About me
My name is Gretchen Burman and I live in South Orange with my two amazing daughters, supportive husband and two adorable little dogs. I love to travel, see live bands, and spend time with family and friends. I enjoy working out, getting stronger, learning, and pushing myself.
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My goal as a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist is to help my clients by educating and motivating them to maximize their results in a safe and sustainable way. I work with everyBODY who wants to take their health and fitness to the next level…whether that’s hiking, lifting heavier weights, losing weight, more endurance or being able to pick up your grandkids.
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​As I age and experience more aches and pains, I am learning to listen to my body and adjust as needed. For me that’s more mobility, stretching and stopping when something doesn’t feel right. This sounds easy enough but I struggle with this. I feel strong so I want to push my limits, however my body feels differently.
My new motos are to be…
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Fit, not skinny
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Able to train for another day
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Respectful of what my body is telling me
I want to keep moving the way that I want today and in the future. My hope is to help others with this same goal.
My Story
My introduction to fitness was in childhood during my many years as a competitive gymnast. It taught me commitment, resilience, and courage. I can still walk on my hands today! I continued my fitness passion in high school by running track. Speed was my strength. After college I worked for Marriott for 15 years where I gave my heart and soul helping the hotels gain financial fitness. I left the corporate world when my daughter was three. After my second daughter was born I was ready for my next career adventure…
Author, educator, speaker
When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I was worried how I was going to help her reach her full potential. I put together a checklist of 12 life skills that my husband and I could proactively teacher her. I called it, “The 12 Cs” and it was very helpful having this consistent toolbox for my family. I wanted to help other families so I created Character U. Through my book, workshops and school assemblies, I shared my passion empowering elementary aged students and staff with the mental fitness tools to be their best selves. A major focus was helping them understand the importance to "Be the Boss of Their Thoughts." Our thoughts are so powerful and can be used to help or hinder our lives as children and adults. I continue to live The 12 Cs with my family and am so grateful I was able to help so many people.
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Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist
I work out to be healthy and strong so I can live my life feeling healthy. I want to help people achieve their fitness goals so they can feel confident in their bodies as well. I became a Certified Personal Trainer with NCSF and a Corrective Exercise Specialist with NASM. I found a love of learning about fitness that I never knew I had. I continue my education from fitness, health and longevity leaders to hone my skills so I can be the best coach for my clients.
