Dreams are frequently met with twists and turns, and Personal Trainer Lanie Schrubba is a living example of that. Originally dreaming of a life of dance and working as a dance instructor, Lanie stared-down the disappointment of denial when applying for the Western Michigan University dance program. Hundreds of her fans across the region who have taken fitness classes with her at the Renaissance Athletic Club in Benton Harbor or have hired her as their personal trainer are glad that the twist of fate rotated in their direction when Lanie found her new passion of commitment to her new profession and inspired them greatly to improve their lives on a daily basis. Her ability to craft remote fitness instruction programming when the RAC was forced by state mandate to remain closed is now legendary as she helped maintain both physical and mental well-being for her clients and others. Read on for more of her enduring story and learn the fun of her Instagram “handle,” as you delve into the life of Lanie Schrubba.
Name
Lanie Schrubba
Where do you live?
St. Joseph, MI
Company or Organization
Renaissance Athletic Club
What is your job or role there?
Fitness Program Director and Personal Trainer
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
I think Bold Women of Business are not afraid to step outside of their comfort zones to not only make a difference in their own lives, but to make a positive impact in others’ lives as well. Bold Women of Business have strong leadership skills and they perform confidently with a purpose to get things done.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Confident…Striking…Strong
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
On March 16, 2020, we were told that the world was shutting down. On March 17th, 2020, I had a plan of action to continue to keep RAC not only relevant as a business, but be the source of familiarity and inspiration in a time that was so unfamiliar and full of worry. I worked with my team to put a schedule together of daily live workouts that would be live-streamed in not only our RAC members’ homes but in homes all over the country.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
I have attended many fitness conferences throughout my career and since attending, I decided to start a more fitness influenced Instagram account going by the name @ThighsandFrenchFries. At my most recent conference, I was able to connect with some VIPs of the Fitness Industry that I have been following via social media and looked up to for years. Little did I know, these people were also following me and my personal journey but have only known me as @ThighsandFrenchFries! When I walked into my first session of the day, I greeted the presenter and to my surprise she shouted “OMG YOU’RE THIGHS AND FRENCH FRIES!” I got a pretty good laugh out of making a new and apparently memorable name for myself.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
I can’t name just one, but I can tell you that my clients probably inspire me just as much if not more than I inspire them. I have seen some people go through some incredible lifestyle changes and not only change from the outside, but change their internal perception of themselves, gain confidence, and become the happiest versions of themselves. I have an incredibly rewarding and inspiring job!
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Stay true to yourself and keep people in your circle that want to see you succeed just as badly as you do.
Remember that things don’t always work out the way you had planned but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a better plan for you.
What does your selection to the first ever Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
I am extremely honored to have been nominated, let alone be part of the first ever group of women to receive this award. To be recognized as a Bold Woman of Business means that I am among a powerful group of women who are making a positive impact and I LOVE to see other women succeed! Like Beyonce says: “Who runs the world?……GIRLS!”
