Shawnta D. Kinmon, CPT

I am the product of a military family. This life has allowed me to travel to many parts of the world and experience the wonderful cultures and traditions that each place has to offer. After going to school all over the world and participating in sports most of my life, I didn't think I would ever have to actually go to a gym and work out, but having a child changed that.

When I found myself in need of motivation to lose weight I sought out aerobics classes and personal training. As I began to achieve the results I wanted I decided to minor in physical fitness education. My certifications with International Fitness Association (IFA) and Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), have allowed me the opportunity to teach and personal train in Texas, North Dakota, Japan, and now in Illinois and Missouri. I have developed classes and exercise programs that maximize muscle gain and fat loss while reshaping the body we all know is there. I have also contracted a partnership with Japanese nationals who are now on fire for fitness.

Teaching aerobics and personal training is not my profession; I don't look at it as a job. I am a high school English teacher, and I love it, but I also love helping others achieve their fitness goals. I can't give up what I love. Even if I only have a few extra hours a week to dedicate to personal training, I will use it to help someone else create a new them. My goal is to not only train and motivate but to educate clients so they can live healthier lifestyles on their own.

Hi Jim, Training is great so far! The morning workouts are getting better and Shawnta definitely keeps me challenged! "I have a lot of fun working with her, and I had a great boxing set with her this morning!" (I love boxing and really punching a target...I love the impact! Thanks for keeping in touch!

I have never been much for exercise, but the realization that I was turning 30 this year, really made me want to push myself physically to a new limit. I decided that I would like to run the full six miles around Forest Park before my 30th birthday. "I completed that goal on the last day of my Total Body Makeover! Shawnta is the best trainer I have ever had!" She was always there to push me along toward my goal. Our workouts were vigorous but always fun. She was extremely professional and knowledgable. Thanks so much!

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

A: I started personal training because of the motivation provided to me by aerobics instructors and personal trainers during my own weight loss endeavors. There is no way I could have reached my goals without them and I love teaming up with clients to support them in their fitness and health aspirations. There is nothing like creating life-long habits that will help us look great, feel more energetic, and live long and healthy lives.

A: I specialize in weight loss, cardio respiratory endurance, strength training, core/abdominal conditioning/strengthening, flexibility, and nutritional counseling. I am not only a personal trainer but also a workout partner for the duration of a client's program of choice. The training I provide develops not only the body but also the mind and the spirit.

A: My biggest challenge is trying to convince clients that the scale does not prove fitness results. Asking a client to depend on how he/she feels, how clothes fit, body fat, and positive changes made in eating habits instead of the scale is very difficult.

A: I always follow up with clients and encourage them to evaluate why they started the program in the first place. I try to point out the many benefits of aerobic and strength training and motivate clients to make fitness a priority, not just for self but also for those who love them. I do my best to encourage clients to stay on track and remember that a healthy lifestyle is going to improve every facet of life.

A: Consistency is one of the most important components to personal training. Work out 4 - 5 times a week consistently and give each workout everything you have, put into your body only what will help it and make it better, and results will happen…guaranteed.

A: I have trained diverse clients with different needs. My extensive group exercise and training knowledge and education prepare me for every client no matter the age, gender, fitness level, or health background. Motivating clients to stick to the planned program, encouraging clients to push through that last repetition, and inspiring clients to work harder than the previous workout are definite strengths I possess as a trainer. One weakness is my lack of toleration for cancellations and the will to try.

A: There are many diets out there that might work, but they are short-term fixes and can eventually cause other health problems. Eating foods that are high in fiber, low in cholesterol, and preparing low calorie meals to eat five to six times a day is much more important for maximum life-long benefits.

A: How fast can I lose (a certain number of) pounds?

A: Donna Richardson Joyner

A: My greatest success story is a client and long-time friend Karen. After six months with me and six months of working out on her on, with me checking in on her two times a month, Karen lost 54 pounds, twenty percent body fat, gained lean muscle, reshaped her body, and dropped six dress sizes. Today she works out 5 times a week, eats carefully, feels great, looks 10 years younger, and has herself become a certified personal trainer

A: When beginning a fitness program set realistic goals, work with your personal trainer/gym/fitness counselor to create a program suitable for your needs and wants, and stick to the plan to achieve the results you desire. Baby steps will turn into walking and eventually into running towards the health and fitness results you long for.

A: Group training is a motivator in that it allows for motivation by many through group dynamics and a bit of competition. It also helps to create relationships with others working towards the same fitness goals. One-on-one training allows a trainer to meet a client where he/she is, create a program that is appropriate for the client, track results more often, make changes to a program as needed, and allows less opportunity for injuries and burn out.

A: I will always participate in continuing education and certification programs. I plan to compete in a Galaxy Fitness competition and own my own gospel fitness facility.