Fit for a King
Words: Michelle Wallace IG @my.michelle.w
Photography: Sergey Yusin @sergey_yusin
Wardrobe: Jaxson Maximus @jaxsonmaximus
Make-up: Julia Brig @juliabrigmia
style | June 01, 2021
Athlete & Fitness Fanatic:
Casey Simmons
July 1, 2020 | Health
Casey understands that everyone has the capacity to go above and beyond. This is what motivates her to push her clients to their max as she is very well versed in what it takes to be disciplined, set goals, and work her ass off to get her clients where they need to be.
Q: Where are you from?
A: Gainesville, FL
Q: How long have you been in Miami?
A: Just under 3 years
Q: How did you get into fitness?
A: From beginning tennis at age 7, staying active and healthy was always enjoyable and important to me. I began working with a trainer at the age of 12 and quickly soaked up all of the related information, where it became a big part of who I am.
As I continued growing up, my interest in exercise, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle grew and, next to my acquired child development knowledge from teaching Kindergarten (for 3 years after college), fitness became my true passion.
After taking off a year of work to learn about myself, grow, and experience life like I never had before, it led me to quickly becoming a Certified Personal Trainer through NASM as well as becoming certified in nutrition. I decided my calling was to combine my passions of educating and helping others, to help others make a difference in the way they look and feel, like I was doing for myself.
I had immediately fallen in love with Barry’s as a client in NYC, and became an instructor just under 3 years ago now, and am still loving every aspect of it!
Q: Who influenced you the most?
A: My mom, Renee, is by far my biggest supporter and influencer; with my dad right behind her. Without my mom’s love, patience, and understanding, and my dad’s structure and organization, I wouldn’t have been able to compete with the obstacles, push myself to succeed, and land in the happy place that I am now.
Q: Favorite workout regime?
A: I am a firm believer that you should practice what you preach, so my main workout is taking class at Barry’s Bootcamp, whether it’s taking another instructor’s class, or testing out the routines I develop for my own classes.
I do a lot of weight and HIIT training on my own as well, and try to mix in pilates and yoga throughout my weekly routine to keep my exercise, and mind and spirit, well-balanced.
Q: What’s a typical day like for you?
A: On a typical day, I will wake up between 7:00-7:30, do a quick morning routine to wake myself up, and do a form of fasted cardio (most often this includes running or the stairmaster). I will then have a quick, high-protein breakfast before training a few virtual clients and teaching a Barry’s class or two. Once the afternoon hits, I will answer emails and do some computer work, then workout followed by an at-home yoga class as my stretch.
In the evening, I typically have another few clients and Barry’s class, go for a long walk during sunset, and then cook a yummy, healthy dinner before reading and/or watching tv to relax. At night I usually have honey ginger tea or warm lemon water, and every night I meditate with the “Headspace” app before bed.
Q: What have you liked most about being a fitness coach?
A: I love being a fitness coach because I get to meet so many different types of people and build so many different types of relationships. There is no greater feeling than someone trusting you to help build their confidence, and the way they look and feel. I love being a role model for others and leading by example to live a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.
I have always known I wanted to help others and make a difference in my community, small or large, and I am so glad my life’s path has led me to the fitness industry. I believe that “the brightest light is the one within you,” and that a healthy mind and body allows you to shine that much brighter; I try to inspire that in others.
Q: What are some healthy tips you can share with us today?
A: Some of my most helpful tips that I share with my clients are:
1. Set out your workout clothes the night before
2. Have a workout plan before going to the gym/exercising
3. ALWAYS have a water bottle by your side
4. Avoid rocessed and salty foods
5. Eat. Enough. Protein.
6. Herbs and spices are your friend!
7. Sleep!
Q: What are some of your “go-to” healthy snacks?
A: Some of my favorites lately are:
*Frozen banana and almond butter sandwiches – I put almond butter between two banana slices
and freeze them, they are so yummy!
*Celery filled with almond butter
*Raw nuts and half grapefruit
*Plain oatmeal with vanilla protein, berries, raw nuts, and cinnamon
*Half avocado and protein shake
*Cucumber slices with lentil hummus
Q: On your cheat day, you have to have…
A: Sushi and/or Mexican!
Q: What is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I am deep down very introverted. I like being alone, and I’m very introspective and reflective.
Q: What’s a quote you live by?
A: “It is all going to be fine in the end. If it is not yet fine, then it is not yet the end.” -Mo Gawdet