As published on SHOUTOUT ATLANTA
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristy Wegert and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristy, how does your business help the community or world? At My Workout Buddy, I train people in recovery from all eating disorders. That includes anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, binge-purge subtypes, and binge eating disorder. I am usually part of a treatment team along with a registered dietitian and a therapist. Together we help people stay in recovery and enjoy the benefits of exercise in a safe environment.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
One thing that sets me apart from other trainers is that I don’t use metrics. No scales, no skin fold tests, and no circumference measurements. No one wants to start their workout off with a shame session for a warm up. Strengthening the body is a joy if you let it be so. Heck, it can be a downright blast working out here and that starts with positive messaging about our bodies. Our bodies are vehicles not ornaments! I certified as a personal trainer at 40. Coming to the industry at an older age, I brought a level of maturity to my work that you might not find at big box gyms. I spend time really listening to my clients’ needs. They each come with their unique experiences, likes, dislikes, injuries, and expectations. My job is to deliver the best experience and continued growth. Halfway through a set of squats if something feels off, I want to know about it so adjustments can be made. With open lines of communication, trust is established and real progress is made. I am proud of my private studio. It is welcoming, well stocked with fitness equipment, and full of natural light. We can even play outside in privacy surrounded by trees and a big open sky. It is a joy to workout here.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love taking friends to Little 5 Points. That’s been my go-to for years. The shops are funky and different and the people are fun to talk to. I usually head to Junkman’s Daughter to laugh at the greeting cards, try on the crazy platform shoes, and dream of wearing al the wild clothes. Years ago there was a little place called Eat Your Vegetables that served vegetarian fare. It’s long gone but in it’s place is a fun polar opposite…The Vortex. Walking through the giant skull to enter always reminds me of Halloween. If I am out late enough, catching a show at The Variety Playhouse is always the best place for concerts. My most recent shows there have been Zoso (Led Zeppelin cover band), Hu (Mongolian folk metal), and Blue Oyster Cult (classic rock). I am also a big fan of the Grant Park area. I love showing people Oakland Cemetery and grabbing some lunch nearby. Aptly named Six Feet Under is good for some seafood but my favorite is Ria’s Bluebird. They serve some plant based options that I just love…like their tempeh ruben sandwich. It is soooooo yummy! Seeing some of the old towns surrounding Atlanta can be fun too. Historic town squares in Marietta, Roswell, Norcross, and even Gainesville are pretty happening places in their own right and deserve some love too. I am big into hiking. The woods are my happy place. I believe a visit to Atlanta is not complete unless we have hit the trails along The Chattahoochee and behind Roswell Mill. There is so much beauty here in our hip little city.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders. Their moto when I was growing up was…”Do whatever makes you happy”. My Mom in particular was instrumental in my becoming a personal trainer. She was my first personal trainer and owned her own training studio in the 90s called Good Bodies. It was in her studio that I learned to lift weights. It has been a hobby of mine for 29 years and still going strong…literally. I can definitely thank her again for helping me get my start in this fabulous and fun business.
Website: www.my-workoutbuddy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kristywegert
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