Fitness instructor’s early hobby became business
Getting paid to keep in shape sounds like an ideal job for the fitness-minded, and Ellen Wheeler, 42, is no exception.
As owner of owner North Idaho Fitness, she loves working with club members and staff, handling the pressures of owning a small business with the stride of a marathoner. Her education background includes a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Business Administration from California State University, and certifications in the Stott Pilates method, turbo kickboxing, indoor cycling and aerobics.
She keeps busy in her personal life with five children, two of whom are attending college.
What is your job title? “Health club owner, personal trainer for Pilates and group exercise instructor.”
How long have you been doing this? “Eleven years.”
How did you choose this line of work? “When my family moved to Idaho, my husband took over a health club and I started to help him run the business. I have always been very active in sports and I started working out in gyms at age 16. I attended all kinds of group exercise classes and became hooked on fitness at an early age. Running a fitness center was like working at my hobby and my college business background was beneficial. I wanted to bring Pilates to Coeur d’ Alene because nothing was available in our area, so I became certified as a Pilates instructor and started the first program in Coeur d’ Alene five years ago. I spend most of my time as a Pilates instructor currently.
Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “I am paid well.”
What is the best thing about your job? “The members – North Idaho Fitness has somehow attracted an awesome clientele. We have some of the best members around and it is great to come into our health club and see the rapport between members and staff. I think when people find a comfortable place to workout with fun and friendly people, it encourages them to keep coming, which of course, encourages great fitness results. It’s a win-win situation. I have always said that I have a great job because I am surrounded by some great, positive people.”
What is the worst thing about your job? “When you are a small-business owner you have to work long hours to make things work – having to compete against the large fitness industry (the Wal-Marts of fitness). But we find that there are a lot of people who prefer to come to a more personal club, so we will always be able to compete and earn our niche of the Coeur d’Alene/Hayden locals.”
Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “I will always have the desire to be involved in fitness. Before I started teaching group exercise, I was asked by a very special pastor (who has since passed away) if I was a fitness instructor – he told me I would be very good at it. I took that to heart and I definitely realized a passion for it. I love teaching people how to get the best results out of their workouts and I love to have fun working out.”
Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “Well, yes! Pilates requires deep abdominal engagement and when the abdominal muscles are compressing deeply, there might be an occasional sound effect that is heard in class. People get so embarrassed when this happens, but that only means they are engaging their abs properly.”
Any bad experiences? “One time there was a competitive athlete working out with a personal trainer at the club. He had a blueberry protein shake right before his strenuous personal training. By the end of the challenging session the shake could no longer stay down. He threw up the shake all over, but he did feel better afterward.”
If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you and why? “Probably Goldie Hawn – she’s always smiling and has lots of energy. Oh! How about Goldie Hawn with the skills of Jackie Chan! That would be perfect.”