Blanche Mathis

I'm a fitness instructor living in Santa Rosa, California. I became interested in fitness and wellness (including mental and spiritual wellness) in For me fitness and wellness are more than just a career (I'm a fitness instructor living in Santa Rosa California), right living - both in body and in spirit - are my lifelong passion. In my early teens, I was an angry, conflicted, and pensive girl. My father was out of the picture and my mother and I fought like crazy. But, for my 14th birthday she gave me a gift that has lasted a life time - it was a copy of "Our Bodies, Ourselves". I was such a depressive, so moody, and had such a low self-esteem at that time that I was drawn to anything that dealt with such issues. I was drawn by the typical distractions that a 14 year old headed in an unhealthy direction tends to notice: Sex, Drugs, etc. Well, I devoured that book and it framed wellness in a way that I quickly identified with and it became my crucible for defining myself and building an inner core of confidence and comfort. I became especially drawn to physical wellness. The body is, after all, the most basic aspect of ourselves and is the foundation for our experience of this world. Throughout the rest of my teens, I pursued weightlifting and a variety of cardiovascular intense disciplines. But, I didn't limit myself to just physical outlets; I also became deeply involved in meditation and an avid practitioner of yoga. As an adult, I've enjoyed challenging myself in different areas. I'm a certified Jujitsu Trainer and I've played in a local softball league for the past 9 years. I've also been exploring the world of motocross - I love the rush! But by far my most avid interest is my practice as a personal fitness instructor and wellness councilor. I'm a one woman shop - but I refer to my practice informally as "Energetic Core" because I feel that it communicates the holistic vision of wellness in which I believe. I encourage my clients to strive for excellence and to reach for new goals each time they step into the gym or onto the track. I drive my clients to reach inside themselves and be as strong and intense as they can possibly be. My message: Work hard, push through mental and physical barriers, and embrace an image of yourself that shines with confidence, power, and harmony.