Helen Lawson ACE Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor After spending over 17 years in the Information Technology field, I found that my body just didn't want to spend so much time at a desk any more. Over a period of several years I was diagnosed with both Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and Fibromyalgia (muscle disorder). After several doctors, blood tests, x-rays, medications, MRI's, etc… I even went through a 6 month Fibromyalgia clinical study program. After all of that, I figured out for myself that the more exercise I got the better I feel.

At one point I was spending more than 3 hours a day working out! I had always been a fitness fanatic, but I knew that 3 hours a day was not a healthy habit. My fitness routine was also interfering with my desk job and my family life. So, I started looking at ways to add more physical activity to my every day life. With some help from my family and friends I decided that the best way to help myself was to help others too!

I started my career in the Information Technology industry and worked my way through the ranks as an application and website developer, designer, business analyst and project manager. My administrative, website, project management and people management skills have proven to be priceless in starting a business.

In addition, having a desk job for over 17 years helps me to understand the lifestyle that the average office worker leads. Most people that sit for long periods at their job develop muscle imbalances causing tightness and pain. This pain may manifest in the neck, back, shoulders, chest, legs, knees, hands or wrists. Spending just a few hours a week can reverse the effects of long term sitting at your job.

I live with my long time boyfriend Ray (over 13 years!) and my little boy Charlie (in the picture with me). I enjoy working out, playing golf, riding my bike, watching sports, going out to dinner and the occasional glass of wine. I learned to play golf in 1998 and now hold a 13 handicap. We are members at Shaker Ridge Country Club, but still call Schenectady Muni home. Even now with my fitness career, you can still find Ray and I at the 19th hole occasionally.

Fitness Certifications: 2007 ACE Group Fitness Instructor 2007 ACE Personal Trainer 2007 Turbokick Instructor, Powder Blue Productions 2006 PiYo - Pilates/Yoga Instructor, Powder Blue Productions 2006 Fitour Personal Trainer 2006 Fitour Group Exercise Instructor 2006 First Aid, CPR and AED

Work History: 10/2006 - Present Personal Training, Home Fitness Trainers (dba) Performing fitness assessments, fitness program design, and exercise instruction. Programs and assessments include cardiovascular exercise, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, balance and posture. Clients include athletes, office workers, and retirees. Programs are designed to meet individuals' goals. Physician input is requested and followed if health issues or risks are identified.

Winter 2007 Group Exercise Instructor, Shaker Ridge Country Club Managed and instructed a series of 6 PiYo classes. PiYo™ is a combination of both Pilates and Yoga. Participants included beginners to advanced students. Many levels of modifications were offered. The focus of this class included strength, flexibility, and balance.

1996 - Present (part-time as of June 2007 ) Computer Software Consultant, Computer Technology Services, Inc Responsibilities include consulting assignments that range from months to several years length. Assignments completed include:

Project Management of business process re-engineering projects. Technical project leadership and Business Requirements analysis. Training staff on technical and soft skills.

Education & Qualifications: