Carla Waldron, Personal Trainer w/ A Soulful Purpose

Carla Waldron, a daughter, sister, friend and personal trainer you dream of having and knowing. I'm personally inspired by Carla's passions for fitness and the love and dedication to her family, friendships and of course, Brad Pitt. I had to throw that in there! Let's meet Carla! -Jessica Lea Nolette (blog creator)

How has living an active and healthy lifestyle affected your relationships with family, friends, and community? 

Living an active lifestyle has inspired many relationships and has helped them thrive. Those around me know that health is important, but I preach having a balance (sure, let’s go get a burger but be prepared to walk home afterward). I also come from a very active family, so my closest relationships maintain a lifestyle much like my own. And because health is as much mental as it is physical, I make sure to keep good people around me who improve my mood. For me, it just doesn’t make sense to hang out with energy drainers. Life is too short, so I’m going to live it as best as I can and share it with only the best.  

Philly Phitness Team! Love Run 5k! ❤️ #phillyphitness @phillyphitness via Carla's Instagram

What is your fitness philosophy? 

I’m not fancy when it comes to this. I believe you must make it a lifestyle. If something is important to you, you’ll make the time for it. Trust me, this is important. There’s no better time to start than right now. 

What kind of clients do you train? 

I’ll train anyone who wants to be better and get stronger, but who is ready to commit to those goals. That’s really all I ask of people. The clients I have now are incredible – they inspire me to be better. They’re a solid mix of individuals who have different levels of fitness, who have different careers, who come from different cultures, and who have different goals. What unites them are their goals of getting stronger, giving maximum effort at every session and improving every day through the power of fitness.  

Where do you train?  

I train out of a private studio, Philly Phitness. It’s located in the Rittenhouse area of Philadelphia, PA. 

Do you have a mentor or someone you look up to? 

Anyone who has a chance to talk to me knows how much I adore my family. I’m the youngest so I have older siblings and a great set of parents to look up to, and I could name about 1,000 other role models! But I’ve been so fortunate to have my best friend, Perry O’Hearn, as my mentor in this industry. Perry has a unique way of pushing me, and he knows how to motivate me to be better with business and inspired with learning through all aspects of my life. 

“Carla may be our youngest sibling, but she has always carried herself in such a way that makes you more determined to push yourself to do better. Her motivation and drive is so empowering. I can’t choose just one word to describe her, I’d have to choose two: WONDER WOMAN.”

— Amy Waldron (Carla's Sister)

“Carla may be the baby of the family, but this girl is a beast. There is nothing that she physically can’t do; and if she falters, she will keep at it until it’s mastered- the girl is determined. She inspires me every single day.”

— George Waldron (Carla's Brother)

The Fab Four! #siblings 

“I never had to worry about Carla keeping up with her siblings. Whether it was in the classroom or on the field, she always worked hard to be at the top. There is no stopping her. So proud of everything she does.”

— Carla's Mom

"Thanks to you and dad (plus siblings) for raising me to be the best person I can be!" -Carla Waldron

Perry & Carla. Best Friend + Mentor 

Trainers and clients are not always a good fit. What advice would you give someone trying to find the best trainer that matches their goals? 

I believe a trainer should always adjust to the client’s goals, but it takes work on both sides of the equation for the trainer and the client to stay committed to the end. In my experience, the most important part is the bond formed between the client and trainer, it allows for trust and honesty and elevates the experience and likelihood for success.

“I started working with Carla when I hit a roadblock in my own fitness journey. I never imagined I would move past the blockage with not only a new found understanding of my personal health but also myself. She didn’t just get me over the hump but has taught me about my physical strength and my personal strength. I started to work with Carla to find my healthy routine again, however, I have truly found so much more.”

— Rita Marie (Carla's Client)

"This is Rita and me. Common in our sessions to share a laugh (or lots of laughs)!"

What is your favorite and least favorite exercise? 

My favorite exercise is the Turkish Get Up, and my least favorite exercise is a burpee*. (*I don’t do them, so I don’t make my clients do them. It’s a sacred rule.)

How important is having a daily routine and setting goals? 

We all have a daily routine, but we don’t always have goals. Complacency is more common than we think, and that is no way to live. You deserve better, we all deserve better. So, once you figure out the goal you’re striving for, your daily routine will have to adjust. It’s that simple and not that simple all at the same time. But if it’s important to you, you’ll find a way to make it happen. If it’s not important, you’ll make an excuse and nothing will change. 

If you could have a training session with anyone in the world, who would it be with and why? 

Jane Fonda, the Queen of Fitness. I’m sure I would learn so much from her!

I'd like to share one message with the world on your behalf, what should I share? 

