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Community Highlights: Meet Stephanie Hamby of Find Your Fit Upstate

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hamby

Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fitness has always been a part of my life, starting back in high school where I developed a love for basketball and volleyball. While I wasn’t always the most elite player, I was always committed to giving my best. As I got older, though, my body began to change, and like many people, I faced the pressures of looking a certain way or hitting a specific weight. I struggled with my weight for much of my life, but I always found ways to stay active, whether that was through 5Ks, sprint triathlons, or half marathons.

I’ve also always had a passion for creating workout routines for my friends, blending different forms of training to keep things interesting and effective. But perhaps the most challenging and transformative period of my life came during the COVID pandemic when I fought cancer. The physical and mental toll was immense. Over the course of a few months, I gained about 20 pounds, and even the simplest movements felt overwhelming. It took everything I had to get through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, but I came out on the other side.

Once treatment ended, I was eager to get moving again, but I quickly realized that my body couldn’t keep up with my mind. I had to face the harsh reality that I needed to start from scratch—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I was forced to redefine what “starting point” meant, navigating new physical limitations that would stay with me forever. I had to ask myself, How do I do this? Can I do this? And most importantly, Do I even want to?

What I learned through that process was the power of patience and self-compassion. It was a long road, but with time, I regained strength—not just physically, but emotionally as well. That’s when I realized I wanted to help other women who might be feeling the same isolation or self-doubt that I had. I wanted to create a space where they could feel accepted, empowered, and challenged in the right way.

So, I decided to take my passion for fitness to the next level. I became a personal trainer to help others find their fit—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I guide them through their own obstacles, helping them push past limits while also reminding them to show themselves grace. It’s about building strength, inside and out, and giving that extra push when they need it most.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, especially as a mobile personal trainer without a brick-and-mortar location. One of the biggest challenges I’ve encountered is changing the mindset of clients who are used to the idea of a traditional gym filled with fitness machines. Many people believe that they need all that equipment to get an effective workout. And while that works for some, it’s not what I specialize in. I focus on using free weights, bodyweight exercises, and creative movement to get the job done. It’s about shifting their perspective and showing them how much can be achieved with minimal equipment and a well-thought-out plan.

Another struggle I’ve faced is the misconception that as a personal trainer, I’ll take a “sink or swim” approach—pushing clients hard without considering where they are physically. In reality, I always start by assessing where each individual is in their fitness journey, and then I build a customized plan that’s both challenging and achievable. It’s important to me that every client feels supported, not overwhelmed, and that we progress at a pace that works for them. These challenges have taught me the importance of communication and patience, and they’ve made me a better trainer overall.

We’ve been impressed with Find Your Fit Upstate, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a NASM-certified personal trainer, I founded Find Your Fit to empower women to discover and achieve their ideal fitness routine. I believe every woman deserves a personalized approach to fitness—one that aligns with her unique goals, lifestyle, and needs. Whether you’re looking to improve overall health, build strength, or simply find a fitness plan that fits into your busy life, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

How Find Your Fit works:

1. Personalized Approach:
I have firsthand experience overcoming physical challenges, understanding the unique obstacles women face when it comes to fitness. I also tailor each fitness plan to meet individual goals, ensuring every client gets the attention and support they need.

2. Comprehensive Training Programs:
Our 1-on-1 sessions start with a detailed initial assessment to understand your fitness level, goals, and any physical limitations. From there, we design a 12-week program that not only pushes you towards your fitness goals but helps you build a sustainable routine that’s enjoyable and achievable.

3. Accountability & Support:
We believe accountability is key to lasting success. I work closely with clients throughout their training journey, adjusting plans as needed and offering constant support and motivation to ensure they stay on track.

4. Nutrition Coaching:
Fitness is not just about exercise—it’s about nourishment too. Our training packages include personalized nutrition coaching, offering practical advice and strategies to help you make healthy, sustainable dietary choices that complement your fitness goals.

5. Mobile Convenience:
Busy schedule? No problem! Find Your Fit is a mobile service that brings the gym to you—whether at home, the office, or a nearby outdoor location. Our flexible scheduling ensures that your fitness routine fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Services offered are:
1 on 1 personal Training Sessions
Couple Sessions
Small Group Fitness Sessions

What matters most to you? Why?
Empowering women is at the heart of my business. I want to help my clients not just achieve physical fitness but also gain mental and emotional strength. I want to be able to help women break through self-doubt, overcome obstacles, and build confidence, creating a space where they can push their limits while also practicing patience and grace with themselves.

I am in front of my clients 2-5% of their time during the week. So, I give homework! And I will check in with you and ask you questions in your sessions about your successes or struggles with your homework. In my experience if you do the homework I give you, you will succeed. This accountability shows that I care about my clients’ long-term success, not just short-term results. My job is to keep my clients motivated and on track.

Contact Info:

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