If you are reading this and you are considering hiring Melanie as your coach, know that doing so would be one of the best investments in your health and fitness life. Melanie is one of the most compassionate and empathetic people that I have come to know. Not only is that but her knowledge of biomechanics and metabolism is second to none. She will take the time to genuinely get to know each of her clients and be sure to provide them with the assistance they need. Whether it be a workout routine tailored to your specific requirements or helping to overcome an injury, her training experience will ensure that you get the most out of any of her programs.
She also understands the difficulties people experience when it comes to people’s relationship with food. She will nurture and guide you along the journey to sustainable food freedom and lifestyle. She has helped me with all of this, I have improved my relationship with food and become fitter and healthier than I can ever remember being.
She took the time to listen to me and get to know me, she truly listens with the heart. I can say that she goes from being a coach to being a friend that you can depend on for emotional support and a vast amount of knowledge. She has helped me develop a sustainable lifestyle with training and nutrition in a way that nobody has ever done before. My entire mind-set regarding food and training in the gym has only improved leaps and bounds. She is truly a gifted person, who makes for a fantastic coach and friend. I am beyond grateful to be working with her.
If you decide to hire her, you have my full support…in short, she’s awesome and kicks butt!
Train hard and eat well
-Danie V.
“I have had the pleasure of being a client and mentee of Melanie Wales for the last three months. From the very first time we met, it was evident that Melanie was an exceptional person in character, discipline, and skill. After hearing my story and my own desire to grow as an online fitness coach, she took me under her wing without a second thought. This was my first experience with that level of unconditional generosity, something that has remained prevalent in my time with her. For 12 weeks, I got to experience Melanie’s teaching in full, both as a client and a mentee. Her passion and knowledge for the fitness industry were deep and rooted in personal experience as she educated me on the ins and outs of building client relationships, programming infrastructure for fitness and nutrition, healthy habit formation, and maintaining objectivity as a coach for a sustainable career.
Melanie’s approach to coaching is unique and remarkable. She is a true professional who cares about her clients’ success and wellbeing, and her dedication to helping others is admirable– an ideal to strive towards as a fitpro. She is a treasure-trove of practical information in parallel with wisdom, grace, and immeasurable patience. Her guidance and support have been invaluable to me, and I truly believe that without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Under Melanie’s guidance, I experienced a transformation as an athlete and as a person. Her programming was tailored to my specific needs and goals, which led to significant improvements in my physical fitness and overall well being. Her knowledge allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how to take care of my body in ways that are compassionate and sustainable. I was able to achieve results I never thought were possible, even when working through deeply personal setbacks that otherwise would’ve left me in a rut.
Moreover, Melanie provided me with the direction and support necessary to become a better fitness professional and coach myself. Her insights into the business aspect of online coaching were invaluable, and her guidance on how to build a successful coaching business has been instrumental in my own success. Her claim to fame, the “Foundational Five” philosophy, opened a gate to a simple yet wildly effective strategy at long-term health. It’s a philosophy I’ve adopted with my own clients, and I’ve integrated those ideas into my everyday life (to a degree where it feels like second nature to consider what my body needs, both on good days and the bad). She understands that life is fluid, and her coaching is always adaptable to whatever situation a person might be going through. For Melanie, obstacles are opportunities– a hallmark of her creative problem solving skills.
Her caring and compassionate nature truly set her apart as a coach. Her service was purely out of the goodness of her heart, and her dedication to improving the lives of her clients was evident in every interaction. I cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for an exceptional coach and mentor in the fitness industry.
In conclusion, I want to thank you, Melanie, for your amazing service and for being a true inspiration to me and many others. Your passion, dedication, and knowledge have made a profound impact on my life, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you.”
Most warmly,
-Taha M.
I was overweight most of my youth.
For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to do was going the military.
However, upon graduating from high school weighing 281 lbs and a size 24, the Services would not take me.
I can remember the day like it was yesterday, “Why don’t you go to college and lose some weight?” Said the recruiter. So, I did. For the next five years, I went to college got and education and starved myself, lost 140 lbs. In 1999, my dream came true when I enlisted in the military.
For the next 20 years, I struggled with my weight. I went from 138 to 170 lbs. I went through 20 years of yo-yo dieting and starving myself to make weight. I would barely make my military weigh-in. I always managed to make my weigh-ins by starving myself. For years, I struggled with my weight and I tried everything from the Atkins diet to starving myself, to fasting to starting myself, etc. I became a yo-yo dieter and completely messed up my metabolism and my hormones were in chaos.