Never miss the opportunity to help another person.

What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote? 

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neal Donald Walsch

What Superhero power do you identify with?

Without a doubt, Wonder Woman.

In one word describe yourself: 

Resilient.

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To Connect with Carla:

Personal Trainer. Lifestyle Coach. Lover of life. 

Email: carlawaldronpt@gmail.com

Instagram: @carlawaldron

Facebook: Carla Waldron Personal Fitness Group

Would you like to suggest someone for our Blog? 

Mark Anthoine - Finance Professional & Former Pro-Hockey Player

How did you first get involved in finance? Can you tell us about BGA Financial and what you do? 

I first got involved in the financial world basically the first job out of my professional hockey career. I was a Business Management major at the University of Maine, so I kind of had a brief overview through multiple directions in the financial and business world. BGA Financial  (a merger of the Buckley Group of Portland and Anthoine Financial Services of Auburn) offers the two leaders in the financial services industry. With more than 45 years of experience combined, we focus in the areas of individual insurance planning, disability insurance, employee benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans and investment strategies. I am a Financial Service Representative for BGA.

"One lesson I have learned is that you should always take advantage of every opportunity no matter what you do for a living. If I have the chance to sit in on a meeting or listen to a webinar, I am constantly trying to make myself better in the financial world."-MA

What do you like to do outside of work that directly impacts your career? 

I’m a very social person, so I like to be out and about doing activities with friends. I like attending sporting events, go on the boat at my families cottage, hit the beach, I’m a big movie buff, and I’m basically up for anything, I’m more of a go with the flow type of person. And all of this can be looped into impacting my career because it helps to continue interpersonal skills and relationship building. I believe this type of business places a lot of emphasis on building good relationships and trust with a client.

How has hockey shaped you? Where would you be today without hockey?

I would definitely state for fact that I would not be who I am today without the sport of hockey. It has taken me on a life journey that I could tell stories about for hours. It has taught me about responsibility, time management, work ethic, determination, team work, and how to be mentally tough. Since the age of 17, I have lived in Maine, Illinois, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Florida, Alabama, and Indiana all thanks to hockey. If I wouldn’t have played hockey, I would have graduated high school at 17 and graduated college at 21 and would have probably been able to start a working career earlier, but not have the same life experiences that I do now which help me appreciate what I do and how I can help people. I wouldn’t change a thing.

How important is having a daily routine? 

It is important to bring a daily routine into your life because it almost keeps you grounded. Even the smallest things we do daily, impact our outlook on life. It creates good habits, and it is harder to break a bad habit than it is to create a good new habit. In the locker room, if you looked around, probably 80% of the other guys always had a special routine that they did every practice, every game, and every workout. Some guys took it to the extreme, while others kept it as simple as putting on the left equipment before the right. But having a routine, makes tasks become second nature, which in the long run only benefits you as you continue to live life and grow as a person.

"I would definitely state for fact that I would not be who I am today without the sport of hockey. It has taken me on a life journey that I could tell stories about for hours. It has taught me about responsibility, time management, work ethic, determination, team work, and how to be mentally tough."-MA

What are one challenge and one lesson you've learned from your transition from professional hockey to finance? 

Haha, one challenge is motivation to work out! I went from being in peak physical shape for a job to relying solely on my own personal motivation to get a sweat in. But it is an important part of life to keep a healthy balanced life in which exercise falls into that. I think the amount of free time is a big difference. I went from going to the rink for a 9:00 a.m. practice and leaving by around 12:30 p.m., so I had quite the amount of free time on my hands. Now I could be at my office at 8:00 a.m. and be out and about till 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. and I really enjoy my relax and down time so that can be difficult. One lesson I have learned is that you should always take advantage of every opportunity no matter what you do for a living. If I have the chance to sit in on a meeting or listen to a webinar, I am constantly trying to make myself better in the financial world. No different than me asking a coach to get on before or stay after practice to work on some small skills of my game. I saw this “meme” the other day and it might put some thought into what I said, “In order to become the 1%, you must do what the 99% won’t”. I think doing the minimum is never satisfying, so take advantage of opportunities to better yourself.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

That’s a difficult one if I had to say on a broad spectrum, playing four years for the University of Maine Ice Hockey Team and being an assistant captain my senior year was fun. But, broken down, probably scoring two goals and beating our rivals UNH at Fenway Park my Sophomore season in front of 30,000 fans including my best friends and family.

If you could only offer 1 piece of financial advice to our readers, what would it be and why?

I would say that don’t be afraid to ask questions or educate yourself on your financial needs. Everyone thinks they don’t need something, in regards to the financial world, but if you actually took a minute to sit down with someone and look at your needs, whether it be investments or protection/insurance, you would have a better understanding of your “financial pyramid”.

