Laina Collins
Assistant Coach
NASM CPT/Precision Nutritionalist
Hi! I'm Coach Laina.
I’ve been an athlete all my life. Like most young kids and teenagers, I played sport after sport; I was a natural athlete and excelled at those I loved. I had the opportunity to play tennis in College, but after 3 knee surgeries, I knew I would be deemed “unreliable” and opted to find a new hobby as I ventured into my Freshman year at Appalachian State University to obtain my nursing degree.
Over the years, I enjoyed running and pilates, but finally stumbled across the world of bodybuilding in my late 20’s. I fell in love with the goals, the discipline, the ever changing physique as the stage came closer, and beating MYSELF from show to show and season to season. It became not just a hobby, but a part of me. I found something I truly loved and a “family” within this world of other like minded, crazy individuals who loved the grind as much as I do.
Over the last 5 years, I have grown so much as an individual; the sport of bodybuilding is what I have to thank for that personal growth. It has taught me I can put my mind to anything and accomplish whatever goal I have set out to do, that I have what it takes to strive for something I want so greatly that even when I don’t feel like putting in the work, I do. However, the most important thing I have learned is how to be confident in myself and how to love myself for the person I have become.
As a coach, this is what I want for all of my clients, confidence in themselves. We all need to learn to love our bodies in all stages. Sometimes we look our best, sometimes we are a work in progress, but if we put in the effort we can all be the best versions of ourselves. A healthy approach is the best approach. Fad diets, bro diets, and calorie restrictions are all unsustainable. Learning how to eat for YOUR BODY and GOALS, and how to track food is a sustainable LIFESTYLE you can attain and maintain. FOOD IS FUEL, don’t be afraid of it!
There will always be bumps in the road, but if you communicate your difficulties and get back on the horse, that is all they will be… bumps… It is a mind, body and soul journey, let's tackle this together!