Brenda’s passion for fitness runs deep, but it’s only part of what makes her story so inspiring. As the powerhouse behind The Workout Studio, she’s built more than a business—she’s created a thriving community centered on strength, support, and self-discovery. A former cheerleader, dancer, and gymnast, Brenda’s love for movement began early, but it wasn’t until adulthood that it transformed into a calling. With the unwavering support of her husband, Mark, who shares her love for staying active and cheering on the Auburn Tigers, Brenda took a leap of faith to pursue her dream. Together, they’ve built a life grounded in shared values, whether it’s hitting the tennis court, hosting poolside family days, or pouring their hearts into their community. In this candid interview, Brenda opens up about the challenges and triumphs of running her own studio, the joy of helping others transform, and how the power of partnership—both in marriage and in business—fuels her every step of the way.
BOOM: You’ve had an impressive career as a personal trainer and business owner of “The Workout Studio.” What first sparked your passion for fitness, and how did that lead you to open your own business?
Brenda: I’ve always loved to move. Growing up, I was a cheerleader from the time I could walk, and I stayed active through dance, gymnastics (my personal favorite), and tennis.
Movement was a part of who I was. But like many people, life got busy. After high school, I pursued a nursing career, got married, and suddenly found myself in the whirlwind of adulthood. My activity level slowed down, my eating habits slipped, and before I knew it, I didn’t recognize the person staring back at me.
One day, I literally said out loud, “Who is this person?” That was the turning point. I made a promise to myself—to start making better choices, not just for a number on the scale, but for how I felt from the inside out. I wanted confidence, and strength again. So I got to work.
I returned to the gym, got certified as an aerobics instructor, and about six years later became a personal trainer. I took a leap of faith, left my full-time job, and went back to college to pursue my true love and passion: Exercise Science.
Fast-forward about ten years. I was teaching and training at a local gym when, in an unexpected twist, they announced they were closing. Wondering—what’s next, a good friend stepped in. He owned a gym and offered me a facility and resources to keep doing what I love. A year later, with his encouragement and support, he handed it all over to me—and that’s how my studio was born.
Now here I am, running my own workout studio, still asking myself the same question I asked over 30 years ago: “Who is this person?” The answer? I’m someone who found her strength, jumped in even when I was scared to death—but I didn’t do it alone. With the support of my amazing studio community, we’ve created something far beyond a place to work out. Together, we’re building healthy bodies, strong minds, and meaningful friendships. It’s more than fitness—it’s family.
BOOM: You’re known for not just helping clients get stronger, but also educating them about living a healthier life. What’s the most rewarding part for you when you see someone truly transform?
Brenda: It’s not just the physical changes. Helping others reach their goals is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do. So often, people associate a healthy lifestyle with a number on the scale. And don’t get me wrong—seeing that number change can absolutely be motivating and exciting! But for me, the most rewarding part isn’t the physical transformation.
It’s the mental shift. It’s watching someone gain strength, confidence, and a new sense of self. It’s seeing them carry themselves differently—standing taller, smiling bigger, believing in what they’re capable of.
When someone who once struggled to get through daily activities without feeling exhausted suddenly completes a 60-minute aerobics class and walks out saying, “I can’t wait to come back tomorrow”—that’s what lights me up. That’s why I do what I do.
BOOM: When you’re not training clients or managing the studio, what’s a perfect day look like for you? How do you find time to relax and enjoy the simpler moments?
Brenda: Ironically enough, even on my busiest days, I truly love what I do. Teaching classes is my happy place—it never feels like “work” to me. But when I’m not at the studio, you can usually find me soaking up the sunshine. Summer is my favorite season, and my perfect day is spent relaxing by the pool with my husband, Mark, our family, and our pups. Mark also likes staying active, so we also enjoy playing tennis together whenever we can.
And when fall rolls around, there’s no place we’d rather be than Jordan-Hare Stadium. Our love for Auburn runs deep—so Saturdays are for cheering on the Tigers! War Eagle!
BOOM: You’ve chosen to make Prattville your home. What do you love most about living there, and what do you think the community could use more of to make it an even better place to live?
Brenda: Mark and I live in Prattville—not for any big, glamorous reason, but simply because it’s where he grew up and where he lived when we met. Over time, it just became our place. And honestly, we love it here.
