Hannah Hirshfield, CPT

Hannah grew up in the Pacific Northwest. She recently got married and relocated to Maryland. Hannah always enjoyed learning about fitness and nutrition, and had a desire to help people reach their goals and improve their self image. She played golf and hockey through high school and college. Hannah currently plays ice hockey on a competitive women's team, and feels that one of the greatest motivators to stay in shape is to participate in an active hobby whether you enjoy walking in the park or play a team sport. As an athlete she has a strong background in sports training as well as general fitness. Once in college heading into a sports medicine career, she was inspired by her strength and conditioning coach to pursue a career in personal training. Hannah went on to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University. She is a Certified Personal Trainer and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. Hannah is also a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and teaches Yoga, Pilates, and cycle. Hannah has a strong desire to help people learn how to live healthy, fit, and fulfilling lives. She is very compassionate, and is a great listener. Hannah understands the unrealistic pressure that our society places on looks, and emphasizes the importance of reaching your goals in a healthy way that will ensure you can maintain them. She has worked with a variety of age groups and goals. Whether you have never exercised in your life, she can keep you motivated and show you how to have fun while incorporating new healthier habits into your lifestyle, or if you are an athlete perfecting your skills, Hannah can help you get that extra edge.

Thank you for your interest in knowing how my training is coming along. "I have to say that I am very happy and look forward to every session that I have with Hannah. She is great and has taught me very much about how to eat right and has been great when accommodating me with my hectic schedule!" She helps keep me motivated and her different routines help keep me from getting bored. Already I am seeing the difference I am stronger than I was when I started, and the weight, well it is slowly but surely coming off, and that is way more than I could expect from sitting at my desk all day and not doing anything at all. Thanks for your help!

Crystal Mendez - Hyattsville, MD

I am coming to the end of my sixth week with Hannah, and I have really loved the experience. "I have lost almost ten pounds and over 4% body fat!" After my program is over, I'm going to try it on my own for about eight weeks. In the meantime, I'm going to start saving to sign up for another set of training sessions with Hannah. "The best part of the experience is how I feel. My self esteem and energy level is so much higher than before I started working out!" While my husband, friends, and co-workers comment on how good I look, I am compelled to say that I feel even better. I will be so sad to say goodbye to Hannah, but hopefully I'll be able to afford another training package soon. "It was a terrific investment!"

Mollie Monahan - College Park, MD

Below Hannah explains how she got into the business of personal training, her overall approach with clients, her fitness philosophies and more.

A: I wanted to help people reach their goals, and help them feel comfortable and confident in their own bodies. I want to take the frustration out of exercise and weight loss, and show people that it can be fun and attainable.

A: My degree in Exercise Science and my certifications provide me with a great variety of options when I am training my clients. Some of my specialties are weight loss, strength training, cardio speed and endurance training, yoga, pilates, nutritional advice, wedding/event preparation, pre/postpartum, sports specific training especially golf, ice hockey, and figure skating.

A: Figuring out how to motivate someone who isn't serious about reaching there goals. Sometimes all you have to do is approach things differently to help motivate them, but the hardest part is when they just plain aren't motivated.

A: I approach them from different angles until I find something that works. Everyone is different, and you just have to find what truly inspires people. Whether it is from a health or fitness standpoint, everyone is able to find something they can relate too.

A: Being consistent. I let my clients know that I will provide them with consistent encouragement, guidance, and information. As well as I let them know how important it is for them to be consistent with eating right and working out. They might not be able to do much at first, but if they stay consistent they will improve.

A: I am very approachable and friendly person. My passion for living a healthy lifestyle lets me lead by example and helps me to encourage my clients. I have also been blessed with the opportunity to learn from great mentors and teachers throughout my education. This has helped me broaden my knowledge through various aspects of exercise and nutrition.

A: There are parts that I agree and disagree with. I think it is very helpful to cut a lot of the sugars and processed foods from our diets, but I disagree with cutting out all carbohydrates as well as fruits. Eating a well balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grain/fiber rich carbohydrates is the best way to go, and of course everything in moderation.

A: I would say it is a tie between how to "spot" reduce or what the fastest way to lose weight is.

A: I don't think I could pick just one. I prefer to read a variety of articles/books/research material so that I can stay up on the latest discoveries and be aware of dangerous trends.

A: I consider all of my clients' success stories, but one does stick out in my mind. I was working with an elderly lady in her late 60's with many health issues. When I first started training her she was unable to walk up more than a couple steps, three minutes on a stationary bike was difficult for her, and she had very little finger/hand strength in one arm do to an old accident. After training for about 4 months she was able to walk up at least two flights of stairs, ride the bike for 20 minutes, she gained strength, balance, and better coordination. With her hand getting stronger she was able to be more productive at work as well.

A: My advice to clients is to stay positive, and find something that really motivates them. I tell them to think about 3 months from now or even a year. If weight loss is their goal I let them know that if they don't do anything will still be at their starting weight or worse they will probably gain some. However if they start now and stay consistent even if they take little steps at least they are moving in the right direction. Eventually the little steps add up to big steps. Just like with any habit it might be hard at first, but it gets easier as you go along.

A: I love to train both one-on-one and in groups. Training one-on-one really lets me work on the individual goals of my client. It lets me devote all of my time and energy on them during their session. Training clients in groups is great for yoga, pilates, friends, and team members. Whether I am training one, two, or three clients at a time it is a great opportunity for me to help improve people's quality of life.

A: My goals for the future are to continue living a healthy lifestyle, and continue researching and learning everything I can about fitness and nutrition. I would also like to promote a more positive body image for young girls and women.