Meet Carolyn Erickson | CEO – CE Fitness Consulting, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn Erickson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I think my work habits that stem back to my parents has helped me tremendously. Both of them were hard-working middle class raising a family with 4 kids. My mom not only worked her full time job but she literally took care of everything else. I learned by watching and eventually doing. I was a single mom for 10 years with my 3 girls. They would be the first to tell you that I worked my tail off and made many sacrifices so I could provide them alittle bit more than what they needed. They learned they couldn’t have everything they wanted but I did well enough that they didn’t feel my financial struggles. My work ethic, discipline and the fact that I take responsibility and ownership of the things I do, all contribute to my effectiveness. I’ve speant a great deal of time in the work force. Running health clubs is no easy task and it is long hours. You can’t go home at 5 or 6pm. That is one of the most busiest times in the club. Initally it wasn’t my choice to walk away from that career. I was running 16 locations in San Diego for a large health club chain and was laid off at 50. Fortunately I was hired by Jillian Michaels as Director of Business Development for BODYSHRED™, a program she created for fitness instructors. I traveled coast to coast and made a ton of connections. Who knew I would eventually start my own LLC and be able to utilize those resources for myself. I have had my own Fitness Consulting company for over 4 years and I was doing so well prior to COVID. I am still trying to figure out how to bounce back and stay relevant. I am resilient and my skill set is unique so I am staying positive that I will aquire a couple of long term projects very soon.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started my company initially because I started getting fitness projects outside of the full time position(s) that I was doing. I needed a place to field all of those checks I was receving as an independent contractor. It was timing for me… I didn’t know if I could sustain a business on my own, not being reliant on a company and a consistant pay check. One day I just logged on to Legal Zoom and completed the information. I had no business name so I chose CE Fitness Consulting just using my initials. It was like finally booking that long awaited vacation to somewhere you always wanted to go but just couldn’t commit because of the expense… THAT was how I felt. It was such a relief to finally put my big girl pants on and just do it! My business is all over the board. ALL THINGS FITNESS, really. I travel globally training trainer and instructors, present at conferences, consult for gyms of all sizes. COVID has hit the fitness industry hard. I have never been in a situation like this before. This is definitely a tought time for me personally. I have always brought home my own income. I am grateful my husband’s work is considered essential. I am confident that I will bounce back from this. I have learned such a lesson in patience during this time. I couldn’t handle it at first, but adapted and pivoted trying to stay relevant. I teach Zoom fitness classes and have been able to educate / certify trainers and instructors virtually. I trust that there are projects out there with MY name on them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most of my friends are in fitness so I know each one of them would want every day to include some kind of workout. Okay so let’s say it’s March…. Here is what the visit would look like: Monday 9am take Cycling at EOS then drive to the coast for a breakfast burrito. Hit alittle shopping in Del Mar, grab a Starbucks then sit at Powerhouse Park to watch the waves. Evening would be dinner in Little Italy with a gelato for dessert. Tuesday we go to Yoga (or do a You Tube video) have a protein smoothy and head to the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Since we are already there, shopping / walking around the Carlsbad Outlets would be a good choice. We could drive to Encinitas to the Botanical Garden and hit Swamis Cafe. Evening jacuzzi at home with a glass of wine and a nice steak dinner. Wednesday we lift some weights at the gym and get in alittle cardio before we head downtown to take the ferry to Coronado. Lots of walking around Hotel Del, the beach, gondola ride, and Peohe’s is a great option when we get hungry. Take the ferry back to SD and in the evening we head to Stone Brewery. Thursday – I say we pack up the dogs to walk Lake Hodges in Escondido. It’s close and easy. After we bring the dogs back we drive to Carmel Valley for Breakfast Republic… SO GOOD! and hit CRUNCH for a quick leg workout. We’ll head into La Jolla for all the sites and treats. I’d also like to see the Caves and the seals at the Cove. Early dinner and sunset seems like the best option. Friday- the weekend! Instead of heading to Julian Sat like everyone else, I think Friday will be less crowded. If we leave around 9, we can get there by 10 and enjoy apple pie and walk around. Later we’ll head to the Cordiano Winery in Escondido to eat pizza and watch the sunset. Saturday we have to take a morning jacuzzi, drink some amazing coffee and head to Seaport Village. I can make the drop off at the airport for the evening flight back home!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout outs are tough because I could go on for days…. I have been in the fitness industry for over 3 decades and I have quite a few people that I should give kudos to. The first person is Bill McBride. He is the President & CEO at Active Wellness. He was such a great mentor. He believed in me enough to make me the Regional GM for Frog’s Fitness (now Fit Athletic Cub) for So Cal, bridging the gap between our NorCal and SoCal locations. I also feel that Jillian Michaels was a big supporter. I am not just saying this because it’s her. I really mean it. She was very respectful of my networking relationships in the industry and my knowledge and experience of managing multiple locations. She even brought me in as one of her master trainers, showcasing me in her Bodyshred video series. She boosted my confidence and supported my voice when we discussed the rollout strategy of her program. Lastly, my Savvier Fitness family has played such an impactful role, especailly during the pandemic. Every master trainer, everyone behind the scenes for the virtual events, everyone in the office (Tricia, Kirsten, Elizabeth, Pattie, Jessica)…. I have never been a part of such a compassionate and loyal group of folks. I would have gone over the edge a few times if it weren’t for them. Then of course I cannot forget my husband who has totally stepped up to support us financially and me emotionally, reminding me to enjoy today and that tomorrow will take care of itself.

Website: www.cefitnessconsulting.com

Instagram: @carolynannerickson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-erickson-33779a65/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolyn.erickson.7568/