Catalina

About Catalina

Who is Catalina?

Born in Medellin, Colombia, South America. Grew up in Nashua, NH. Attended college at UCF, FAU, and UNF in Florida and moved to Macon for a Master’s internship at The Jones Center (and stayed for the low cost of living here!). 

I worked as the Lead Exercise Physiologist for Atrium Health Navicent before starting MAC Functional Training. I have a 5 year old son (tiny terror). Hobbies include the gym and spending time with my son and boyfriend. And I love dogs!!

Describe your sports and fitness background? 

Cheerleading, softball and Track ‘N’ Field in middle and high school. Collegiate Track ‘N’ Field (Javelin) at UCF. I dabble in BJJ and earned a Blue Belt (though I  might get demoted to a green belt if I don’t get back on the mats). 

I’ve been weightlifting since 1998 and coaching for the past 9 years. I’v earned a B.S. in Health Science and an M.S. in Exercise Science and Chronic Disease. I hold the following certifications: ACE Health Coach, Functional Strength and Conditioning, and CrossFit Level 2 Trainer.

What is your favorite and least favorite movement? 

• Favorite = Squat Clean
• Least favorite = Tie between Assault Bike and 2-DB Overhead Walking Lunges

If you had to give a bit of advice to people starting out, what would that be?

• Perfect the basics! Work on performing the movements to standard before you try to increase the weight or speed at which you work out.
• Scale! Leave your ego at the door (this applies to all fitness levels from beginner to advanced). Enjoy the process of progressing gradually. Give yourself grace and allow yourself to be a beginner (or to have “bad” days).