We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Pro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, how does your business help the community?
I’m so proud to be in a business that helps people live healthier lives. Now more than ever we need to be focusing on our health and my services do just that. Through exercise and proper nutrition, I help others manage stress, build strength, boost their immune systems, and reduce their BMI and risk of chronic illnesses– all factors that lead to long, happy lives!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a fitness professional and certified personal trainer, my main goal is rewriting the way a lot of people (especially women) think of “health”. Unfortunately, society has taught many of us that certain foods are “good” and others are “bad”, we need to constantly be losing weight and making ourselves tinier, cardio machines are the only way we should train, and lifting weights will only make us “bulky”. I’m here to contradict that! I spread a lot of information and evidence that less food is NOT the answer, we shouldn’t put harsh rules and limitations on ourselves, and strength training is what we all need in our lives! My balanced approach to health and fitness sets me apart from a lot of others out there selling “quick fixes” that do not set individuals up for long-term success. I focus on the long-term with clients. With me, it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would obviously start by bringing my friend to Rocky Mountain National Park! Not only are the hikes top-notch, but the 360 views are breath-taking. After our hike, I’d bring my friend into Boulder to unwind with some food from all over the world, finely crafted cocktails, and more beautiful views all on the Rosetta Hall rooftop. Another day would be spent in Denver touring around all of the various neighborhoods, visiting a few of the many breweries along the way. We’d be sure to first stop at the Doughnut Club in RiNo because every day of exploration should start with doughnuts! As the days rolled on, we’d work our way further down the state with a trip to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs before heading to Manitou Springs to climb the incline and relax in a hot spring. A few more days of hiking, eating, drinking and exploring finished off with a trip to Red Rocks to catch a concert in the natural amphitheater! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my parents and my husband! When I initially decided to make the jump from full-time teacher to full-time fitness professional, my parents and husband were incredibly supportive of the career switch, despite the uncertainty of it which initially worried me. Their encouragement to chase my dream gave me the push I needed to take a chance on something I love– without them, I would have been too scared to actually act on this passion. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

Website: www.musclebymaria.com
Instagram: @musclebymaria
Facebook: www.facebook.com/musclebymaria

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.