Racked SF Hottest Trainer 2013 Contestant #3: Caroline Lewis

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Welcome to Racked SF's search for San Francisco's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile a dozen-plus smoking candidates who work at local gyms and studios. (Not only do they look hot in spandex, but if you take their classes, you might someday look nearly as good.) Then, once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which you get to vote for your favorite. Let the games begin!

Grid View

Expand

Photos by Aubrie Pick

Caroline Lewis may have the abs that would put a superhero's exoskeleton to shame, but just a few short years ago, she struggled with her weight. She yo-yo'd from dangerously underweight to unhealthily overweight, and her emotional health suffered along with the extreme changes. Then she found a trainer who motivated her to get healthy and enter a bikini fitness contest, which led to the 8-pack and peace of mind you see before you here at the Crunch on Polk Street. Lewis hopes to inspire her own clients in the same way with her tough love personal training. Below, find out lots more about this hot trainer, including the horned sea-mammal she's obsessed with that we've never heard of.

How long have you been a trainer?
"I have been working at Crunch for a month and a half now. Before that I was doing private training on the side for the past year or so, while holding various other jobs. That became frustrating because I couldn't dedicate my time and energy to training, so I made the switch to a full-time personal trainer position at Crunch. I couldn't be happier with my decision!"

What prompted you to become one—did you have a different career path in mind prior?
"I had a pretty difficult college experience: Physically, I see-sawed between dangerously low weight and unhealthily high weight, and my drinking habits were pretty extreme. After graduation I was unemployed, living at home, with no desire to get out of bed. I was pushed to go to the gym to "pass the time," where I met a trainer who literally flipped my life a complete 180 degrees. She taught me self-worth and self-love, confidence, discipline, goal-achievement, etc., through fitness and nutrition, and inspired me to train for a bikini fitness competition. I decided to dedicate my life to improving my health and wellness, and in the process I cut my drinking down almost 100%. I became a personal trainer so that I can inspire others to improve their lives through fitness and nutrition. This is only the beginning, so stay tuned!"

What classes do you teach, and which is your favorite/why?
"Currently I don't teach any classes, BUT I'm planning on teaching spin classes very soon. Spinning is a great form of cardio because it is zero-impact, which means it involves low risk while achieving high efficacy (just remember to stretch out your hip flexors!) I am also working on developing a new class for Crunch. I think my fellow females will like it. (Hint: It involves the booty!)"

Describe your training style: Are you drill sergeant? More laid back?
"I always strive to make my workouts fun for my clients, but I'm definitely a drill sergeant! I'm an all-or-nothing kind of girl, and I expect 100% effort from my clients. If you put in 50% effort, you will see 50% results!"

What's one piece of advice everyone should hear before beginning a new workout?
"Learn the correct form! So many injuries, both immediate and chronic, result from improper form. Your body is built a certain way, so use it properly! If you are unsure about an exercise or piece of equipment, don't hesitate to ask a trainer. We all want the best for our gym members and clients, and are always willing and eager to help you out."

Tell us a fun fact about you—the weirder and wackier, the better.
One of my favorite animals is the narwhal. When I retire I want to construct a giant ice-capped tank in my backyard where my future pet miniature narwhals will live. My miniature narwhals will be the next purse dog."
· All Hottest Trainer Posts [Racked SF]