Under the hot desert sun, Anita Graves Martinez, CPT, SNS, an experienced NCSF personal trainer and Barre instructor, is helping her clients become stronger and more graceful at Barreista, Northern New Mexico’s only full Barre and bounce studio. 

Despite her current status as an accomplished athlete and instructor, Martinez’s fitness journey was not without its challenges. As a child, she struggled to stay active and often found movement more difficult than her peers. It wasn’t until years later that she discovered the reason behind this–a heart valve defect diagnosis. This news, instead of discouraging her, became the catalyst for a significant change in her life.

Opting for a holistic route to symptom management, Martinez increased her strength and endurance and improved her quality of life. Once she experienced the incredible benefits of exercise, she was hooked. She poured herself into learning everything she could about fitness, which sparked a fire in her and made her want to help others. 

After years of dedicated study and earning numerous credentials, including a career diploma in Fitness, Nutrition, and Medical Terminology, and certifications as a Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist, Martinez was ready to make her mark. In 2018, she opened her own studio, offering a unique blend of Barre and Bounce classes, and personal training, providing fitness solutions for everyone in her community. 

Thanks to her incredible coaching acumen, personal warmth, and boundless positivity, the studio survived the COVID-19 pandemic and is thriving today. Keep reading to learn more about Martinez’s inspiring journey and her advice to up-and-coming fitness professionals and gym owners.

Tell us your story in as little or as much detail as possible. Why did you become a coach?  

I simply wanted to help people. I feel like people in general have a mental block towards health and fitness. It’s their last resort. It might seem easier to take the medication and feel miserable instead moving, eating well and being informed. It took years for me to help myself. I had the motivation but not the education. Through trial and error, I figured it out, what was best for me and my body and at that time. But I went the long away around because I simply was not educated. It’s a lifestyle. You don’t turn it on and off , you look for ways to improve your health with things you already enjoy. I just wanted fitness and nutrition advice to be attainable and affordable to everyone and help them realize it’s easier than they think. Maybe not initially. But that’s where I can help. Help them love it and make it a habit for life. Realizing it’s not a one size fits all. Every client is unique, so every meal and exercise is also unique. 

What do you consider your “superpower”? 

Listening. I learn so much from my clients. When one teaches two learn. Empathy is powerful. From that, I show them their super powers , not mine. It’s not about me….. it’s always about the needs of my clients. Before I recommend, I commend. That gives them the chance to see how powerful they can be.

What was the turning point or motivation for you to become a certified coach?  

As a child I always loved movement and wanted to move. I wanted to dance, run, learn gymnastics. I couldn’t seem to keep up with the rest. I was always breathless, felt heavy , and that embarrassed me. Years later I found out I had a heart defect. Three of my heart valves were dysfunctional. My Dr. described my dysfunction as walking up hill all the time. My heart was working hard, and it just made sense. But I wasn’t content taking medication that made me feel ill and feeling sorry for myself. I felt I needed to change my habits but had no idea where to start. I knew I needed to lose weight and eat heart friendly. I wanted to help my heart by not overworking it with extra weight and fatty foods. I knew walking could help and eliminating some foods. Before I knew it I was 30 pounds lighter, I was jogging and my walks were longer and longer, turning into hikes. I was climbing at elevations above 13,000 feet. Amazing for a girl with a heart defect! I was basically a vegan by this point. Slowly eliminating meats and all dairy. I felt amazing. The Drs said I saved my own life. 

What were some of the personal challenges you faced during your professional journey? 

Because I had no background in movement I was very shy in my body, very insecure and embarrassed. I’m shy by nature. I’d see other fitness trainers and they seemed to be so strong, outgoing, lively and that’s just not me. I lacked self confidence and didn’t believe in myself. I also didn’t feel fit or strong. 

How were you able to address and overcome these challenges? 

