TRAIN WITH TIKA

I want you to know this about me:

 

There was a time I could barely hold a 10-second plank or do two push-ups. And while you’ll see "progress photos" below, they’re not here to objectify bodies or glorify weight loss. In fact, I’ve realized how toxic before-and-after photos can feel to some people. Instead, I share them to show you that you’ll be working with a trainer who has been through it; someone who understands the ups, downs, and realities of building a healthier life.

 

Motherhood knocked my socks off.

 

Before my son was born, I was an avid urban cyclist. I even got rid of my car, localized my entire life, and pedaled everywhere for everything. Cycling was my main source of strength, joy, and health. I biked year-round and even through my entire pregnancy.

 

Unsurprisingly though, my priorities changed after my son’s arrival. Safety became king; my perspective on inner city biking was dramatically altered. For me, the risks of city cycling with my son outweighed the rewards. I eventually gave it up without realizing just how much cycling improved my moods, anxiety, and overall health.

 

I was also about 50 pounds over my comfortable weight upon deciding it was time to adapt and start driving. 

 

I knew what I had to do: I got a personal trainer.

Gym workouts replaced cycling. And while they are vastly different experiences, the gym did the job for me. I got my inner joy back, my anxiety was brought down to a simmer, and I regained my strength (and then some!). I lost more than 50 pounds in the end. 

​

Meanwhile, I needed a career change. I spent my 20s working in restaurants, often wondering if Music Education was the right path or not (a long-term idea of mine).

 

After a lot of consideration, I pursued a Personal Training Certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, followed by an additional two-year certification with Ortho-Kinetics. I launched my training career at a popular health club under the guidance of an incredible mentor (thank you, Dylan)!
 

Then 2020 arrived, and everything changed. The pandemic forced us all to rethink how we live and move. My answer was to create HomeBody Personal Training, LLC; a way to deliver equipment to clients’ porches and meet virtually to keep them strong and safe. It worked. Clients thrived. And HomeBody stuck.​

 

Now, five years later, HomeBody is still going strong. I continue to provide equipment, teach an intelligent approach to movement, and share my passion for progress, not perfection, with my clients.

 

In addition to training virtually, I also train in person at my favorite local gym—the same gym where I rebuilt my own strength after motherhood. Whether you choose to train virtually or in person, thank you. It means a lot to me to be here for you.