She Has a Burning Passion For Fitness & Drive to Help Change Countless Lives Through Health & Fitness. Meet The Owner of Get SomerFit 365, Personal Trainer, Laura Somers

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Q: How was it growing up in Ireland?  
LS:
When I think about my childhood in Ireland, I immediately think of family, friends, and laughter. I'm no doubt looking back with rose-tinted glasses, but Ireland has a strong sense of community; people love to chat, and there is always someone to help out. Even now, when I come back to visit, within 10 minutes of leaving the airport, the taxi driver has updated me on all the news and scandals going on in the country, all done with great humor. Talking is definitely a national pass-time! Having a sense of humor and being up for the "Craic" (fun) are considered essential character traits. We are known for having 40 shades of green due to our abundant rainfall, but regardless, I still remember sunny summer vacations with stunning scenery and landscapes in coastal towns.

Q: Tell us about your journey after you left Ireland.
LS:
Before leaving Ireland, I was an EVP in one of the country's largest commercial real estate firms. An opportunity arose to move to The Cayman Islands, which my husband and I jumped at. We spent over five years in the Caribbean, which was a fantastic adventure. While there, I had the great fortune of meeting some truly inspirational people who worked in the fitness and wellness industry. This ignited a new passion for me. When we moved to Miami, I decided to go with my heart and pursue a career in fitness. I left the world of commercial real estate behind and qualified as a personal trainer. Most of the other students in my class were in their early 20's and just starting out!

Q: When did the idea cross your mind, you would pursue a path as a female entrepreneur?
LS:
After I qualified, I worked in a large fitness chain, which was a fantastic learning experience. While there, I found working with women in their late 30's and upwards (many of whom had children) and women entering menopause was what interested me the most. As a woman and mother in her 40's, I could relate to these women and understand their struggles and motivation to change their lives. I recognized that this was a market that was largely overlooked and ignored. Like most people, these women are time poor and want workouts that can be done from home in limited space and with minimal equipment. Of equal importance, people want to feel connected, part of a community, that you're not doing this on our own.

I decided to go out on my own and set up a business that catered for women who wanted to get stronger both physically and mentally. Making a lifestyle change is hard, but the most challenging step is deciding to make that change. I believe that given the right tools, advice, support, and encouragement, anything is possible. It's never too late to start.

Q: Can you share with our audience the concept for your business?
LS:
I offer custom one on one personal training and nutritional advice to women who want to exercise from the comfort of their own homes. The idea came about when I started posting workouts on my Instagram page. Originally it was a way of keeping in contact with my clients. On average, I would train someone perhaps once or twice a week; posting these additional workouts helped keep them on track the days they weren't with me. I began to see that there was a real demand for posts showing effective home-based workouts. My clients are busy women, often juggling work, and family life, and want the flexibility to work out at home when it is convenient for them. My programs are tailored to suit each individual. Any injuries, physical restrictions, or dislikes, such as "no jumping in workouts," are all taken into account when designing a program. It's so important to take the time to get to know each person. I custom design a program of home workouts through my online training app, including Bodyweight, HIIT, Tabatha, and circuit workouts, that can range from an 8 min Ab blast to a full 1-hour full body circuit session. An essential part of my role is to provide accountability and consistency on a daily basis by tracking my client's fitness and daily nutritional goals. I have found that by building a community of like-minded women through challenge groups, the support and encouragement offered by the women to each other is amazing.

Q: How have you been dealing with Covid-19? What adjustments have you made?
LS:
The advent of COVID -19 was a scary time for everyone. The one thing I wanted to do was make sure that my clients felt safe. Many had reached out to me to say they wanted to continue with their workouts but didn't feel safe in a traditional gym setting. I switched pretty much straight away to one on one ZOOM workouts. I also provided free Live HIIT classes for the ladies who used to attend my in-person Bootcamp classes to help everyone feel connected in this crazy time. Although I wasn't seeing clients in person, I maintained contact with them face-to-face, albeit virtually. The most significant change has been the demand for my online training programs, which offer an affordable and interactive way to stay fit and healthy.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business? 
LS:
Go for it! If you want it badly enough, make it happen. Don't listen to negative people or doubters. You will only ever regret the things you didn't do or try.

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
LS:
Identify your market and be the best you can be. Above all be yourself. Don’t try to be all things to everyone. Know your market, what you want to achieve, and be prepared to work hard!

Five Things About Laura Somers

1. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
The Maasai Mara in Kenya, being lucky enough to see wild animals in their natural habitat. 

2. What’s the best way to start a day?
I always exercise first thing in the morning. It gives me some much-needed headspace, time to think, and gets me ready for what the day has in store.

3. What is special about the place you grew up?
The people, the rich history and culture.

4. What’s your favorite drink?
A Moscow Mule... I think the copper mug does it for me.

5. Favorite dessert?
Rum and raisin Ice cream ...perfection

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