Meet Haley Davidson, a Norwalk mom and personal trainer who moved here from New York City. She started her health journey when she was getting in shape to pursue a dance career. Fitness became her “new passion,” so she got her personal training certification and worked at a boxing gym. Now she’s a nutrition specialist and a trainer at F45 in SoNo. Find out what inspired her—and how she motivates her clients to be “the healthiest version of themselves.”
To learn more about Haley and her gym, Follow @f45_training_southnorwalk, @haley.j.davidson or visit the website.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have one son named Hudson. He is 6 months old and we can’t wait to give him a little brother or sister in the near future!
What brought you and your family to town?
My husband and I previously lived in NYC. He got a job offer here in CT, so we packed our bags and moved to Norwalk. It was the last place I ever thought we would live, but making the move ended up being the best decision we’ve ever made. Since then we have made CT our home and we couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
What’s your favorite aspect about being part of the community?
The people! Everyone I’ve met has been so welcoming and kind. When we moved to CT I didn’t know a single person. I now have some incredible and supportive friends who have been awesome in showing me around CT and helping me navigate this beautiful journey of motherhood.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
We love going to the Maritime Aquarium, Cranbury Park with our pup Ranger and the beach!
Can you please tell us a bit about your path to health and fitness?
I was always an athletic person, but I was not always fit/healthy. I was a dancer from the age of 3, through college and beyond. It was my life and my passion. But when I was told I needed to lose weight if I wanted to make dance a career I struggled. I didn’t know the right way to make that happen and on top of it I was partying and drinking heavily. I developed terrible eating and workout habits and things quickly spun out of control. At that point I had no self-confidence and no direction as to where I was going in life. Finally I decided to make a change. I started weight lifting, making healthy changes to my diet and drinking less. It didn’t take long for fitness to become my new passion and I wanted to share that passion with others. I got my personal training certification and started working at a boxing gym in NYC. When I moved to CT I was introduced to F45 and fell in love! I’m happy to continue to share my passion for fitness with our members all these years later.
You are certified in NASM PT, NASM nutrition and are in the process of becoming pre and postnatal certified. With this impressive list of certifications, how do you juggle work and motherhood?
I would be lying if I said it was easy. I’m very lucky to have a supportive Husband, boss and coworkers who help make it possible to be a stay at home mom while I work and continue my education. I also have a part time sitter who helps whenever I need some uninterrupted time. Hudson has also gotten used to “hanging out with Mommy” while I work/study. He’s my favorite coworker!
What can someone expect at F45?
A community of people who are going to help you reach your goals and become lifelong friends. F45 isn’t just a workout, it is a fitness program designed to challenge our members both inside and outside of the studio. Every time you show up you will be motivated by the people around you. We have members of all different ages and athletic abilities in the same class, with different capabilities and different goals working together and pushing each other for those 45 minutes. You are going to leave the studio feeling accomplished and stronger than the day before.
What is the best or most rewarding part of your job?
Helping people reach their goals. Whether that be staying consistent in their fitness routine, learning how to do a pushup, lose body fat or increase muscle mass being able to help people become the healthiest version of themselves is 100% the most rewarding part of my job. I love that I can be apart of their fitness journey. I’m constantly motivated by our members–they make me so proud!
Tell us about F45 and the programming you offer?
F45 is more than just a workout. It is a fitness program that is meant to help members reach their goals in a fun, exciting and motivating environment. Not only are you getting awesome in studio workouts, you are also receiving a personalized nutrition plan, in studio one-on-one training from our certified personal trainers and a community of people to support you on your fitness journey. We have members of all different ages, fitness levels and in all different stages of life. We can modify or progress the workouts to individualize them to each member’s needs. We make working out fun and easy!
What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
Don’t make comparisons! Everybody’s motherhood journey and experiences are different.
Do you have any advice for parents who are looking to get started with F45?
Yes- Don’t hesitate! Once you commit to coming in for 45 minutes of YOU time, you’ll be hooked. It’s really easy to let the craziness of everyday life get in the way of prioritizing yourself and fitness. F45 offers loads of different class times that work for anyone’s schedule… even a busy parent! All you have to do is show up and 45 minutes later you will feel accomplished, energized and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.
Any words of wisdom?
Find time to prioritize you. As a new mom, I’ve found it’s really easy to make excuses not to workout or eat well because I’m focusing all my time and energy into taking care of my family. I’ve quickly learned that if you don’t take care of yourself physically and mentally, you can’t be the best version of yourself for your kiddos!
Anything to add? Feel free to add whatever you want the readers to know!
F45 offers the best workouts that I have ever experienced and have kept me active through all different phases of my life. From “sweating for the wedding”, all 9 months of pregnancy and through my postpartum journey I can count on F45, the community and the coaches to help me stay healthy and motivated to be the best and healthiest version of myself for my son.
We love supporting local businesses. Favorite places in town or nearby to…
Have dinner with/without kids: Barcelona
Grab a drink with friends: The Spread
Have a date night: Washington Prime
Spend time together as a family indoors/outdoors: Maritime Aquarium and the beach
Shop for yourself/shop for your kids: I’ll be honest, I do majority of my shopping on Amazon!
Spa/salon (or anywhere you go to treat yourself): Ultimathule Hair Salon – Ask for Angie!!
Grab coffee: Granola Bar
To learn more about Hayley and F45 Training,
Follow @f45_training_southnorwalk, @haley.j.davidson or visit the website.