Even though my studio is in Montgomery, I gladly make the commute because Prattville feels like home.
We love the convenience of having everything we need close by, yet we still get that small-town charm and sense of community. It’s definitely growing, and fast—but it still has that heart and warmth that makes it special. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
BOOM: You volunteer with Miracle League at Ray Thorington once a month. What made you want to get involved with this special cause, and what have you learned from working with the kids?
Brenda: Volunteering has always held a special place in my heart, especially when it comes to working with children with special needs. My passion for this began with my nephew, who was born with spina bifida. He was paralyzed from the chest down and faced multiple other disabilities, yet he enriched our lives in ways I never could have imagined.
In my twenties, my sister—his mother—worked at Father Walter’s Memorial Child Care Center, a facility that serves children with severe mental and physical handicaps. I would often visit while she was working to sing, hold, play, bath and love on those precious kids.
That experience moved me deeply and eventually led me to become a foster parent.
After a long two-year process, I was finally able to take one of the children outside the facility. I was able to bring him home to spend the night, took him to the zoo, out to eat—just simple experiences many of us take for granted. The joy it brought to both of us was truly priceless.
Years later, one of my studio members introduced me to the Miracle League, a baseball league for children with disabilities, and I knew immediately that I had to be involved. Volunteering with the Miracle League has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences of my life. You go in thinking you’re there to help these kids—but what really happens is they help you. They remind you what true joy, resilience, and love look like.
If you’ve never heard of the Miracle League, I encourage you to look it up. Better yet—volunteer. I promise, you won’t regret it.
BOOM: As a personal trainer, you’re always encouraging others to stay active, but how do you keep your own fitness routine fresh and exciting? Do you have a favorite workout or activity that keeps you motivated?
Brenda: My personal fitness routine is built right into the classes I teach—because I’m a doer, not a dictator. I’ve always believed that if I don’t feel what my participants are feeling, how can I know how hard—or not—they’re working? We’re in it together, every single rep.
I typically teach three to four classes a day, and each one brings something different to the table. From strength training and cardio to boxing, toning, sculpting, and step—we do it all! I genuinely love every format we offer, but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say step has my heart. I’ve even been lovingly dubbed the STEP Queen—and I’m not mad about it!
BOOM: You run a business, train clients, volunteer, and have a side gig with Plexus—all while staying active and keeping up with family life! How do you manage to juggle all of these roles, and what keeps you balanced?
Brenda: Balancing two businesses, family life, friendships, and a little fun? It’s definitely a challenge! One of my biggest struggles—something I’m still working on—is learning how to turn it all off. I say that in the present tense because, truthfully, I haven’t mastered it yet.
My days start super early and end late. My first class is at 5:30 a.m. and last class at 6:30 p.m., with more classes and training clients packed in throughout the day. On top of that, I’m checking in with my Plexus customers—answering questions, placing orders, and offering guidance. The hours add up quickly.
The end of each month is always the most intense. Class schedules shift, instructors’ availability changes, and putting it all together often feels like solving a jigsaw puzzle. I just cross my fingers and hope all the pieces fall into place. I also share a monthly recipe and offer an optional challenge to keep our members motivated and accountable. If they complete it, they’re entered into a prize drawing—because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a surprise gift?
We keep things fun year-round with themed challenges like our October Step Challenge, PLANKSgiving in November, and the 12 Days of Christmas in December. Every single member and client matters deeply to me, and I hope they feel that in everything I do.
Now, I’ll admit—I have my fair share of “toxic traits,” and one of them is being slightly obsessed with organization. I thrive on structure and routine. I’ve always said, the more I have to do, the more productive I am. So, multitasking? That’s right up my alley. But even with all I juggle, I’ve learned that burnout is real. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to create small pockets of rest throughout the week. Usually, I have a midday break where I can eat lunch, catch up on paperwork, or just enjoy a little quiet time. Even if it’s just for a short while, it makes a huge difference. It helps me reset and recharge so I can bring fresh energy to my evening groups.
Time is the most valuable gift someone can give—and I don’t take that lightly. When a person shows up and gives me even an hour of their day, I see that as an honor. Their time matters, and it’s important to me that I make it count!
