What does Cœur mean, and how do you pronounce it?

Cœur means “Heart”🔈(click to listen) in French and is often pronounced “cur” by English speakers. Cœur Personal Training takes a heart-centric and people-first focus to provide Personal Training for underserved individuals by making training accessible and fabulous. The “œ” is a ligature meaning those individual letters stay connected to produce one mighty sound. The “CO”eur honors our beloved state. There’s also this story about a brown dog that was dumped on the Appalachian Trail that was a cur…

How did Cœur develop?

This dream became a solution to a problem when clients reported not feeling welcome or safe in traditional gym environments. Clients were in these environments in a stressed state—where others could be loud, rude, territorial, dangerous, and unwell. A gym could be a microcosm of larger societal factors interplaying in unkind ways that left people feeling like they didn’t belong or didn’t want to be around others who behaved with social unawareness and personal entitlement.

Breaking the 4th wall: I felt it, too.

As a result, there is no doubting this space is for you; no recurring membership fees; no equipment you don’t use but are charged for; no requirement to purchase equipment; no grunting or peacocking; no leftover sweat; no harsh cleaning chemicals; no lack of privacy; no offensive odors; no slippy wet pool water; no people in your space; no waiting on equipment; no annual contracts; no miscellaneous fees; no blaring/obnoxious music; no florescent overhead lighting; no financial exploitation of your Personal Trainer; no petrol from driving to a gym (with in-home training or biking/walking to training); no artificial environments; no difficulty canceling service; no gym bro-people attitudes or gymtimidation; no mirrors; no restrictions on music selection; no fear or punitive based tactics for motivation; no focus on weight loss; no weighing on scales or using calipers; no closures for pandemics; and no other gym bullshit that causes people to avoid taking care of their bodies.

Why exercise outdoors?

We are abundantly blessed in Colorado with outdoor space. Clients report a kinship to these majestic mountains. Those arms and curves wrapping around us tightly protecting, soothing, guarding, inspiring, directing, and renewing us time and time again.

Researchers Loureiro and Veloso reported that green exercise offered additional benefits beyond indoor activity, such as: healthier levels of blood pressure and cortisol, vitality, increased energy, psychological restoration, well-being, positive emotions, and higher motivation to participate in physical activities. This is partly due to the emotional and physical benefits of contact with nature, which increases well-being and sense of life satisfaction. Why not exercise outdoors?

What is sustainable exercise?

Exercise that withstands the passage of time. Exercise programming that builds strength from the inside out and trains all parts of the body—not just the muscles that can be seen. Exercise intensities and variations that factor a client’s sleep, energy, health, and mindset every single session. Exercise that acknowledges our human connection to the natural world, and our collective duty to regularly practice acts of love to preserve Mother Nature. Exercise that leads and models to younger generations how to live in community with the body.

How does the sliding scale work?

Cœur values integrity and trust. There is no income verification or needless, unnecessary hula hoops (besides the one you could be twirling) to access Personal Training. Pay the amount that you are able. If you’re unsure, The Green Bottle resource can provide guidance on using a sliding scale based on your particular situation.

In what areas do you specialize?

A Women’s Fitness Specialist best supports people in pre-menopause, peri-menopause, menopause, and post-menopause. There is also opportunity to level up youth basketball skills. A mélange of boxing and kicking, self-defense, brain games, and other fun is peppered in to sweeten clients’ workouts.

Why do people decide they want to hire a personal trainer?

In no particular order: to learn how to exercise (safely); to prepare for pregnancy; to exercise when working from home; to rebalance postpartum; to ensure accountability; to improve their confidence; to follow doctor’s orders; to remove the guesswork from exercise; to learn something new; to exercise in their biking off-season; to focus training the body for a particular job or hobby; to prepare for long-distance treks/adventures, etc.

Can others join my session? 

Not typically; however, if you would like to train with another person, please make a note on your interest form and we’ll discuss more at your consultation. There are caveats with training in duos/groups that should be discussed before determining if this is your best course of action.

What age groups have you trained? 

