Hi, I’m Hayley

My love for physical fitness began during my first year of college in 2007. I had no prior competitive athletics or team sports experience and navigated learning how to use machines, free weights and cardio equipment at the campus gym. I began playing Ultimate Frisbee and joined the recreational team at my school, but soon realized my conditioning and stamina were not on par with my teammates’, impacting the amount of playing time I was given. The university had a rowing team that accepted students without a formal tryout process. I attended a few summer practices but quickly realized many of the team members had years of training and this was not a venture I was quite ready for.

These experiences made me determined to get into better shape. I joined a cardio kickboxing gym with group classes that incorporated boxing and circuit training. This was something different that I enjoyed but eventually joined a CrossFit gym in 2011 after moving to a different area. My love for CrossFit grew over time and began coaching in 2014, after receiving my Level 1 certification. Being able to help others after years of learning and progressing on my own was very rewarding.

I continued with CrossFit, upon moving to Chicago at the end of 2016. After a year, I found myself becoming complacent with my training and also felt physically stuck, not loving my self-image. This ultimately led me to Muay Thai; The ability to train to fight offered similar levels of intensity and fed my competitive nature. I had to adjust to the change in training and preparation and six months in, right before my first fight, found myself looking and feeling very different. More importantly, the newly acquired self-defense skills and knowledge provided me with a level of confidence I had never had.

From 2018-2023, I focused on training for Muay Thai with the goal of becoming a better fighter and athlete after every fight. In the past year I have enjoyed a hybrid style of training, incorporating more strength and conditioning into my martial arts training. I take pride in not necessarily being the strongest or fastest athlete, but being well-rounded, with a foundation built on proper mechanics and functional fitness.

After training in a variety of fitness environments, it became apparent that poor movement and a lack of purpose was something prevalent in many sectors of the fitness world. My own path has been anything but linear; Through this journey I have gained a comprehensive understanding of my body’s needs and recovery, which has reignited the desire to guide and empower others on their own journey.

2019

2015

2024