Raised in the San Lorenzo Valley, Monica is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) nationally accredited Certified Personal Trainer. She holds a specialty degree in Prenatal and Postpartum through PROnatal, New York, holds a Bachelors Degree in Relational Communication Studies has been sculpting programs for healthier bodies for over fifteen years, guiding women through every stage of their wellness journey.
Whether it’s preparing the body for the demands of motherhood, rebuilding strength and function after baby, regaining function and ability no matter if one has had children or not, she blends motivation with know-how that leaves clients trained up for a lifetime. While raising her two daughters is her first calling, her passion for fitness runs a close second igniting energy and confidence in women across our community.
Why women? After her own motherhood journey, she became aware quickly of the misinformation and confusion around training the body for and before pregnancy and the months and years postpartum.
Motivated to get her training and technique in the hands of those who need it most she thrives on working with women, a group she finds endlessly inspiring and in need of defined guidance around motherhood. Defining goals, discovering weaknesses, highlighting strengths, and filling in any obscurity around working out with purpose and safety all inspired the name for her business: Defined Fitness.
In sessions her style isn’t only about training-she transforms lives with her knowledge, meeting you where you are with enthusiasm, igniting energy and confidence, passing on skills you’ll have for a lifetime.
Effective communication allows the crafting of personalized plans with real understanding. She ensures every woman feels heard, empowered with defined goals and ready to conquer them.
Whether you’re a new mom navigating post-partum recovery, a fitness enthusiast aiming to level up, thinking about starting a healthier habit, or a grandparent aiming for better strength and function, her knowledge paired with her knack for building trust creates a space where women thrive-physically and mentally. So, Santa Cruz, ready to feel stronger, healthier, and unstoppable? Monica is your go-to guide for a fitness journey that’s as fun and doable as it is transformative!
Look here for tips, free advice and interesting women’s fitness topics uncovered. Submit requests to the editor if you’d like to ask her something!
For more in depth and focused tips, follow her on Instagram trainingby_monica and Facebook Defined Fitness. Limited training spots are available now for small group fitness and individual training sessions. Email for info [email protected].
Mention Growing up in Santa Cruz and receive a free consultation.
By Monica Menard