Mature middle school students through 93 year old adults. Before Cœur works with a student, the desire must come from them. Too often, students don’t participate by their own will or for their own reasons. In creating sustainable exercise, voice and choice matters.  

Are you certified?

Absolutely. Every 2 years, in order to maintain certification, a Personal Trainer has to pursue continuing education coursework. Anne’s certification is through the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM). She most recently completed continuing education courses on anxiety and exercise, exercise and osteoporosis, and programming for women’s fitness throughout their lifespan. She is also CPR and AED certified.  She carries liability insurance in the event your cat tests her balance.

Do you offer group training?

Cœur would be glad to discuss group training including but not limited to: assisted living and/or independent living group exercise.

My hip is in pain. What is going on?

Personal Trainers are bound by professional regulations and are prohibited from diagnosing or treating pain (without additional certifications and/or licensing). It’s essential to stay in professional lanes, so Cœur refers clients to: physical therapists; mental health therapists; medical doctors; pelvic physical therapists; accredited acupuncturists; massage therapists; etc. to ensure we’re acting in clients’ best interest.

Can you give me some meal ideas. Your lunch smells good.

Why thank you, it’s a homemade lentil loaf with a side of taters. Similar to restrictions on diagnosing and treating physical pain, Personal Trainers are unable to create or advise on topics like meal planning as this is a Registered Dietician/Nutritionist’s domain.

I have a drinking problem and am trying to reduce and possibly quit alcohol. Will exercise help?

Yes. Cœur has programmed for clients who either are or have removed alcohol from their life. Exercise complements a client’s desire to improve their life. Alcohol is also empty in nutritional calories and high in sugar, so body adaptations post alcohol can be significant. There is no shame around addiction at Cœur, and we would be honored to support your journey.

My last Personal Trainer listened and gave me advice about the infidelity in my marriage, my pornography habit, my shitty boss, and my dark thoughts. Are topics like these okay?

Topics like these exceed the scope of Personal Training and it’s vital to the professional relationship to adhere to boundaries. Current challenges and past trauma(s) must be reserved for a qualified mental health professional. Cœur is unqualified to provide talk (psychiatric) therapy or help clients in crisis.

What if I wake up sick on the day of our appointment?

Cancellations within 24 hours incur a $10 cancellation fee. This fee must be paid before a client can train again. Charging a fee ensures clients don’t lose their session and reduces the financial impact of same-day cancellations.

A no-show forfeits the session in addition to a $25 fee to be paid before service can be resumed. Personal Training services are terminated after 3 cancellations.  

Are packages refundable, and do they expire?

Packages are not refundable. Life happens, so clients are encouraged to only purchase what they need at the present time.

Packages expire after 3 months.

Can I bring my kids with me?

Goats are fabulous; however, it depends on children especially if the focus shifts away from you to their needs. Children cannot participate in your exercise session, and Cœur understands childcare is a privilege. More can be discussed at your consultation.

I am a member of a gym, so can you train me there?

No. It would be unprofessional because gyms have their own trainers that can help. A forewarning anecdotally shared within trainer circles is that within a year, 50% of new trainers quit. Training at a gym where other trainers depend on that income for livelihood is a major faux pas.

I have a community gym at my residence; can you train me there?

Please complete an interest form, and we’ll discuss more at your consultation.

Where do we meet outdoors?

Training locations are discussed during consultation.

How do I pay?

Instructions about payment are emailed to clients when they are ready to schedule their consultation. Payment for service must be made at least 1 week in advance of the session or the appointment will be canceled.

What about inclement weather when training outside?

We’re Coloradans and we get weather! With the 30 minute package options, make sure to consider the temperatures in the winter and summer months to ensure you are prepared to exercise outdoors in varying temperatures. Since Mother Nature operates her own thermostat, dress in layers. There are usually shelters where we train. Sessions are not canceled due to Coloradical weather; however, in the event of extreme weather, Cœur will touch base to confirm/reschedule your appointment. Safety is always a priority!

How does in-home training work?

