Emily Blakemore-Jara

As a child in CA, I played soccer recreationally and was very active outside. When my family moved to the PNW, I spent my teenager and early adult years hiking, camping, backpacking, rappelling, wake boarding, and jet skiing. As an adult, I got into tennis, co-ed soccer, spin class, and eventually running and triathlons. My first race was a half marathon fundraising for CCFA. It was the first time I had access to running coaches and an organized training program, and was immediately hooked on being part of the running community. It was this experience that gave me the confidence to try other seemingly intimidating solo sports, like road biking and triathlon. Through these physical feats that I had previously thought were impossible for me, I learned the importance of having qualified coaches, that I'm stronger than I think, consistency pays off, and competing against myself is the hardest and most rewarding experience.

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I joined a triathlon club that did an incredible job educating the members on why the training program was set up how it was, and what the body went through during the various phases of training. I was really amazed learning what the human body can do and how it can transform with dedication and hard work. To experience this transformation myself was truly unbelievable to me! This prompted me to start going to school part time so I could learn more. The more I learned, the more I wanted to continue learning! I never thought I would be able to graduate with a degree, as I had a full time job in Washington DC, a mortgage, bills, etc. There was no way that I would be able to take off work to complete the required internship, so I looked at my schooling as simply pursuing my hobby while wishing I could dedicate myself to it fully. The turning point for me was when my older brother invited me to come live with him for free and go to school full time in exchange for helping with his kids when he would travel out of town for work. After much contemplation and sleepless nights, I ended up quitting my desk job of 12 years, I sold my house, packed up my life, and moved to Missouri. I spent the next 4 years getting my Bachelors and Masters degrees. This was the hardest decision of my life, but I just absolutely KNEW that it was the right thing for me to do. I kept telling myself that the hard work and stress would be worth it in the end, and I am so happy and grateful to be where I am now, seeing it all pay off!

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I love working with clients who are coming out of physical therapy or returning to activity after an injury so I can bridge that gap from therapy to strength training. I am passionate about helping individuals overcome pain, fear, restrictive movements, and intimidation so they can gain/regain strength and skills to feel confident in weight training. I also enjoy coaching small group fitness & strength sessions, as they provide a positive energy unique to working out with like-minded people. It fills me with immense joy to acknowledge and celebrate any hardship an individual has overcome whether it be physically or mentally. Mental and physical health go hand in hand. When one improves, the other follows, and I am here because I love witnessing and being part of these transformations!

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