As military families we face so many challenges when we move, new schools, new dentists, who is going to do my hair among other things. Another difficult thing is when you found that great fitness instructor you love who really motivates you and is helping you to reach you goals and you must leave it all behind when you move. What if you could take her with you or access her classes at your next move?
Well military spouse Jamie Carbaugh, CPT PTA, Live Streaming Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor has found a solution by offering virtual personal training. Like many military spouses she struggled to find a job with each PCS. “Being a military spouse and moving constantly has its complications in the job market. I was having to wait months to find a job let alone actually starting one, only to move a couple months later. At our duty stations, I grew three fitness communities around the classes that I taught, only to leave them 2-3 years later and start from scratch again,” she said.
Carbaugh was finding the process frustrating when a dear friend reached out asking if she would be willing to train her virtually. “She noted that I was the only person she wanted to go on this journey with. That was the spark that I needed to take action and my client base has only grown from there,” she said.
Growing up as an athlete, Carbaugh was fascinated by the body and its extraordinary capabilities. “I received my BS in Human Physiology in 2009, became a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor in 2010 and was licensed as a physical therapist assistant in 2015. My first group class grew to 70+ folks and when I realized the power that community could play within a fitness environment, I was hooked,” she said.
As her virtual fitness clientele has grown, she has found it is a good fit for her military spouse clients and for herself as well. “Finding someone that you click with as a civilian is tough, now throw moving every 2-3 years into the mix and it makes it twice as difficult. I believe that finding a group fitness instructor or personal trainer that is able to move with you is a piece that you can count on, which feels secure. It’s a piece that you can somewhat ‘control’ in a life where it sometimes seems like, so little is in our control,” said Carbaugh. “From a professional standpoint, I love that I am building something that can move with me and that I can do from most anywhere.”
Carbaugh is often asked which she prefers more, in person training or virtual. “To be frank, I thoroughly enjoy the mix of the two. A couple of my favorite things about virtual training is the connection I get to make with the individual. Being a part of the fitness industry for so long, it’s my experience that training our physical aspects is never apart from the mental and emotional aspects of us,” she said. “I love being able to get real with the client, meet them in a hotel, basement, garage or their workspace. I feel the virtual setting allows for a chance to open up about things beyond fitness, things that I wouldn’t be able to dive into if we were training in the middle of a crowded gym setting and also that I don’t have to wear deodorant because they can’t smell me (ha!).”
For more information on Jamie Carbaugh or if you have questions about starting your own virtual fitness business, she can be reached via her website or social media.
In laughter & movement
JAMIE CARBAUGH
fitragamuffin, Live Streaming Personal Trainer
Website: fitragamuffin.com
Instagram: @fitragamuffin
Facebook: fitragamuffin
Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. She is a military brat, a veteran and now a military spouse. Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. She currently serves as a military spouse. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Visit her website www.WanderWordsWine.com
