Meet Taylor Holmes of Crosswim in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Holmes.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Taylor. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been an athlete my entire life. I played softball from age 4-13 and started swimming at age 13. Being an athlete teaches you so many things — time management, discipline, social skills, how to be part of a team. Some of my best memories growing up are from long swim practices with friends, and I can’t imagine my life without some sort of movement and team aspect.

When it came time to go to college, I hit a sticking point. I LOVED swimming but wasn’t fast enough to make it on a Division 1 team. I was faced with a tough choice: Try for a Division 3 school or stop swimming. I ended up going to ASU and getting a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s in Mass Communication, and it was such a great decision. I still swam almost every day, explored new fitness activities and discovered Crosswim, where I now coach. I also discovered how to balance my love of fitness with my other interests, and became a more well-rounded human being in the process.

I work full-time for Aker Ink PR & Marketing in Scottsdale, but the pull of the fitness industry was too strong. I had to make it my side hustle! I got my personal training certification through NASM in 2017 and have been constantly learning and improving my knowledge ever since.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has been pretty smooth overall. However, like most people, I struggled with body image issues, and that was reflected in my coaching style. When I first started, all I wanted to do was write the hardest workout possible — how tired can I make my Crosswimmers? How many calories can I burn? Soon, I realized that going 110% all the time isn’t realistic and that calories burned or muscle soreness aren’t always the best measures of fitness. Anyone can write a hard workout, but it takes a good coach to write one that provides real benefits.

Now, I approach my workouts differently. I earned a Body Positive Coach certification through Bloomfit Training. I create well-rounded workouts that are challenging but have a purpose. I offer modifications so people of all abilities and fitness levels can participate. I strive to create a welcoming, body-positive environment that doesn’t encourage excessive exercise, disordered eating or negative self talk.

I struggled to hit my stride as a coach when I first started as well. I wasn’t confident and didn’t think people would listen to me or take me seriously. I was so quiet and didn’t trust that my knowledge would benefit others. Over time, I found my groove and can lead groups large and small, no problem.

Looking back, becoming a coach was one of the best things I have ever done. It brought me out of my shell and has taught me to be a confident leader who can command respect, both on the pool deck and off.

Please tell us about your business.
Crosswim was founded to make swimming more accessible to everyone. It can be intimidating to swim endless laps, and Crosswim turns the traditional swim workout on its head, combining running, swimming and bodyweight exercises in a HIIT-style group workout. It’s fast-paced, kicks your butt and is always full of new surprises. One day, we might run bleachers and hit the pool for a swim workout with short sprints. The next, we could run up A Mountain on ASU’s campus and finish with partner relays at the pool. It’s one of the most unique workout programs in the valley, and a hidden gem, in my opinion!

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Sometimes, I wonder what my life would look like if I went all-in with fitness instead of going into public relations. It would be different, but I don’t think I would change anything! Coaching group fitness is a huge source of joy for me and I’m so grateful to be able to do it.

Pricing:

• First workout is free
• First month of unlimited workouts is $40
• Unlimited monthly membership is $79/month (3-month commitment)
• Drop-ins are $10

Contact Info:

• Website: www.crosswim.com
• Email: taylor@crosswim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylor_moves/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crosswim

Image Credit:
AJ Grucky

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