Caitlin Freeman, MPH, is an ACE Certified Health Coach and ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist based in Atlanta, Ga. Since 2014, Freeman has brought a passion for wellness to the workplace, from teaching group fitness classes to developing cutting-edge programs for employers to enrich employee lives. As Wellness Manager for Corporate Health Unlimited, Freeman supports a wide variety of companies and individuals to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
ACE: Who is your typical customer? What kind of goals are you helping them achieve?
Caitlin: Is there really such a thing as a “typical” customer? Everyone I work with is so unique and during different times of my career, I have worked with a variety of different populations. I currently work with two main client groups: gender affirmation exercises for LGBTQIA+ clients and performance enhancement for circus and burlesque performers. Many LGBTQIA+ clients I work with have rarely felt comfortable in the gym, and I create programs to help them feel confident in their abilities and bodies. Whether that involves focused hypertrophy to change their figure or radical acceptance of their physique, I’m always looking for ways to ensure they feel supported and distinguished during training.
For artists, we may be working on high level, or even dangerous, tricks! I like to focus on longevity and make sure my performers reduce the risk of injury. Whoever lives by his physical performance must maintain his physical health and avoid injury. For this group, recovery also tends to be a big issue! It’s amazing how much I talk about sleep with my clients.
ACE: We’ve also heard many stories about LGBTQIA+ people feeling uncomfortable in gyms. What has worked for you in creating a more welcoming environment for customers? Have you ever felt uncomfortable in gyms?
Caitlin: I have felt absolutely uncomfortable in gyms! Like many people I’ve worked with, I’m very anxious about knowing where people can see me. It can feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. I try to deal with this by being as warm, welcoming and authentic as possible. I am truly happy when someone chooses to enter my space. I mean, they could go anywhere in the world, and they chose to walk to my door?! This is something to be thankful for and to honor!
When I give tours of my gym, I make sure to point out things that are important to me as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, such as private changing areas, when it’s quiet, and places where you can exercise alone. At the same time, I make it clear that I am there for them, as are my staff. I want everyone to feel like they already have a friend before they walk in the door.
Finally, I focus on small gestures to make sure my LGBQTIA+ friends know they are welcome. When I have training events, I try to focus on LGBTQIA+ athletes, historical figures, or current fitness professionals. I have a non-binary pride flag button in my bag. I play with how I present myself, some days it’s more feminine and some days it’s more masculine. Well, for Halloween last year, I performed in drag!
ACE: Can you give some examples of your gender-affirming workouts/programs?
Caitlin: Focusing on gender-affirming workouts is a multi-layered experience! First, it starts with your approach with your client. Everything I do prioritizes my clients’ autonomy over my expertise. Everyone I work with is in control of their body and their experience. I will always share my perspective and best practices, but I value each person I work with as a whole person.
I also watch my language and adjust to what is most motivating for my individual client. If anyone is uncomfortable with gendered language, I’m not going to use it! If my client uses multiple sets of pronouns, I sprinkle them all. If my client is actively trying to change their body shape in any way, I listen. I don’t know what it’s like to live their life in their body, so I try to understand and then use my knowledge to help them.
It doesn’t matter what field of fitness you work in. You can confirm! If I’m in a class that isn’t advertised as female-focused and we’re only referred to as “girls” and “ladies,” I can’t focus on the workout because I feel like an imposter. If I’m working with a trainer who assumes I want to build my glutes because I’m female, I’m going to be discouraged. If I go to a gym that offers men-only or women-only programs without saying that non-binary friends are welcome, I feel like I’m not being invited to join.
At the end of the day, fitness is about the individual! What works best for me may not work best for you, and this extends previous sets and reps to how we relate to and think about gender in the gym.
ACE: What inspired you to pursue a career in health or fitness?
Caitlin: I originally wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy or occupational therapy. I grew up volunteering with the Special Olympics and really fell in love with using movement and sports to improve people’s quality of life. But once I entered college, I really wanted the freedom to help as many people as possible! Then I started teaching group fitness. I realized that my heart was in the field of fitness, so I pivoted and instead focused on how I can help as many people as possible wherever they are.
ACE: Your volunteer work with the Special Olympics and top group fitness classes sounds fantastic. Tell me more about how you may have expanded into fitness and discovered and pursued health coaching.
Caitlin: When I first started volunteering with the Special Olympics, I saw how recreational sports and physical activity enriches everyone’s lives. I originally wanted to be a physio or occupational therapist, but seeing the combination of social support, sport and fun that all of our athletes, coaches and volunteers benefited from opened my eyes to more possibilities. I really credit my Special Olympics story for encouraging me to be creative in how I approach movement. We don’t have to do everything the exact same way to achieve our goals.
I started teaching and group fitness allows me to create the same environment I was inspired by, where people come together to achieve a goal. But when you teach group fitness, you only get a small glimpse into the lives of your participants.
Through my desire to continue to build confidence in the people in my classes, I discovered Health coaching. Being able to offer support and empathy to my clients is very rewarding. I love being their cheerleader and helping them find unique solutions to their struggles. When I coach people, I carry the impact and influence of everyone I’ve competed with, volunteered with, or taught.
ACE: What is one or two tips you would give to someone starting out in the health and fitness industry?
Caitlin: Our industry is constantly learning and changing, and so are we! You don’t need to memorize all the textbooks to be a good professional. Listen to your customers, get curious and get creative to help them build the healthy life they envision. ACE has so many great articles and resources you can use to stay up to date with our industry.
Be your self! It’s okay if your approach seems different than someone else’s. Health and wellness is not a one-size-fits-all approach, so it benefits everyone to find your “special sauce.” Find what you love and the people you love to work with and build on that.
