As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!

1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?

My name is Monica Knapp, I am an ACE certified personal trainer and I am 27 years old. I am the owner of a New Jersey in-home personal training business called Love Your Workout.

2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?

My older brother and sister inspired me to eat healthy and stay fit when I was a child. Also, I found Tamilee Webbs “Abs and Buns of Steel” and I loved exercising to her encouragement!

3. What did they do to inspire you?

My sister and brother introduced me to the trainers and employees at our local YMCA, and even bought me a few training sessions for me at Christmas when I was about 11 or 12.

4. How did their lesson change your life?

Having my older siblings include me in our weekly gym sessions made me feel important and part of a group. They both showed me how to use machines and explained to me how I would improve in the sports I was participating in at the time because I was becoming stronger and quicker. They pushed me to try harder each time we went! They also reinforced that eating more fruits and vegetables was important for giving me vitamins.

5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?

I have trained a few children over the past few years, and I like to remind them how much stronger they will feel if they exercise. I also remind them that they will improve their sports skills and be able to compete with the “big kids” if they keep exercising.

6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?

I would tell children today that exercising should always be fun and challenging. As long as you keep moving, you are making your heart, your body, and your brain stronger. I would also tell them to eat the colors of the rainbow. That means anything from red apples to yellow peppers, blueberries to green beans! The possibilities are endless when you think of all the delicious fruits and vegetables to eat!

7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?

My web site is www.loveyourworkout.net