'This Is The Workout That Inspired Me To Become A Personal Trainer'

Congratulations to Betina, the winner of Women's Health's Next Fitness Star competition! Look for Betina in an upcoming issue of Women's Health, as well as in a series of videos on WomensHealthMag! 
In our fifth-annual search for American's top personal trainer, we looked for tenacity, passion, and skills. We found all of those in each of our five standout finalists. But we found something much deeper and rarer too: a clear sense of purpose. Read on to find out what made Betina stand out: 

BETINA GOZO

AGE: 30 HOMETOWN: PORTLAND, OR

MY WHY

For five years, I played bass in a rock band. I loved it, but it zapped my energy. The first boot camp class I went to with a friend, I felt miserable; it was so hard. But also sort of amazing. The hype I felt from performing didn't come close to what I felt while training. I worked with clients on the side for a few years, then quit the band and committed to fitness.
Knowing what makes you feel good should be simple, but it requires recognizing what makes you feel crappy—which we can't always identify until after the fact. I never feel more alive than I do after a tough workout.

 

MY TRAINING M.O.

My goal is to help women find a balance between tough and functional with their workouts, so they can feel great now and later. As a Nike master trainer, I lead workouts that include functional strength moves, plyometrics, and core work at the Nike World headquarters in Portland for employees, visitors, and athletes. I also train privately through my company, Canvas Training. (The Slim, Sexy, Strong Workout DVD is the fast, flexible workout you've been waiting for!).

MY TAKEAWAY TIPS

Add it up. Break down big goals with smaller tasks. Set a progressive monthly plan: Pick one easy task (like "do two ab workouts") for the first week; each week, add another, so by the end of the month, you're doing four things to help you meet your goal.
Don't neglect your neck. It can make or break your workouts, especially for deadlifts and bent-over rows. Instead of looking in the mirror—which strains your lower back—ask a trainer to quickly check your posture.
Compete against yourself. When your mind wanders to what others are doing or how they look, think, I am [insert activity or exercise here]. The word "I" alone helps bring you back to yourself.