with people who make you better! I am always learning how to be better, and I’m still evolving even after 20 plus years in the business.

TWT: I know fitness centers and fitness instructors have been significantly impacted due to the pandemic — especially for in-person classes and sessions. How can we help?

BA: Keep moving and grooving! Support your fitness community by continuing with your fitness. Just showing up means the world to us. I really mean that because I feel it when my people just show up!!

Follow Brooke Anderson here:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/BodyByBrookieAnderson

Facebook: @brookeandersonmommyfit