Trainer Spotlight: Beth Pirtle

As I grow older, being active is more important than ever. I know, I know, many of you are scoffing at me. I am 41 and still considered in my prime.

However, I do have a unique perspective as a person who has used her body to explore the deepest limits of my physical capacities. I find this endeavor exhilarating, a problem to be solved, to accept, and explore- it’s a work of art really. As such, I have spent over 30 years, not just exercising, but training my body to do unnatural events for the sake of art that is my sport of distance running- how fast can I push my body for hours- fun lol.

I know I'm a hard breed, but the accruing of hard miles actually allows me to relate to my senior clients (at least just a little) on what it feels like physically and emotionally to confront tissue degeneration and performance. Yes, it is on a spectrum, but it does not discriminate: not being able to do what your body used to do is a tough pill to swallow. I won’t stop pivoting though, and neither will my mom. The plan may not look the same as when I was 20, 30, but I can have a plan that still produces results in learning from PTs and personal trainers/senior athletes, like my Beth.

One of the best trainers at Emerge Fitness -Beth Pirtle- has an even greater perspective and education in training this spectacular group of humans that are our “senior” population. ‘Senior’- it has such a negative connotation but to me, it signifies endurance, consistency, and wisdom. Can I consider myself a senior- ha! Well, no, although I am considered a senior in my sport, I do not have the actual experience of what this aging process is like- although I try my best to listen, understand, and learn from the experts, the best- like my mom.

Yes Beth is my mom. She has been training herself for over 50 years- starting at Health quarters in the 80s to currently running marathons. She also has been personally training others for over 20 years: starting in her basement, then traveling to clients homes, next working at New Lady Fitness, finally landing at Emerge Fitness as an integral part in creating and opening the first Emerge Fitness Training.

Her training style is similar to mine: in tuned to her clients, quiet yet confident in her expertise, AND extremely competitive with herself to be the best. She loves to see people getting along and being their best selves. Often, she has high expectations, but she is able to assert these with grace and love.

Beth is a doer. An adventurer. A feisty ball of energy who is passionate and purposeful. Training with her is like an osmosis of energy, passion, and laughter. You leave my mom feeling - well- happy.

I hope this sounds familiar. Yep, my mom is a mentor. Although I have been ‘run’ coaching her for over 20 years and now am her strength and condition coach at Emerge- she has actually been guiding me all along. My mom is so humble, that she probably doesn't even realize it- the impact she has had on those younger trainers around her.

To focus on being humble and kind, to be goal oriented, to work hard in love and generosity, and kick ass at whatever goal I have for myself. She knows she is really good, and needs not to announce. But - I am here to say- this ‘senior’ female is a boss. ha!

Beth understands what it is like to be at the bottom of the mountain that is health and fitness. First off, as a young girl, like many in her generation, she never had the opportunity to perform in sports as a developing female. She was never encouraged or given the opportunities that she provided me. Fun fact, did you know that humans inherit their endurance from their mothers! Thanks mom.lol

So when she decided to join me at the track over the summer of my sophomore year - she was only running one lap and walking one lap at a time. In reality, she had started her own journey by walking out her front door, running three houses at a time, breaking to walk because she felt like she was dying, then progressing every week, month, year, until she was able to run 5 miles straight, then her first marathon.

She now trains using intervals, tempos, hill, striders, and races distances from 5k up to half marathoners annually. She finds peace and serenity in her training routine and she feels the freedom that may have eluded her as a young woman growing up in the 50s. I mean, the sports bra was not even invented until the 80s, and women were told their uteruses would fall out if they ran further than 800m. It was only in 1984 that the marathon was added to the Olympic event line up- And my idol Joan Benoit Samuelson won gold!

My mom paved her own way. She never took no for an answer. She shows up for herself, her family, and for others. If you have been lucky enough to train under my mom’s tutelage and strength coaching, you are absolutely in some of the best personal training care- On top of all her education and certifications, I don’t know anyone who has read, studied, and implemented as much knowledge on weight loss, nutrition, and strength training- maybe Matt lol.

While mom is almost 70, she continues to keep some of her clients at Emerge; she continues to show instead of tell, and she is a great role model for the rest of our staff and clientele. Thanks Both for being a real life example of health, longevity, and willingness to continue to learn- you are a blessing to Emerge.

Although mom doesn't take new clients on often, I would consider speaking with her if you are intrigued by her level of expertise on weight loss, nutrition, and training our amazingly strong and resilient senior population- you may just find the pearl you have been so greatly seeking.

At Emerge, we work together to give the best to our clients. Having access to Beth as a fellow trainer is priceless. Thanks for always willing to share, teach, and talk with us. You are a rock.

Remember, as you grow older, being active is more important than ever. Regular exercise can help improve muscle mass, manage symptoms of illness or pain, support independent living, and reduce your chances of developing cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases.

I would love to work with you as would many of our staff at Emerge.