This becomes an option to discuss once you are an established client, and there is a developed rapport. Safety is paramount, so the trainer/client relationship needs time to marinate in order to determine if working together in that space would be viable. An equipment porting fee may be charged for multilevel homes and/or extensive home layouts.

I experience anxiety and hate small talk, but I want to learn how to workout.

Cœur hears you and will honor quiet sessions; you don’t have to worry about “weather talk”. Quiet by Susan Cain was a groundbreaking novel, and Cœur is confident to find a communication style that meets your needs.

I deal with chronic depression, so it’s hard to know when I’ll feel good enough to train.

Cœur understands that concern, and it can be helpful to create an exercise plan for days where, for example, energy, focus, and motivation may vary. Exercise is a lifelong tool to manage depression and other mental illnesses. Cœur is here for you to create that game plan!

What about exercise and health benefits associated with weed/psychedelics?

Cœur is a safe space to express questions of curiosity. Colorado is a pioneer in cannabis and psychedelics, so there is no shame for inquiring about these topics in the scope of exercise. The psychedelic Renaissance is afoot, and an exercise cleanse to prepare the body may improve outcomes of one’s trip experience. (See Preparing for a Psychedelic Experience: A Step by Step Guide by Denver’s Psychedelic Passage). Clients have asked for information/resources on topics like: weed and post-exercise recovery, weed and sleep in menopause, amongst other intriguing topics...

Like what?

Why am I crying? Mindfulness is an integral component of Cœur’s practice, so crying is natural and normalized. There is a physiological and personal component of tears. Tears release endorphins, and they are cleansing. Don’t ya feel better after a good cry? When clients feel safe and seen, bodies may shed stagnant, ancient energy that we then nurture and supercharge into the sacred energy of existing in the beautiful capability of one’s body right now. It is your nervous system’s way of breathing, “Thanks, I needed that”. This vulnerability and authenticity is where adaptations flourish. It’s sun dog decadent.

Will there be opportunities to meet other Cœur members?

Yes! The power of community is fun and restorative. Besides, with the human loneliness epidemic community is a soothing salve. Stay tuned!

Why are there no Google reviews?

Google comments and social media posts are disabled…like Anne 🥁 (ba dum tss)! Businesses decide how best to advertise their services, and social media is just one way. Client referrals are our hot biscuits.

Does Cœur work with clients indefinitely?

No. Cœur prioritizes safety in order to do the gritty work of growth. There is a cast of characters (click to meet them) that misalign with Cœur’s values on safety and growth. It’s important to be clear on expectations before beginning service. Harassment including, but not limited to: physical, verbal, suggestive, in jest, written, non-verbal, etc. immediately terminates service. No refunds are given, and a police report may be filed.

Why are there no single sessions?

Meeting once isn’t the best bang for your buck, and it would be better to Google a workout for the goal you are pursuing. Further, it’s not in the client’s best interest to assess an individual, teach/refine human movement patterns, and write an effective workout on the pop fly. Bodies are as unique as sunsets, and it takes time to program for individuals—not the masses, not the averages— but for you. Payment for a consultation and a 4 pack is required to begin new service.

Why doesn't programming focus on weight loss?

Sustainable weight loss requires a long-term commitment and access to a plethora of resources that may include: adjusting nutrition, balancing hormones, factoring sleep, mitigating stress, exploring mental and emotional wellness in therapy, evaluating potential prescription side effects; tracking food and liquid intake; embracing genetics; devoting significant time and energy to weight loss; and engaging in consistent weekly exercise. Further, there is no way to handpick an area of the body that has more or less curves, and train it into the sculpted, ideal version of the mind’s eye.

There is no sustainable fast fix and transparency is the best way to care for people even if they decide to train elsewhere. Bodies are art. They are galleries showcasing stories of immense resiliency. Shape doesn’t determine worth. If clients can pivot their goal to improving strength, that goal is sustainable.

With strength gains, your mood will lighten, your energy will improve, and your confidence will soar. Your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other playas harmonize. Your pet notices. Your co-worker notices. Your children notice. You’re kinder and gentler on your self and begin to bedazzle that love to others. You develop a swagga, and we forge an unforgettable bond of sustainable exercise.