Instructor Spotlight: Kristin Gaspar
When I received Kristin’s application to become a 4TFM instructor, I was really impressed with her desire to reach the women in her community and the humility she showed in her video bio piece. It was clear that she has a heart for helping women become their best - not just physically but as a whole person. What struck me initially was that she is a quiet leader who doesn’t have to be in the spotlight but rather prefers to lead by nurturing and educating. What might surprise you is that Kristin has her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do! Don’t underestimate this petite gal!
Originally from Connecticut, Kristin moved to Florida around eight years ago. She is married to her high-school sweetheart, Marco (I LOVE those stories!) and they have one son together named Luca, who is almost 2 years old. She has her Master’s in Education and is a former elementary school teacher. Now a SAHM to Luca, she is personal trainer and 4th Trimester Fitness instructor. Kristin is also a CrossFit L-1 coach, Precision Nutrition Exercise Coach and Personal Trainer. While new to the birth scene, she is a QUICK study and is loving it so far.
Why did you become a 4TFM Instructor? “I became a 4TFM instructor because I have always loved helping others reach their goals. As a former teacher I am used to helping guide students on their path, teaching them new things and seeing a lightbulb go off. I can now transfer that love into being a 4TFM instructor. I want to help women feel more confident, feeling connected and understand their bodies more and help them reach their health and fitness goals along the way. I had a difficult birth and recovery and if I can help even just one mama have a better postpartum recovery than it is totally worth it.”
Tell us about an “aha” moment in your journey as a 4TFM instructor. “During the first Postpartum Recovery Fitness series I taught, one mama had a difficult time connecting with her pelvic floor (you could see she was stressed out about it) but by the end of the 6 week series she was able to understand her body more and the pelvic floor cues and everything finally just clicked.”
I know that I (Emily) feel the same way! You can see when the light goes on and your client “gets” it. They feel fantastic and empowered.
What do her 4TFM students say?
“I loved the small group feeling. It was a very safe place to ask questions.”
“One of the things that I really liked was that Kristin made sure that we really understood what we were supposed to be doing.”
“I took Kristin’s Pelvic Floor Core & More Class and it was incredible. Prior to the class I didn’t have much knowledge on what my pelvic floor was and by the end she did a thorough job explaining the anatomy and teaching us how to activate and engage our pelvic floor. Can not sing her praises enough!!”
By the way, Our leadership team keeps receiving rave reviews for Kristin’s classes from her participants. She keeps her class sizes small and intimate which really appeals to many women.
What is one book that made an impact on your work? The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
What is your favorite Movie? Because I Said So
And, your favorite food? Biscottis Restaurant
(Yum. I had their carrot cake for dinner - vegetables and all that jazz - and I can tell you it was decadent!)
Again - I always want to know — What about your Dream Vacation? This girl must be my long lost travel buddy! Her answer? Hawaii and Greece
What are you Hobbies? Working out, running, CrossFit, going for walks, the beach and going to new coffee shops. (I am right with her on the coffee shops!)
What are 4 outstanding Qualities that I have noticed in Kristin?
1) Kristin has such a gentle spirit about her that I know that the women who come to her classes feel nurtured and cared for. She speaks softly but has the knowledge and experience to speak with authority.
2) She truly understands the experience of a hard and high risk pregnancy, bed rest and the worry that goes with that experience. That goes a long way for the women that she works with. And even on bed-rest, she will be able to figure out a way for her clients to maintain joint mobility and strength to the extent that they can!
3) This lady has the best smile! I adore it! And, truthfully, I am a bit jealous of her pearly whites. But, her smile just makes a person happy, and that is especially helpful to a new, sleep-deprived momma coming into Postpartum Recovery Fitness.
4) Can we talk about Integrity? She is the poster gal for that. She will always do the right thing. And she is always learning. That’s important to me as the “4TFM Instructor Momma Bear”. I like life long learners!