Meet Barbara Fralinger who has a PhD in Health Science Education and teaches at Rowan University. She also inspires many to get fit and lose weight through her successful independent Beachbody Coaching program. Combining fitness, coaching, and education is a dream come true! Read more to learn how you can motivate and encourage others to reach their goals. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? I have been involved with fitness since I began playing sports at age 9.  Throughout high school and college, I began to engage in weight training, running, and aerobics classes.  I learned a lot about my body during my college and graduate school years, as I consistently set goals for myself in terms of distance running and strength gains.  My first full-time job was as an exercise specialist in a fitness facility, where I assessed and designed exercise programs for members.  Because I loved educating others and enjoyed health and fitness, I earned my Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Health Science Education, and began teaching at the college level. 

Personally, my fitness levels have changed over the years, depending on what my goals were at the time.  When I was an athlete, I ate and trained very differently than I do now.  As I have gotten older, I have had to change my eating habits somewhat since I am no longer participating in sports the way I used to do so. In 2005, I ordered my first Turbo Jam DVD from Beachbody and have continued with additional exercise programs such as Insanity, TurboFire, etc. I became very inspired this past year when I began watching Beachbody coaches transform themselves both physically and financially by working in the business. When I began documenting my own fitness journey on Facebook and Instagram in January of 2013, I gained a following of supporters who would email and call to tell me that I inspired them to lose weight.  That’s when I thought that I could build my own business with Beachbody!

Your Job Title/s: Assistant Professor of Health Promotion & Fitness Management – Rowan University;  Diamond Independent Team Beachbody Coach

Company you are with now: Rowan University and Beachbody

Website: www.beachbodycoach.com/coachprof

Your Social Media links: 

• Facebook: www.fb.com/barbara.fralinger.2...
• Instagram: @Barbarak211
• LinkedIn: Babara Fralinger

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: A typical day for me involves teaching health and human movement science courses to undergraduate students, preparing lectures, grading tests/papers, working out, and building my Beachbody business. On a daily basis, I reach out via email and social media to individuals interested in nutrition, exercise, and Beachbody.  I run online Facebook challenge groups for those looking for help with achieving their personal fitness goals. I customize workout and nutrition plans that incorporate Beachbody products (e.g., DVD exercise programs and the protein shake Shakeology) for everyone who participates in my challenges so they achieve optimal results!

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise? Assistant Professorship at Rowan University: Upon graduating college with a B.S. in Biology Education, I decided to further my education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Health Science Education. During my graduate work, I was able to do a teaching assistantship, where I absolutely fell in love with educating undergraduates about health and wellness.  In order to make teaching at this level a sustainable career, I continued my education and earned my doctorate in the Health Sciences, with a specialization in Health Professions leadership.  During this time, I worked as an exercise specialist in a hospital facility where I constructed exercise programs for a variety of populations.  Once I finished my PhD, I then began teaching at the college level full time. I have taught at Keystone College in Pennsylvania, Delaware State University in Delaware, and Rowan University in New Jersey.

Independent Beachbody Coach: In 2005, I ordered my first Turbo Jam DVD from Beachbody and have continued with additional exercise programs such as Insanity, TurboFire, etc. I became very inspired this past year when I began watching Beachbody coaches transform themselves both physically and financially by working in the business. When I began documenting my own fitness journey on Facebook and Instagram in January of 2013, I gained a following of supporters who would email and call to tell me that I inspired them to lose weight.  That’s when I thought that I could build my own business with Beachbody! I then contacted Jenelle Summers, a prominent coach with Beachbody, via email and she guided me in setting up my own online business.  She has educated and mentored me throughout the last four months, during which I have advanced rank within the company and built a team of coaches that are committed to getting people healthy!!

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I feel the main skills I was born with are an internal motivation/drive and the ability to empathize with others.  Throughout life, the biggest skill I have learned is how to communicate effectively and honestly. I have a strong sense of values and have learned that the keys to success and fulfillment are hard work, integrity, commitment, consistency, and a willingness to learn new and different things.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? My main piece of advice is to follow your heart and be true to what it is that drives you and fills you with passion. In order to be successful you need to DO the work; to feel fulfilled, your desires, words, and actions all need to be in alignment. You need to be able to admit when you are wrong and leave your ego behind.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? The best payment that I could ever receive is knowing that I changed someone’s life for the better.  I love helping others feel good about themselves and their abilities.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.