Until the day I met Melanie. Melanie taught me how to eat, she taught me how to have a healthy relationship with food and how to manage and control my cravings. Not only did Melanie help me through the days when I thought that I would give up; when it was too hard, she talked me off the ledge. Melanie changed my life.
I am currently finishing up my first fat loss phase and going into reverse diet through the holidays, I looked at the scale and the weight was exactly what it was in 1999 when I enlisted in the military. However, this time, it is different. This time, I know how to manage food cravings, I do not look at food as bad or good, I look at it as nourishment for my body and energy for my workouts. I eat what I want, but within my macros and calories. I do not starve myself or over do it with the cardio. I have never been happier. I have been able to lose the weight by just managing my macros at 1,500 and walking 10,000 steps every day. No crash diets, no starving myself, no long and no multiple cardio sessions.
This week, I am about to start my reverse diet in preparation for my next fat loss phase. My goal weight is 130 lbs. Although I am not there yet, I know that with hard work, consistency, determination, and Melanie’s coaching and guidance I will get to my goal.
If you have ever considered working with a personal trainer or dreamed of having your dream body, look no further, Melanie is and will be the best coach you will ver have.
I have been working with her for the past 6 months and I have never felt better. Long gone are my food binges because I was starving myself all week and long gone is the mentality that cake or ice cream are bad. I have a healthy relationship with food, I love my body, I love her workouts and I have never been happier.
Melanie is more than just a coach, she has a skill and a talent for putting together the best and most fun and interesting workouts. Since I have been working out with her I have not missed a single workout. I look forward to getting up every morning to get my workouts done. I have never been stronger or happier.
As I get ready to celebrate my 50th birthday, I can say that I feel and look better in my 50s than I did in 1999.
Thank you Melanie for what you do.
Your truly heaven sent for me.
Thank you for everything and I look forward to our continued work together.
A very satisfied customer.
-Maria B.
A value statement that I look for in personal and professional relationships is: “If you’re going to talk the talk, you’d better walk the walk.” Melanie Wales is the exemplar of that phrase. Six years ago. as a beginning yoga student, I personally watched Melanie’s own total body transformation first hand. For me, what makes her so impactful is her teaching style. She is intuitive, compassionate, and empathetic. She begins teaching/coaching with the intention of Seek First to Understand. As a result, her work is personalized and client-focused. Thank you, Melanie, for the journey you have shepherded for me for the last four years. I look forward to more years of growing!
-Christal D.
I Purchased an exercise program that required more equipment than I had at home.
I felt I needed to stay home until covid calmed down here so I needed help making this program work for me at home. I was also having trouble with how long it took me to finish a workout and needed to work around a shoulder issue. I reached out to Melanie for help. She sent me a questionnaire to thoroughly assess my circumstances. When we met on zoom, she had a solution for every issue I was having. I left feeling confident, excited about my workouts, I really understood what I was doing and why I was doing it. I don’t think I have ever had a quality workout at home like I did with Melanie’s modifications. I like her modified program better than the original program I bought.
-Alisha J.
If you are considering hiring and working 1:1 with a coach, I HIGHLY recommend Melanie. I worked with Melanie for 12 weeks. She really helped me with my fat loss phase, but more importantly, she helped me look at my health as the WHOLE picture. She taught me how to sustain my macros, no crazy low calories to follow that would leave me starving and with no energy. Melanie also gave me 150% of her time, dedication and follow-through with our 1:1 check-in’s. She thoroughly dives in with you, beyond the food aspect of your health…and honestly, isn’t that what it is about? Looking deeper? If you are looking for a coach that is about helping you reach levels that you want to maintain, grow and keep, this is your coach. I have never felt better. She is about your longevity, your goals and sustainability. HIGHLY recommend Melanie for those that are serious about your health and goals.
-Candis G.
I had been a yoyo dieter / exerciser for years. In the past couple of years I had my first child, and was unhappy with my body, both in looks and in health after pregnancy. This was despite being reasonably healthy during my pregnancy. I had tried everything, or so I thought, but nothing stuck. I felt I was just made this way and should learn to live with being out of shape. Melanie has taught me this is not the case! My mindset had changed by the time Melanie and I started working together. However, she has given me amazing and sustainable tools for my health journey that I see myself using for the rest of my life! She has helped me understand that nutrition is key, but I don’t have to suffer to get results as long as I am conscious of what I eat. Delicious food and foods that support your goals are not mutually exclusive! From a workout point of view, I love what Melanie has given me. As an ex dancer I understand how important looking after your joints and full body are with a good warm up and cool down. I feel so ready to go after my warm up, and so satisfied after my cool down. They’re brilliant! For me, regarding the workouts themselves, Melanie has focused on building both strength and definition progressively, and I can see both happening! She obviously knows what she’s doing! I’m working with both bodyweight and free-weight exercises, and by keeping notes of my workouts I have evidence for myself that my strength is growing! From a personal point of view, Melanie is a great all around coach. She has listened to my requests, preferences and desires and pulled them all together in a way where I can not only see results, but also feel good about the journey. I can’t recommend Melanie strongly enough, if you stick with her medium to long term you will love it! A very grateful fitness coaching client 😊
-Roxanne C.
Melanie’s extensive knowledge of body biomechanics allows her to address muscle and joint pain by utilizing yoga, therapeutic exercise, and massage. I’ve watched her “read” male and female students ages 16 to 85 to address their ailments in an analytical yet somehow joyful manner. She‘s a positive, patient person who is genuinely concerned for your long term well being and will always leave you feeling motivated and empowered to reach your goals. She also has a great sense of humor! 😜
-Carolyn C.
I had been wanting to try yoga for years. Talked about it, but was too self conscious to try. I had never been one to workout and found it difficult to stick with a program for any length of time. The thought of going to a yoga studio was intimidating.
I had mentioned my desire to start yoga to some of my friends and they liked the idea as well. It was put out into the universe and Melanie came into our lives.
I met Melanie while she was doing massage, she was so kind. There was an instant connection. She was not only attending to the physical aspects the massage …her mindfulness and spirit were also in the healing.
I was made aware that Melanie taught yoga privately in your home. An answered prayer! Just what I needed to get started. It was perfect for someone like me and my friends also liked the idea.
To say Melanie is a wonder is an understatement. She made me feel completely comfortable and meets you wherever you are in your journey. Her knowledge of yoga, fitness and nutrition is evident in her own transformation. Melanie is truly an inspiration She champions you through your personal goals and lifts you when you get a bit “stuck” giving great advice and encouragement.
6 years and many down dogs later, I’m strong, confident, and in better physical and mental health than I ever imagined.
🙏
-Margy C.
I first met Melanie as a private yoga instructor for a group of girlfriends over 6 years ago. After I moved to Florida, I was still able to participate in the yoga class virtually and stay connected. I then asked Melanie to work with me on my own personal weight loss and strength training needs.
I’ve had various personal trainers over the years but Melanie’s program is personalized and updated according to my needs on a regular basis. That made it possible to lose weight, gain muscle, and strength based on my lifestyle and needs.
Melanie provides an assessment and options that will work for you as an individual. I’m a wine drinker 🙂 Not the best beverage when trying to lose weight but Melanie knew that being able to manage my food plan, exercise while still having a glass of wine was important.
She developed and revamped my exercise program based on my schedule and how I was responding mentally to the program. She listened to what I said and created the program that worked. I lost 10 lbs in 12 weeks and felt strong and confident as well as inspired to keep doing positive things to manage my health.
I learned more about how my body responds to various food types and have sustained the weight loss within 2 lbs even 4 months later.
Melanie’s gracious and kind approach is motivating. She is an inspiration.
-Susan M.
Melanie is truly a gifted instructor! I’ve been fortunate enough to be in Melanie’s class for 9+ years. No class has been the same except for the fact they all provided me exactly what I need that day. She listens to what her classes needs are and adjusts her plans accordingly. During the class, she gently modifies my positions and encourages me through the practice. I always feel better – both emotionally and physically – after Melanie ‘s class!
-Susie A.
I have had the privilege of attending yoga classes instructed by Melanie for 8 years. She is an excellent instructor. She is inspiring, dedicated and possesses such a calming spirit. She always tailors each class to meet the needs of her students. I really benefit from her continually challenging me and also focusing on my proper body alignment and technique. I highly recommend her.
-Tracy C.
I had finally come to peace with the fact that I would always struggle with my weight. I love working out and I thought I knew everything there was to know about nutrition and eating habits until Melanie came along. One of the first things she told me was that I could eat WHATEVER I wanted as long as it fit my macros. I thought she was crazy!! But can I eat bananas? Yes! Can I eat white rice? Yes! Can I eat chips? Yes! I kept asking and asking until I realized that she really meant it. I could eat anything and still lose. Maybe this wasn’t so crazy after all. I finally started enjoying eating again. And I really enjoying planning my meals for the next day or two. I used to hate that and thought it was a complete waste of time. Where workouts are concerned, I’ve been working out for years now but not with any major results. Since working with Melanie I have actually enjoyed working out. She gives an enjoyable workout which gives results too. I’m amazed. So, even though my journey is long, I can happily say that I am enjoying every day of this journey. And I’m really looking forward to where it’ll take me.
