Meet Gina

Gina’s Background:

I was born and raised in San Diego and my family is still there. I moved to San Clemente when I met my wonderful husband Doug! My life has been filled with adventures: I’ve worked in the corporate world and met amazing people, have flown (and jumped out of) an airplane, climbed a fourteener (mountain), scuba dived with sharks and manta rays in Mexico, Fiji, Hawaii and the Caribbean, caught lobster with my hands, sailed my boat on the ocean in the middle of the night, trekked through a jungle and found the source of a river, learned to fly fish in Belize and ice fish in Canada, ran over 20 half marathons, and paddled an outrigger in Hawaii.  I was honored to walk through the end of my mom’s life with her and hold her hand.  My life has been beautifully full and I wouldn’t change a thing.

What drew you to kettlebells & why did you get certified?

Strength – the search for it, the need to have it, the desire to keep it, and the will to never let it go. I met Val in 2009 and started kettlebell training with her.  She taught me to slow down and enjoy the journey of strength. After my SFG1 I achieved my SFG2 and I’m training for my SFL (StrongFirst Lifter). Never stop learning and cherish your strength.

How does training this way help other areas of your life?

I have found that strength is not only physical.  Physical strength translates to all other areas of my life – mental, emotional, and spiritual strength comes from training my body to be strong.

What do you like about teaching?

The best part of teaching for me is learning from my students.  Teaching is more about learning from others than imparting knowledge.

What are some other things you do to keep you active?

Chasing my two Labradors, Bogey and Shack! Earning my SFL and SFB.

Tell us a little more about your family life…

My husband Doug is a former U.S. Marine FA/18 fighter pilot. I really lucked out when I met him. I helped raise his two boys who are now out of the house and making their way in the world. The boys taught me patience and fueled my strength. Now, I can’t image my home without Doug, Bogey, and Shack!

What do you think makes Pacific Strength different from other gyms?

We are not about fads or gimmicks, competition, diets or killing yourself in the gym.   We have a simple message for all ages – move more and get stronger so that you can do everything you want to do in your life for the rest of your life.  Keep it simple, and be consistent.

You’ve already done so much… is there anything left on your bucket list?

Sail a catamaran in the waters of Bora Bora and the Seychelles.  Yep, that would be beautiful!

We’re so grateful to have Gina coaching at the gym. Not only is she one of my favorite people, my kids adore her, and she brings a quiet strength to the gym that is unmatched. Her coaching style is subtle but make no mistake, you will leave her classes better than when you came in.
xo, Val