BOOM: We often hear about the importance of physical fitness, but what other aspects of wellness do you emphasize with your clients to help them live a fuller, healthier life?
Brenda: While I constantly preach the benefits of healthy eating and daily exercise, I also emphasize something just as important—balance. My members and clients hear me say it all the time: this is a long-term lifestyle change, not a short-term fix. You have to pace yourself and accept that setbacks are part of the process. You’ll make a bad food choice, skip a class, or fall short of a goal. That’s life—we’re human. But it’s not about the setbacks themselves. It’s about how you respond. Don’t let a couple of rough days turn into a month of giving up. Give yourself grace, reset, and start fresh the next day. That’s why it’s called a journey.
BOOM: How do you think fitness and staying active contribute to aging well? What advice would you give to someone over 50 who’s looking to start their fitness journey?
Brenda: These days, it’s no secret—no matter your age, staying active is vital to your overall well-being. Whether it’s high-intensity exercise or simply a walk around the neighborhood, movement matters.
Our heart is a muscle, just like any other in our body. If we don’t keep the blood flowing through it with consistent cardiovascular activity, it becomes weak—and eventually, it can fail us. The same goes for our bones. As we age, issues like osteoarthritis and osteopenia become more common, but regular weight-bearing exercises can help increase bone density and prevent and improve these conditions.
The best part? It’s never too late to start. I’ve worked with clients in their 50s, 60s, 70s—even one in her 80s—and their results have been nothing short of amazing. The key is to just start—and keep going.
BOOM: We know your Yorkie babies are incredibly special to you. How do they bring joy into your life, and what role do they play in your overall well-being?
Brenda: If you know me, you know my love for dogs is real—almost to the point that it hurts! Closest to my heart are my three Yorkies: Reesie, Gracie, and Ziggie. They’re not just pets—they’re part of The Workout Studio family. We lovingly refer to them as our “studio security team,” but truthfully, they’re just the sweetest, most well-behaved little companions. They bring so much joy to everyone they meet, and for many of our members, seeing their furry faces is a highlight of the day.
The Studio is truly their second home—though some would argue it’s actually their first! Having them by my side and watching how they light up the room (and people’s hearts) is everything. Honestly, I think a few clients come more for the pups than for me—and I’m totally okay with that!
BOOM: You’ve been involved with Plexus for five years now, with great results. What made you decide to team up with the plant-based supplement company, and how has it impacted your health and lifestyle?
Brenda: I started using Plexus five years ago for two reasons: first, to support a family member who was selling it, and second, because I had heard so many great things about the products and thought it was the perfect opportunity to give them a try!
I had struggled with gut issues—let’s be honest, who doesn’t?—and I was hoping they would help. I’ve always been mindful of what I put into my body, and the fact that these are all-natural, plant-based supplements was a huge bonus. Within just a couple of months, I noticed changes. Our gut controls about 70% of our immune system, so when it’s off, everything feels off.
I stayed consistent with the products for four years, sharing them with everyone around me. If they helped me, I knew they could help others too. At one point, a friend approached me about selling. I quickly shut her down—I was happy just sharing and sending her the business. But after a year of watching these products help so many of my friends, she finally convinced me. And I’m so glad she did!
I’m proud to say I’ve built quite a business with Plexus. My primary focus for so many years has been helping people live healthier, get stronger, and become more confident. What better way to complement that than by helping them feel good from the inside out as well?
While my true passion is still and will always be fitness, exercise, and The Workout Studio, Plexus has been an amazing addition. It’s allowed me to help and connect with so many incredible people. Just recently, I earned an all-expense-paid cruise to the Caribbean for two—compliments of Plexus—it was another one of those “pinch-me” moments.
God has truly blessed me more than I deserve. But something I’ve learned is that He’s always opening doors—it’s just up to us whether or not we walk through them.
BOOM: You and your husband, Mark, are dedicated Auburn Tigers fans. How did your time at Auburn shape you, and what does it mean to share that love for the Tigers with your family now?
Brenda: I honestly can’t remember a time I didn’t love sports—all sports—but especially football. Growing up in the South, it’s practically in your DNA.