What is one "I couldn't live without it" App you use?

Spotify, easily my favorite app because let’s be honest, what would we do without a little music every day!

What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote? 

I’m a big inspirational/motivational fan when it comes to books and youtube videos. I’ve always like one by Tommy Lasorda, “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.”

In one word, describe yourself: 

Passionate

Mark Anthoine is a Financial Service Representative for BGA w/ special focus in individual insurance planning, disability insurance, employee benefits, employer-sponsored retirement plans and investment strategies.

To Connect with Mark: 

Instagram: @twandog

      Twitter: @twandog

     Facebook: Mark Anthoine

Jennifer Spangler - Mom, Runner, Nurse & Brand Ambassador

What is INKnBURN? 

INKnBURN is a small family owned business operated in Southern California.  INKnBURN designs and hand-crafts athletic apparel in the USA.  INKnBURN produces unique and high-quality athletic wear that can be worn for running, yoga, cycling, to the gym, or even casually.  I purchased my first piece in August of 2015 and wore the capris for the Chicago Marathon in 2015.  I was SOLD!  Since then, I have run a total of 6 marathons, all wearing INKnBURN.  No chafing, comfortable fit, and stays in place and each piece/design is very unique.   

"INKnBURN produces unique and high-quality athletic wear that can be worn for running, yoga, cycling, to the gym, or even casually."

What inspired you to begin running? 

In May of 2013 I decided to start walking and wanted to lose weight.  By July, I was walking at a fairly fast pace, 13-14 minute miles.  I was fortunate to have a large private place and just decided I would try to run.  I didn't want to run in front of anyone because of my weight and also because I was still smoking at the time and would get winded in a very short amount of time.  The run/walk intervals continued through July and in August, I ran 5 miles straight!  I can remember the day like it was yesterday.  I came home and cried, so proud of my accomplishment.  My husband came home from work that day and I told him I decided I wanted to run a half marathon, that surely if I could run 5 miles I could run 13 but I would have to quit smoking.  I set my mind to it and I quit smoking in October 2013.  After I quit, I rewarded myself by signing up for my first half marathon. I ran my first half in April 2014.  I have since run 18 half marathons.  Between October 2015 through January 2017, I ran 6 marathons.  2017 has NOT been my year.  I was running everyday, at least one mile outside.  In February my streak came to a halt after 959 days.  I was having terrible foot pain and doc thought I had a stress fracture.  It ended up being plantar fasciitis.  He told me no running for 3 weeks so I took up swimming and biking.  I was able to resume my running in March and ran a half in May. 

I was signed up to run the Chicago Marathon for the 3rd year in a row.  On May 26th, I was with my family and missed the step up on the curb, down I went.  A total of 3 breaks and dislocation in the left ankle. I had surgery on May 27th.  I was in a cast for 7 weeks, and in a boot for 5.  Non-weight bearing for 12 weeks.  I saw the doc on July 14th and he released me to swim so I have tried my hand at aqua-jogging and some swimming and so far so good.   I see the doc again on August 18th and hope he releases me to bear weight.  I will have to go through Physical Therapy.  I had to defer my entry in the Chicago Marathon this year but I am hoping for a come back at Ragnar SouthBeach in November and the Dopey Challenge in January.  I know I have a long road ahead of me but I am always up for a challenge.    

How has running impacted your personal life and career as a nurse?

Running has impacted my personal life in many ways but one of the most important was it gave me the determination I needed to quit smoking.  In regards to my career as a nurse, running has helped me see the true importance of living a healthy lifestyle so it is easier to truly "practice what you preach" with my patients.  

What are one challenge and one lesson you’ve learned from your training? 

One of the biggest challenges with training is dealing with the weather and making sure I have time and safe conditions for the long runs.  I have learned to trust the training, if you put in the work, you can make it to the finish line! 

What are your top two favorite race memories?

I would say the most memorable moments was crossing the finish line at my first half marathon.  As a family, we went to Disney in January and my son ran the 10K with me and I ran the full marathon with my husband.  It is wonderful sharing my running journey with the two people that mean the world to me. And as you will see by my pictures... I love everything about Run Disney!!!

If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I am truly happy with running just about anywhere but I would love to spend some time out west because there is so much beautiful scenery.  

What is your favorite inspirational/motivational quote? 

A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but because of its persistence. -James N. Watkins

In one word, describe yourself:

Driven

If you would like to connect w/ Jennifer you can follow her on:

Facebook @ 26.2lifechangingmiles

and on

Instagram @ jen_spangler_runs