Weightlifting & Exercise/Expert Profile

Expertise

Karen has more than 20 years experience and can help with lifting technique, muscle recovery, weight loss, body building and powerlifting. She has been certified by AFPA as a Personal Trainer and four years ago acquired a certification from the same agency as a Post Rehabilitative Exercise Specialist. Any recommendations or advice rendered are based on fitness information as specified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Fitness Professionals and Associates. Follow her Blog on http://karenfilisullivan.com

Experience in the area

Almost 25 years coaching and training. Wow! I feel old. Before that I was a competitive bodybuilder and powerlifter (ask my Chiropractor -- he can tell you). I have trained kids ages 12 to 89. From sports specific training to stroke rehabilitation. I love helping people move more gracefully, powerfully and safely.

Education/Credentials

English with a Journalism concentration was my college education. My training has been with my mentor, Jack Michaels, ACSM and professor at the College of William and Mary. My certifications are with the American Fitness Professionals and Associates. I hold a certification as a Personal Trainer and a Post Rehabilitation Exercise Expert (Isn't that a mouth full). My continuing education requirements have been fulfilled at a number of organizations and are monitored by AFPA. I keep my Red Cross CPR and First Aid current.

Past/Present Clients

Clients include athletes training for marathons, mountain climbing and general weight loss. In addition I have clients troubled with COPD, Fibromyalgia, and Parkinsons as well as stroke rehab. She was the Strength and Conditioning coach for Williamsburg Aquatic Club, a USA Swim Team, in Williamsburg, Virginia for 3 years.   Karen is presently working at Main Street Gym in Historic St. Charles, Missouri where she teaches Pilates and continues her work with clients. Her training reaches across the country with her long distance Body Restoration eTraining. Her dedication to fitness reaches into the nutritional supplementation with Shaklee products. She only works with clients who add nutritional supplementation to their training. Read more of her story on www.shaklee.net/BodyRestoration

What do you like about this subject?

When a client comes back to me and tells me they can avoid surgery because of the exercises I gave them. I have a woman who didn't need corrective surgery to her prolapsed uterus. Her abdominal routine has corrected the issue! Another client's surgeon sees improvement and is postponing surgery his shoulders. These are rare cases but it can happen!

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to learn more about biomechanics and the relationship that nutrition plays in the fitness picture. In addition it is my desire to help my clients (all ages) to age with dignity and as much grace as they can muster.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I am a Health Coach. I work with people who want to change their bodies to improve their lifestyle and look and feel good as a result. To do this I work with a well rounded, natural approach to fitness and do not support any of the thoughts popular in most gyms. Feeling Brave? Ask me about creatine!