I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rachel; I am the owner of Rachel’s Body Shop. I was born and raised here in Kent, Washington, making me a true PNW native. I made my start in the fitness industry in 1995 and became a certified personal trainer in 1998. My certifications include, NASM, Apex and ACE. At first, I really enjoyed training in the large, high energy, fast paced gyms. I loved working with my peers, having the use of a large variety of equipment and having the opportunity to help so many people ranging from the age of 12 to 95.  What I didn’t like, however, was the high pressure sales, the overly priced training rates and the strict limitations and regulations that came with being an employee at a large corporate company. I felt I could better serve my clients if I were given the freedom to implement some of my own methods of motivation and techniques. I wanted to be more than just a personal trainer, but a life coach as well. I sensed a smaller more personal gym would be less intimidating and more encouraging for beginners and those not yet confident to begin their fitness journey.

While working as a personal trainer at a big box gym, I was approached by a leasing agent for the CenterPoint Corporate Park property.  They wanted to provide a convenient health club for the people working in the complex and asked if I would design it for them. Shortly after designing and preparing the opening of the new facility, they realized running it would take a lot more work than they anticipated. They offered me the opportunity to adopt, own and manage the fitness center.  That’s when my dream of owning a gym came true and Rachel’s Body Shop was established…July 2001.

I believe that creating goals, stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself is very important for self-growth. It was that drive that made me decide to participate in my very first bodybuilding-figure competition 9 months after breaking both bones in my lower leg causing a compound fracture of my tibia in 2010. The self-rehabilitation process was intense and the countless hours I spent at the gym was worth the pain and sweat when I was awarded 1st place in my division. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment that I had never felt before. This further motivated my desire to help others reach their goals no matter how big or small.  Breaking my leg prior to the competition and then having shoulder surgery in 2012 was definitely challenging and humbling but I feel in many ways it helped me become a more well-balanced trainer. I am now able to empathize and relate to my clients with injuries and physical ailments. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains very important to me although I currently practice a more relaxed well balanced approach to health and fitness.

I help teach people the fundamentals of living healthy, gaining strength, and breaking through those physical ailments and emotional hurdles that tend to hold us back. Being able to increase ones self-confidence is my number one passion. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with a vast group of diverse people. Each person unique, having different goals, injuries and health conditions. I truly love what I do and feel very fortunate to have such a rewarding career that provides me the honor of helping others. I am forever grateful to my amazing clients and members who continue making my dream possible of providing a gym with a friendly and supportive atmosphere.