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

Hi Victoria, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Htown, born and raised! LOL, I was born precipitously at my grandfather’s house. I guess one could say I marched to the beat of my own drum since day 1!

I’ve always been a bit feisty. My mom put me in an after school gymnastic class to help me learn to focus, and to burn off energy. I really liked having “dominion” over my body and feeling strong and powerful. Eventually I joined a gymnastics team, though I really disliked gym “meets”. I still practiced gymnastics, but “aged out” of competitions around 16. I started teaching gymnastics to kids for a summer job, and then transitioned from gymnastics to dance (jazz, ballet, etc..). I later gravitated towards aerobics classes and lifting weights. I fell in love w the support and encouragement of the gym culture.

What should our readers know about your business?
My personal training business is holistic. It’s as much about disease and injury prevention as it is health and wellness! I truly believe every person needs muscular (strength and endurance), core, balance and coordination training to prevent illnesses and injuries that could sideline and/or shorten one’s life.

What sets me apart? In few words, I CARE!! I respect the fitness level, abilities and goals of each client. I communicate and work with each client with clarity, a touch of humor, and without judgment. I don’t do “cookie cutter” workouts! There’s no “workout of the day”, no competitive “leader board”. Each session is for and about the client

I am most proud and excited about the progress of my clients (a 93 yr. old Covid survivor who is able to re-gain and maintain his independence; a postpartum mom’s rebounding; grandparents keeping up with grand kids; clients being able to do things they hadn’t done in years or being able to do things they’d never imagined doing etc…), it’s beautiful!! Gone are the days when working out was about someone’s size, how much they could lift or how much weight they lost.

Secondly, I’m proud of the perfect space where I can work with my clients. My training is about my clients! I consider each client’s “story” (their goals, health, abilities and/or limitation’s) and come up with unique workouts and/or interventions that actually help and change their lives!

My 26 yrs of experience taught me how to “read” people; I know when to push, scale back, change, etc…..
My gymnastics and dance background (and a fun dose of creative ADD) taught me to adapt client’s needs in the moment, with unique and specific workouts every time I see (and hear) them!

I want the world to know that when it comes to exercise there is no obstacle that can’t be overcome! Whether the obstacle is about weight, injury, illness, etc….. There are still options for people to be able to work towards health and wellness. Be Curious!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a fan of artistic and “offbeat” places/experiences. I’d take visitors to Houston/Galveston museum’s/theater or art gallery events, I love consistently amazing traditional dining established in Htown……Sweet Paris Creperie; Perry’s Steakhouse; anything Goode Co.; etc…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
They say, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I think curiosity makes you smarter, and sometimes a pain in the ass ;). I’m a good trainer because I’m curious and inquisitive. That being said, a lot of credit goes to my client’s.
When client’s come in with physical hindrances (aches, pains, inexplicable weakness, etc…) I like to research to figure out WHY. When issues are beyond the obvious, I encourage clients to see someone who has more knowledge (Dr, Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, etc…). I love going with clients to appointments (with their permission) because I learn about my client’s specific issue, and I learn from their practitioner.

On a personal level I’m a better human because of my daughter Sloan, and my friend Deborah Starrett. Deborah encouraged me to go to therapy after my divorce, and I continued therapy to be a better parent for my daughter.
Therapy helped me deal with my own issues, to get out of my head. I learned to be more open, vulnerable, and authentic. It really helped me be able to better connect with people and understand more that we all have a story-background.

Website: www.vfithtx.com

Instagram: vfithtx

Twitter: @VFitHTX

Facebook: VFit Personal Training @VFitHTX

Other: Email: vhlalinde@flash.net

Image Credits
Kat Hayes, Digital Marketing Specialist kathaeyspr.wixsite.com/kathayes kathayespr@gmailcom

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.