CrossFit 806 coach and personal trainer Haley Sparks makes working out fun during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Provided photo]
Gym or no gym, everyone needs a push when trying to stay in shape, especially during the trying times the coronavirus has brought over the past month and a half.
Personal instructor Haley Sparks is doing her part, while having a blast in the process.
Sparks has helped fill a void for almost 50 people a week since the start of the pandemic.
Sparks, a licensed nutritionist and professional personal trainer, is a coach at CrossFit 806. Before gyms were forced to close their doors due to the COVID-19, she had been teaching classes at Crossfit 806, as well as teaching on her own to help clients become better both mentally and physically.
“I created a program called “Spark”, because of my last name,” Sparks said. “I wanted to give people an opportunity to get in shape who may be intimidated by CrossFit. My goal is to make people feel welcome in a gym, and make fitness fun. There are just so many people out there that are missing the opportunity to workout, when it could be something they enjoy.”
Now at home Sparks is extremely busy as her number of clients continue to climb by the week via Zoom. She does workouts that people can follow from her living room or driveway, creating an easy opportunity for her clients to stay on course.
“This virtual Zoom workout where people can watch me and follow has really picked up,” Sparks said. “I wanted to create a style of workout that doesn’t involve heavy lifting. You can do it at home or at a gym. It utilizes things like dumbbells and kettlebells.”
Social media has become a great business tool for Sparks — a Wheeler graduate and former West Texas A&M long distance runner. Sparks will either reach out to folks on Instagram, or they’ll find her. Immediately, they are taking her Zoom class and hooked from what she is providing.
Sparks teaches multiple Zoom workout classes weekly. [Provided photo]
“I started with 25 people, and now I have over 40,” Sparks said. “I want anyone who works out with me to not only get better physically but become better people. I’ve overcome a lot in my life, and I want to take my experience and coach them into being the best they can be overall.”
Jordan Herrera, and Leslie Hinojosa started training with Sparks at Crunch Fitness in December of 2018, and are still disciples of Sparks to this day. Both women say Sparks help change their life in the most positive way possible.
“Haley has been amazing,” Herrera said. “She inspires people so much, and she doesn’t even know it. She always gets you motivated with a message, and truly cares about her clients. She cares about you as a person, and sometimes is more invested in myself than I am. She’s changed my life and believes in me.”
Hinojosa agreed.
“When the gyms closed, I didn’t think I was going to make it,” Hinojosa said. “What’s been great about Haley is her keeping us accountable. She checks in on us every Monday, and at the end of the week. She’s not just a coach, she’s a friend that wants you to do amazing. I wouldn’t have kept going if it wasn’t for her. She’s truly special.“
So far, Sparks has had clients reach out on Instagram and workout via Zoom from Colorado, Florida, North Dakota and Oklahoma.