Conversations with the Inspiring Jill Barghelame

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Barghelame.

Jill, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up on a horse outside a small Idaho town. I’m the 4th of five kids and my parents instilled in us all a relentless work ethic. I went to the University of Idaho on a track and field scholarship, which led to my first ever plane ride (to Des Moines for the Drake Relays). I went on to see many places I’d never seen before including Atlanta, Georgia for the 1996 US Olympic Trials.

My love of athletics showed me a whole new world. I moved to San Diego after college to pursue a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. I’m obsessed with fitness and nutrition, but understand that many are not. I fell in love with helping others fall in love with fitness. I try to make it fun, but also effective. My biggest pet peeve is people wasting my time. I certainly don’t want to waste the precious time of those I’m trying to help. I’m a big fan of getting things done and having fun in the process.

As a mother now today, I’m seeing my love of health rub off on my kids. My 10-year-old has been waking up at 6 am to work out for two years. We are not a normal bunch.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I never wanted to be a personal trainer because I thought that was “sales.” After grad school, I landed at The University of Denver’s Ritchie Center and helped them open the Coors Fitness Center in 1999. I started as a trainer but was handed more and more responsibility until I was managing the personal training and group fitness departments. I joked they had clearly never seen my checkbook before they handed me a budget. I think I subbed a spinning class before I had actually even taken one. There were MANY challenges but I would always just figure it out. Problem-solving is the key to any successful journey. I’d not been trained to manage or lead people in any of my years of schooling. My work ethic, and go get it attitude, led to these advancements in position and pay. I never “asked” for the “promotions” I was given. Eventually, after I learned a LOT about myself through the struggles of management, I asked if I could go back to my true passion – fitness.

I built a 6-figure income through AdvoCare on the side and recently that income was unexpectedly stripped away. Another lesson I’d love to share with anyone just starting out is never to get comfortable. Always expect the unexpected. My husband happens to be a (good) financial planner and took his own advice so we will not struggle with this huge loss. If anything, it is another opportunity for me to get back to what I love.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I’ve always been a fan of personal development and growth. I asked myself some questions after my first child was born… “What do I want to do with my life?” “What do I enjoy doing?” “What am I good at?” This self-reflection led me to make a workout DVD. I love being in front of a group, motivating them somehow. I love teaching groups of people exercise, and a nutrition workshop that I do teaching people how to balance their carbs, fats, and proteins. I love to inspire people to challenge themselves. Challenge their thinking. I think my audiences would say I’m fun and insightful.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I feel being a woman has actually given me more opportunities than prevented. I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and I could have written my ticket as a female in the field after college. (I’d originally planned to work with college athletes.) There were no job openings however when I moved to Denver, so I (thankfully) landed on the recreation side of things. I soon realized this was a huge gift, and when an opening became available I was quick to turn it down.

When someone is looking for a personal trainer, they often have in their minds, whether they would feel more comfortable with a male or female. I have trained a lot of business professionals and many men in particular. There is a closeness that happens when you spend hours with someone every week. My personality and effectiveness is what determines my success.

I don’t feel my being female negatively affects my performance. I have a strong, commanding presence and confidence in my abilities.

Pricing:

• Nutrition Workshop $300
• Group Exercise $150 – $250
• Personal Training $100

Contact Info:

• Address: 1410 S Elizabeth St
  Denver, CO 80210
• Phone: 3035986661
• Email: mytrainerjill@gmail.com
• Instagram: @mytrainerjill
• Facebook: MyTrainerJill
• Twitter: mytrainerjill

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.