Hometown: Ferrisburgh, Vermont
When and why did you come to Austin?
I moved to Austin in November 2025. I knew I wanted to experience living in a city at some point in my 20s, and Austin felt like the perfect fit. It’s much warmer than Vermont, and I love being outside, staying active, and live music. Austin brings all of that together in one place!
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
I grew up playing sports and became interested in personal training after my best friend tore her ACL. Seeing her rehab process sparked my desire to help people feel strong, capable, and confident in their bodies. That led me to major in exercise science in college. During that time, I fell in love with the community you can build in a gym and the meaningful connections you form as a personal trainer. I spent a year training clients in Vermont after graduating, learning to find joy in every small win and watching clients build strength, confidence, and trust in their bodies.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training.
After focusing on marathon training in 2025, I’m currently shifting my focus toward building strength and speed. I love lifting heavy while continuing to run in a way that feels enjoyable and sustainable.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
I want my clients to leave each session feeling supported, more confident in their bodies, and proud of the work they put in. My goal is for training to feel like a positive part of their day, a place where they can move, learn, and let go of stress while building strength in a way that you enjoy.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
I want my client to walk away from each training session with a deeper understanding of their body and feel like they were able to leave some of their stress behind on the gym floor. For me exercise is not only part of physical health but mental health and can be such a valuable tool to clear your mind for the day.
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
I combine a strong foundation in exercise science with a supportive, individualized coaching style. I prioritize education, long-term progress, and building confidence so clients feel empowered both inside and outside of the gym.
How do you, personally, define success?
Success to me means feeling fulfilled, staying curious, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Success is finding joy in the process!
If you had a super power what would it be?
Hands down teleportation. I would have seen the whole world by now and gone to every concert if I didn’t have to drive or sit on an airplane.
Follow Sophie on IG: @strengthby.soph
To train with Sophie at the South Studio, click here to schedule a free consultation and structural balance assessment.