I educated myself. I studied and studied and loved every minute of it. I also decided it didn’t matter what others thought of me. What mattered is what I thought of me. So I started loving my body and appreciating all it’s done for me. It gave me two beautiful babies. I slowly started to love myself. I slowly started to give myself credit. I started to believe in myself. This is also when I fell in love with barre and started feeling strong. I realized that fitness and nutrition came very easily to me, and not everything does! So I feel like I was meant to do this. I think we all have gifts, it’s what we do with them that matters. Giving back is so important to me. Honestly, I think all my life I was doing the wrong things. I love fitness, nutrition, health, helping people love themselves enough to be happy again. I’ve grown into the person I always wanted to be as a child but some how couldn’t. I believe we grow into the person we needed as a child. So now I am that happy, outgoing lively, fit person because I am truly doing what I love. I want to help those that are shy, insecure or have low self esteem. I want to help people who are confused, overwhelmed, tired and weak. I’m their cheerleader, mentor, life coach. I absolutely love teaching barre in class settings… it will always terrify me!! But it keeps me challenged and humble… I love on line training, one on one training. I need both to balance me!! 

Please share as much as you are comfortable as your journey can be someone else’s guide to transformation. 

I’ve learned and want others to realize, patience and consistency is key. Be patient with your body, listen to it, love it. If you fall, get back up. Don’t give up on yourself. Be consistent. A five minute workout is better than no workout. Consistency when it comes to eating. Take the time, make the time for yourself. We all need the best versions of ourselves to help one another. Everyone is worth it! Find an exercise you love. You’ll stick with it. I enjoy different forms of exercise. But my love is barre. I love the movement, the lengthening, the core balance /strength and endurance it gives me. My inner child is dancing away inside!!

What kind of support and resources did you find most valuable during your journey to becoming a health, fitness and/or wellness professional? 

My husband and children supported me and believed in me when I didn’t. That means a lot. And education. Lots of continuing education. It doesn’t end. You’re constantly learning and I welcome it. This is not a guessing game. People lives can be at stake. I don’t just work with young ones that are already fit. I’ve had the privilege of working with all ages and medical backgrounds. I’ve helped so many lower their numbers safely. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight loss, hormone balancing . I work with Drs and chiropractors. Always listening and learning. A shout out to NCSF. They’re certification program is most valuable along with their continuing education and support through the years. I take advantage of this!! I love barré fitness and there’s so many variations. I’ve tried to learn as much as I can . I use what I can and dismiss what I feel doesn’t work with myself and my clients.  I saw the need to help clients with lower back issues. I recently got certified as a lower back specialist with NCSF

Based on your experiences, what advice would you give to aspiring coaches who are aspiring to have a career in the health, fitness and wellness industry?  

Like Nike… just do it. Don’t let yourself hold you back. We’re all capable of great things. We just have to figure out what they are. I always remember and love this saying… “what if I fall?  But what if I fly!!” If you really love it , it will show. Be authentic, be true to yourself and educate yourself.  When you do something you love, people will love it too. They will respect you. I’ve had the honor of opening many doors for many people and have seen them walk through! I also believe finding your niche in the fitness industry is so important. I didn’t start off wanting to be a certified personal trainer. I initially fell in love with barre . But to know it well and teach it well I needed to understand the body. I didn’t want a weekend or online certification. I completed the NCSF certification program. It took 4 years of studying at a fast pace. I became a certified personal trainer and certified in sport nutrition. That was my umbrella. From there I was ready to be certified in barre. I’ve earned two barre certifications. Barre Forte and Barre Concept. The latter, an international accredited certification where I continue to study. It was there that I was certified as a rebounding instructor. 

Where do you see yourself in the health, fitness and wellness industry in 5 years?  

I will always be moving and educating myself. Sharing what I’m learning with others. Enhancing people’s lives. Being a support . My barre studio made it through Covid stronger than ever, so hopefully in 5 years it will still be going strong, thanks to all who believe in it and support it. Change is constant. I believe in moving with it and staying relevant.

Meg Lambrych, RN, NASM-CPT, PN-1
Meg Lambrych is a registered nurse, personal trainer, and nutritionist with 15 years of experience helping people reach their goals and expand their knowledge. She now works as a freelance health writer, partnering with innovative brands to educate and inspire readers in the digital publishing space.