Staci Ardison
Hi, I’m Staci!
My fitness journey started in 2007, as your average nerd struggling to figure out how to lose weight and get healthy. This, all while juggling a day job and wanting to play as many video games as possible.
I tried many different options, including:
- Hiring a personal trainer (that left me feeling sore and humiliated).
- Adopting popular weight loss programs, that only led me down a path of feeling insecure (and developing an eating disorder).
After years of frustration, I knew there had to be a better way than following the advice thrown at me in popular women’s magazines.
So I started doing my own research by taking classes, going to seminars, and educating myself.
That’s about the time I found the community of Nerd Fitness. In 2011, I officially joined the team and never looked back.
Since that time I’ve transformed myself, both physically and mentally:
I’ve now become a Certified Personal Trainer through ISSA CES, as well as getting specialty certifications in:
- Exercise Therapy from ISSA CES
- CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1) Trainer
- CF Strongman and Powerlifting
I’m also working on my second bachelor’s degree (in Exercise Science) as well as my Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification.
Currently, I’m a Senior Coach at Nerd Fitness. I have over 10 years of experience in the coaching field, training everyone and anyone from seniors relearning to walk to high-level athletes (both in-person and online).
Throughout it all, I’ve focused on coaching for both long-term health as well as “game day” activities like powerlifting competitions. I’ve also taught many classes and spoken at many fitness conferences.
Outside of coaching clients, I also research and write articles at Nerd Fitness, that are science-based and helpful. I want folks to avoid falling down the same traps I did, so they can feel empowered to take control of their health and build their own destiny.
I can’t end without mentioning this: along my journey, I discovered my love for the barbell. Lifting heavy has helped me earn confidence that I never had growing up.
I’m on my own personal quest to deadlift 500lb and am only 45lb away!
If you’d like to learn more, you can read about my fitness story, including all the struggles I’ve hit along the way.
You can also follow my daily adventures over on Instagram.