-Mojgan G.
Melanie is a studied, knowledgeable and intuitive yoga instructor. Even over Zoom or Skype, she has an uncanny ability to “read the room” and tailor a class to everyone’s needs. When students have tweaks or aches, Melanie knows exactly how to adapt to make each student feel better. Her knowledge is vast and she is incredibly concerned with each individual.
-Kristin S.
Melanie has been instructing our little group for 12+ years. She has an uncanny ability to read the room and gear the practice toward our specific needs on any given day. Her instruction also stresses proper form, which is so important to prevent pain/injury. Once COVID prevented us from meeting in person, Melanie seamlessly found ways for us to continue online. The comforting sound of her voice and the wonderful yoga practice she leads has really helped me to maintain calm in mind, body and spirit.
– Jacquie E.
Melanie reworked my thought processes surrounding food and exercise. I had become disenchanted with exercise and believed restricting my diet would lead to positive change before working with Melanie. I was confused and lost amongst fitness influencers’ recommendations, the news, magazines, etc. Melanie brought me true clarity and flipped my mindset to a more positive, sustainable, and successful one. I enjoy both food and exercise with this mentality she instilled in me! I carry this mindset with me and still refer to her notes and workouts 4 years later. I simply would not be the happy, food-loving, exercise-loving, balanced person I feel I am today without her!
-Megan S.
Melanie has been a great instructor for our yoga group. Additionally, she provides a holistic approach to healthy lifestyles.
She possesses a very kind and gentle spirit. Whether during our yoga class, a healing massage for my husband, or special attention for my 87 year old mother, Melanie is genuine. She listens and provides what you need.
-Susan M.
I have had the pleasure of being Melanie’s yoga student for six years. Melanie’s passion for wellness, fitness and nutrition is evident in her own personal story and in her desire to impart her knowledge and expertise to others. Her teaching style is fluid. She is a highly intuitive teacher who always checks in with each class member and adapts her class to their specific needs. If you’re looking for an authentic teacher whose desire is to help others achieve their personal goals, contact Melanie!
-Lori W.
Melanie was my last ditch attempt at losing weight before I decided I would just give up. I had spent the previous 9 years since I had my daughter being told by doctors that I needed to lose weight, but them providing me with no or very unhelpful guidance in how to do so. This culminated with a doctor telling me the only way I would lose weight was if I went on a 1,000 calorie a day diet of protein shakes and veggies. Previous doctors had told me I would lose weight if I got a handle on my stress. One told me to start taking the stairs instead of the elevator after I told her that I worked out in the gym 6 days a week. I’ve worked out religiously for 20 years, but I never understood nutrition which led to a vicious pattern of restricting food and then binging because I was so hungry. Every time I tried something new to lose weight, I would end up gaining some more. Then came COVID. I was stuck in the house with a 7 year old trying to do virtual school and also work full time. My husband had to continue to work outside the home. My anxiety was through the roof and I ate all my feelings. I gained 30 pounds in a short period of time.
My goal has never been to lose a massive amount of weight. I just wanted to feel like myself again. Fit into my clothes again. So far, I’ve lost 10% of my body weight and the clothes that were packed away fit again. Best of all, I feel so strong and healthy and I feel like I’m setting a good example for my daughter.
Melanie’s greatest quality as a coach is her kindness. She is always supportive and never judgmental. Whenever I have a bad week and feel like a failure, she sends me motivating messages that make me feel like I’m normal and I can get right back to the plan. She takes all aspects of my life into consideration. Working full time, being a mom, hormone changes, sleep changes, holidays, and traveling are all acknowledged and considered when coming up with a healthy living plan. She doesn’t pretend like I live in a bubble and am unaffected by outside forces.
She doesn’t hold me to a plan of foods that I don’t like. I can eat whatever I want as long as it fits within my macros. Her workouts are very easy to follow and make the best use of my time. I actually spend less time in the gym now than I did before I started working with her. Working smarter, not harder. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m gaining my confidence back.
If you’re on the fence about hiring a trainer, I highly advise that you take the leap. Don’t give up on yourself. I promise that you will not be disappointed working with Melanie.
-A.W.