Find out how Rachael Frank’s drive and willingness to teach 6am classes has helped rise her to her successful personal training practice and fitness director. Motivation, determination, openness, and passion are everything one needs for success. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? My height! As a very awkwardly tall girl in the fifth grade, I was scouted out by the basketball coach at our small private school. I really enjoyed pushing myself through competitive sports and still carry that same hard work and mentality when coaching clients, groups, and myself. I just traded the basketball for medicine balls

Your Job Title? Rachael Frank, Certified Personal Trainer and Burn SF Fitness Director

Company you are with now? Burn SF and UCSF Bakar Fitness and Recreation

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? Starts early and never without fuel for the rest of my day via breakfast and my prepared meals for when I am on the go. Every day is different but always includes teaching classes, training clients, and slipping in my own workouts in while I am not concocting new ways to move and inspire (albeit some call torture). Midday hours are spent helping promote and organize projects and classes for Burn SF, and my down time is spent sleeping or reading up on the latest fitness research I can find. I eat, live, and breathe fitness and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise? By accepting the 6AM classes on Fridays! I studied Kinesiology in College and all the while kept teaching and learning as many different exercise modalities as I could and never turning down a job opportunity to teach.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I was born with some coordination. Not a lot, but some. Enough to play sports, but not to ever publicly dance in front of crowds. I had to learn hard work and dedication and to not take the easy route, even when it’s tempting. The feeling of looking back and seeing your progress, accomplishments, and albeit downfalls is inspiring and justifiable to keep you invested and moving forward. I’m still learning that the world is one tough cookie and as much as you plan you have to be prepared if it doesn’t go your way. Skills wise, I can always use a good brush up with all the advancing technology today to help my clients and myself stay organized and motivated…. there is an app for that though right?!

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Don’t every tell yourself that you are “too good” for something. Don’t ever turn your nose down on a particular field of interest, thought, or inspirational outlet. Everyone is unique and every outlet has its place. That’s the beautiful thing about everyone coming together for one common goal of Health. Whether that means strength, body composition, meditation, or inner peace and happiness. Try everything and anything and find what you really like to do and what you think you can be really good at. Focus and hone your energy towards that goal, and don’t forget to find balance along the way.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Personal Training Sessions or Food. I love working out with and alongside other extremely motivated people, but I also really like food. If I was paid in food I suppose a roof over my head would be the only other thing I would need. But if you are planning on paying me for my services I also accept spandex in any form.

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.