Funny side note. Back in college, as part of my Exercise Science degree, I enrolled in several sports-related electives. One particular class delved into the fundamentals of sports—covering their origins, rules, and history. Given its relevance to majors like sports management, athletic training, and physical education, the class was predominantly male; I was one of only three women. After our first test, which focused entirely on football, the professor announced the highest grade in the class: a 98. To everyone’s surprise, it was mine! I’m pretty sure I earned a little extra respect from the guys that day.
Again my love of sports came at a young age, but my true love for Auburn came in my early twenties. One of the doctors I worked for gave me tickets to an Auburn game. It wasn’t just my first time in Jordan-Hare Stadium—it was my very first college football game. That was it. I was in complete awe and instantly hooked. There was something magical in the air. The energy, the spirit—there’s just nothing better.
As fate would have it, Mark was an Auburn fan too. In fact, our second official date was riding in a race car going 160 MPH at Talladega, then watching the Iron Bowl together. Auburn won 28–18! Not a bad date, right? And as they say, the rest is history. We’ve been season ticket holders ever since!
We share that love with our family and start them young—one of my nieces has been going to games with us since she was born. There’s just nothing quite like football Saturdays in the South. It’s something Mark and I look forward to every year and something we love doing together. Some of our favorite memories are in that stadium.
BOOM: As someone who’s been in the fitness industry for many years, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned along the way—whether in your personal or professional life?
Brenda: Every day brings new challenges—whether it’s putting together a fresh class plan or finding ways to adapt a workout to meet the needs of everyone in the room. I take my role very seriously. I walk into every class with a written plan, full of variety, progression, and modifications for all fitness levels. My goal is always the same: keep it fun, keep it effective, and keep it challenging. That means being aware of who’s in the room—different personalities, different abilities, different needs.
It’s a balance I’m always working to fine-tune. If there’s one lesson I’ve had to learn (and continue to work on), it’s patience and understanding for my own passion. I remind myself often: not everyone loves exercise and wellness the way I do—and that’s okay. I just want so badly for everyone to feel the joy and freedom that movement brings, but I’ve learned to meet people where they are and celebrate progress in all its forms. It’s most definitely a work in progress—but one I’m committed to. These challenges have pushed me and ultimately made me a little more compassionate, a better listener, and a stronger leader.
BOOM: Running a fitness studio must involve a lot of personal connections with your clients. How do you build strong relationships with them, and how do those relationships help both you and your clients thrive?
Brenda: As I mentioned earlier, The Workout Studio isn’t just about exercise—it’s about connection. The friendships and fellowship we’ve built within these walls are just as important as the workouts themselves. We help each other, encourage one another, motivate, push, and show up for each other—in and out of class.
Sometimes, that support comes during a tough workout when we need a little extra push to get through it. Other times, it shows up in life’s bigger moments. Either way, we’ve created something really special. Some of my most meaningful and lasting relationships have come from this community.
I spend time with many of my clients three to four times a week—we talk, laugh, and share life. I know their stories, their kids, their pets, even their parents and grandparents. When someone trusts you with their health and well-being, something deeper naturally forms. And that connection is what The Workout Studio is all about!
BOOM: You’ve had an exciting career and life so far, but what’s next for you? Are there any personal or professional goals you’re particularly excited to pursue in the years ahead?
Brenda: I’m so excited for what’s to come at The Workout Studio! My hope and prayer is that it continues to grow, to reach more people, and to change more lives. I genuinely want to make a lasting impact—to create a legacy that reflects and embellishes my love for health, fitness, and helping others become the best version of themselves.
I can’t close without acknowledging the most important person in my life—Mark. He’s been by my side through every stumble, every success, every step of this journey. His quiet strength, constant encouragement, and unwavering support have carried me in ways I can never fully express. He never seeks the spotlight but always steps up when needed—and I couldn’t have done any of this without him. Thank you, Mark… for being my biggest blessing.
One of my favorite sayings is: “You don’t have to—you GET to.” Every day is a blessing, and the ability to move our bodies, to show up, and to grow stronger—it’s a gift I never take for granted. My hope is that everyone who walks through our doors feels that same gratitude and leaves not just stronger, but more inspired to embrace the gift of movement and the power of community.
We want to thank Brenda for sharing some of her story with us this month. If you have comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text Jason Watson at 334.328.5189 or email jason@ riverregionboom.com.
