Christa K. Hern
Professional Biography Summary
Christa Hern is a seasoned Health and Fitness Instructor, bringing 28 years of dedicated experience to the industry. Over the course of her career, she has earned multiple professional certifications in fitness instruction and personal training. These credentials reflect her ongoing commitment to quality and expertise in the field. Throughout her extensive career, Christa has worked with a diverse range of clients. She has supported individuals in achieving a variety of goals, including weight management, strength and endurance development, sports-specific conditioning, senior fitness, and youth programs. Christa also has proficiency in post-rehabilitation training, assisting clients as they work to regain strength and mobility following injury or illness. Christa leads a variety of group exercise classes, such as Spin, Water Aerobics, and Zumba. She is dedicated to cultivating inclusive class environments that empower participants. Her approach prioritizes building confidence and fostering a strong sense of community among all class members.
Introduction
Just like air, physical fitness is essential to living the life of our choice. The importance of caring for oneself remains constant, regardless of age, and is fundamental to both survival and the daily experience of life.
Professional Experience and Philosophy
With more than 28 years of experience in the health and fitness industry, I have concluded that self-care is crucial at any stage of life. The human body is truly capable of remarkable feats. Driven by a deep interest in human movement, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in human performance and Sport, concentrating in Exercise Science. My training philosophy centers on the basic components of fitness, tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. I believe in achieving goals through specific, progressive, and consistent strategies.
Guiding Others Toward Success
As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and group instructor, I have had the privilege of educating and guiding people of all ages and abilities through their journeys in health and fitness. My experience ranges from mentoring children to participate in fitness activities, coaching an 80-year-old for a hiking trip, witnessing a stroke survivor complete a triathlon, assisting a bride to look stunning in her wedding dress, and coaching a disc golf competitor to a first-place finish. These examples demonstrate that with determination, there is truly nothing that cannot be achieved. I am honored that so many have trusted me to lead them to their health and fitness goals.
Personal Growth and Inspiration
The success stories of my clients continue to inspire me. They motivate me to challenge myself by trying new physical activities, such as training for 5Ks, preparing for long hikes, or getting ready for photoshoots. I greatly enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, snorkeling, ziplining, and traveling to new places to engage in these hobbies. Maintaining a regular gym regimen keeps me fit and healthy, allowing me to explore and enjoy these pursuits.
Early Influences and Lifestyle
As a child and young adult, I was fortunate to have the mountains as my playground. My daily routine included running up and down hillsides, swimming in rivers, and basking in sunlight throughout the year. I learned the value of gardening and utilizing available resources, which formed the basis of our daily meals.
A New Purpose
Later as a young adult, I moved from the mountains into the city, where I discovered my purpose: teaching others about the power of movement. I emphasize the benefits of eating well, purposeful movement, and the ability to accomplish physical and mental activities beyond what we might imagine.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout different stages of my life, I have faced struggles with body image, maintaining a healthy weight, and setbacks resulting from injuries and surgeries. Yet, I have always turned to exercise to help me overcome these obstacles—not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Personally, health and fitness have aided me through many life challenges, providing an essential outlet and helping me continue this journey we call life.
Gratitude and Connections
Over the years as a health and fitness professional, I have been fortunate to meet a wide variety of people—clients, fellow professionals, and others—who have encouraged me, contributed to my growth, and believed in my ability to guide them on their own health and fitness journeys.
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• New Mexico Highlands University - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the incredible clients I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. Guiding individuals to achieve their health and fitness goals, watching them gain confidence, and seeing their transformation has not only inspired them but has also fueled my own growth as a professional. Their dedication and trust motivate me to continually refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and create programs that empower, challenge, and support every participant in reaching their full potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to follow my heart and pursue my dreams. Staying true to my passions in health and fitness has guided my decisions, motivated me through challenges, and allowed me to create a meaningful career that aligns with my values. By listening to my intuition and committing to what I love, I have been able to make a lasting impact on the lives of my clients while continually growing both personally and professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the health and fitness industry is to be prepared for challenges and to truly believe in yourself. Success in this field requires resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose, as helping others achieve their goals often demands patience, creativity, and dedication. By trusting your expertise, embracing continuous learning, and maintaining self-belief, you can overcome obstacles and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those you serve.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the health and fitness field today is the cost of personal training, which can make it difficult for many people to access professional guidance and achieve their wellness goals. However, this also presents an opportunity to find creative ways to make fitness more accessible, whether through group classes, community programs, or online resources. By developing flexible, inclusive solutions, we can help more individuals improve their health, build confidence, and experience the benefits of professional support without financial barriers.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value in both my work and personal life is taking care of yourself so you can help others. Prioritizing health, wellness, and balance allows me to bring energy, focus, and compassion to my clients and community. By modeling self-care and maintaining my own well-being, I can better support, motivate, and inspire others to reach their goals while fostering a positive and sustainable approach to fitness and life.
Locations
Albuquerque, Santa Fe and surrounding areas NM
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