Cheryl A. Patella, M.S., B.S., A.A., CPT, CLC

For the past 38 years I have been a fitness professional specializing in health and wellness having received my Associates in Recreational Management from Miami Dade College, my Bachelors in Recreational Therapy, and Master’s in Counseling from Suffield University.  I hold many certifications: The Institute for Aging, Polestar Pilates, The Cooper Institute, International Strength and Conditioning Association, Florida International University, International Sports Medicine Association, and Evidenced Based Fitness Academy, just to name a few.  My education delves deep into wellness to better serve my clients.  However true education comes from the experience learned by working with people one on one whether in person or virtually. 

My professional journey started when I was in college majoring in business.  I had gained 40 pounds from bad eating habits and was working in administration for a chain of sports clubs.  I was not happy with how I felt about

myself.

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I decided to take action. It began slowly, starting with healthy meals and a workout I created. I started seeing results: I lost the weight. Meanwhile, my employer took notice and asked me to help others by teaching classes.  That was the beginning!

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Learning about people’s motivation, movement, priorities, and medical background allows me to be more successful with my clients. Understanding what is important to them, and what motivates them, helps ensure my clients reach their goals, whether it’s functional movement, post-surgery rehabilitation, or achieving their personal fitness goals.  I think the most important thing for anyone to know about me is that my number one passion is helping others.  It comes naturally to me and is one of my strongest gifts. 

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My desire to help others and be creative has afforded me the privilege of working with developers, managing gym renovation projects, and with non-profits creating programs for residential rehabilitation centers.  I also co-founded a women’s residential recovery center. 

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I am very passionate about writing.  So much so, that I recently published my first book, The 21st Century Woman. Writing is something I enjoy and is a creative outlet I am able to share.  You can read some of my articles in the following publications: American Spa Magazine, Entertainment News & Views, Living In Balance Magazine, Women’s Fitness, Miami Metro, and on my website.

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Looking forward to connecting!