Kirsten McCormick – movement and performance specialist, nutrition coach, and wellness expert – lives with passion and fervor, which she instills in those she coaches, educates and inspires.
About Kirsten
Kirsten is a Seattle-based wellness expert and movement coach focused on guiding individuals to discover their healthiest life through fitness, nutrition, and a means of constant balance. She lives and breathes movement and wellness into her everyday life...and in turn, into yours.
With 20 years of experience working with some of the industry’s leading health and wellness experts, celebrities, athletes, and wellness companies, Kirsten holds a strong understanding of the various functions and complexities of the human body and mind, the complexity of human lives and experiences, and prides herself on creating positive environments where every client can thrive and succeed.
Kirsten is always striving to learn, grow, and develop as a coach and continues to study the ever-growing scientific principles and theories of holistic health and wellness, gaining a significant appreciation and knowledge for movement assessments and screenings, lifestyle/wellness management techniques, and alternative eating lifestyles, dietary theories, and scientific research.
After moving to Los Angeles in 2005, Kirsten joined Equinox Fitness Clubs and was part of the inaugural team launching the first Tier 4 (now Tier X) Coaching Program on the west coast and was a Tier 4 coach through 2013. In 2009, she founded Running With Forks initially as a personal chef company to feed and fuel her private training clientele while helping them reach their health and fitness goals and has since transitioned RWF into an all encompassing wellness service. To further her coaching education, Kirsten continues to receive certifications every year to round out her expertise, including but not limited to a 200 hour RYT yoga certification from the American Yoga School, Precision Nutrition coaching, Functional Anatomy Seminars (Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist, Functional Range Assessment, and Kinstretch training), and Pre/Post Natal Certifications and continuing education.
Having extensively studied anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology, Kirsten’s coaching has evolved into a very mindful, scientific, and client-centered approach that reflects her love of movement, focus on alignment, and desire to teach the balance between strength and openness while achieving the ideal healthy lifestyle.
SPECIALTIES
Strength and Conditioning
Mobility Enhancement
Pregnancy and Postpartum Movement, Corrective Exercise, Nutrition, and Recovery
Injury Rehabilitation and Prevention
Lifestyle Wellness Management (stress, sleep. and recovery patterns)
Yoga and Mindful Movement
Nutrition Counseling
B.S. Clinical Exercise Science
NSCA - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
FRS - Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist (FRCms)
FRS - Kinstretch Certified
FRS - Functional Range Assessment (FRA)
Precision Nutrition PN1
Pre & Postnatal Certified
Kettlebell Athletics Level 1 and 2
Functional Movement Systems - FMS
Animal Flow Level 1
Institute of Motion - ViPR Pro
Trigger Point Therapy Training
TRX Qualified Trainer
Power Plate Training
New Leaf and KOR Metabolic Testing
Posture Pro
Registered Yoga Teacher - RYT 200
ACSM – Health Fitness Instructor
Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research (CIAR) – Biomechanics of Resistance Training
CIAR - Group Cycling Instructor
CRedentials
In her words..
Nutrition, food and movement are an integral part of who I am. My inspiration and passion for healthy balanced living and education began after losing my father to suicide at the age of 17 and it has been through movement, nourishment (in all forms) and finding daily life balance that I was able to begin the healing process. This part of my story is what led me to expand upon my compassion and vulnerability and seated a deep passion for helping others find a healthy balance in their own mind, body, and spirit.
I consider myself an adventure-seeker, movement and sensation aficionado, cultivator of community, bubbles and cocktail enthusiast and lover of ALL things edible. I choose to help guide and educate those around me to enhance their health and well-being through a means of constant balance. I “live” consciously and without regret. I believe great ingredients speak for themselves and nourish our souls. I push forward each day to gain greater self-awareness and I am constantly learning, growing, and healing – physically, mentally and emotionally.
Throughout my years in wellness, I have learned we need to strive to live this life full of balance: To move our bodies because of how strong and empowered it can make us feel; To eat amazing, nourishing, sustainable and locally sourced food because it’s good for our planet, good for our soul and fuels our physical movement; To indulge in the things that truly make us happy because life is too damn short not to; To have a physical practice that brings us to life – because it opens our eyes, mind, body and heart to seeing the beauty of life around us and gives perspective that every moment has its purpose. And through this balance, we are able to GIVE MORE, EXPECT LESS, EAT WELL and BE HAPPY.
IN THEIR WORDS..
WITH OVER 17 YEARS OF COACHING, DIRECTING AND ADVISING CLIENTS TO THEIR IDEAL HEALTH, THE RESULTS CAME FROM THEIR HARD WORK AND INTENTION.
“I initially signed up to work with Kirsten because I felt like I'd taken my health and fitness as far as I could on my own and was dealing with some persistent injuries and wanted to see if getting stronger would help remedy them. As we worked together, my goals shifted away from always doing more to doing what was actually best for my body. I feel stronger and healthier, and our work was pivotal for helping me create better habits in my life. I did not ever think this former ballerina and distance runner could lift the weights I'm lifting now. Working with Kirsten has been a huge gift and has given me peace of mind that I'm on the right track and given me guidance when interpreting science and trends. Kirsten is incredibly patient and eased me into making the necessary changes to reach my goals. She's shown me how making small changes over time makes a long term impact, and that's made the whole process of improving my health and wellness easier for me.The entire process of working with Kirsten has been so comprehensive, so thorough, and incredibly supportive. She is an expert in her field and cares deeply about getting her clients great results in a way that works for their lifestyle. Virtual training can work so well when you're working with the right person.”
~Ashley G. (Business Coach)
“I began working with Kirsten remotely to increase my fitness level and develop a sustainable, long-term healthy lifestyle. My expectations were absolutely met! My biggest takeaway was that daily exercise and healthy eating can easily fit into a busy and often hectic day with an easy to follow exercise routine. It was also very helpful to have a personalized program that accounted for physical limitations due to injuries with a plan for increasing flexibility along with strength and overall fitness. And I absolutely love her meal plans and recipes! My overall experience was awesome! At first I was really intimidated and worried I would have a difficult time sticking to a fitness program. However, after meeting Kirsten I immediately felt comfortable and confident... she is a true professional who's passion for health radiates from her! I had such a great experience and really look forward to resuming our work together again in the near future.”
~Melanie M. (Physician Assistant)
“I have been working with Kirsten for 5 years both in-person and virtually and she has tremendously improved the quality of my life and I now feel 10 years younger. I came to Kirsten initially to simply improve my fitness, lose weight, and feel better. She has met all expectations and then some. Kirsten knows my body better than I do: Without strain or pain, her guided exercises have substantially improved my strength, stability and flexibility. While most of her clients are younger, Kirsten is knowledgeable and caring about working with older clients and has achieved remarkable results for myself (76) and my wife (80). Not to mention, she is a very nice person and fun to work with.”
~Jay L. (Retired President of GE Japan)
“I have been working with Kirsten for 3 years. I wanted help with my aging body, which was arthritic, with a fused spine, two artificial knees and totally out of shape. She has toned me up, strengthened my legs, back and shoulders and has helped me rehabilitate after a knee replacement surgery. I could not walk without a cane or walker after my last knee replacement, and now I never use either around the house, and only a cane outdoors. She is always on my side, and her workouts seem to be perfect for me. I can walk a little better each week; I know how to handle muscle aches and pains, and she never pushes me beyond what I can handle. I'm looking forward to my 80th birthday next month and I feel so much younger than that. I think I can give you credit for that. If you are thinking about hiring Kirsten, I say "Go for it. It is so worth it." I am amazed by her patience, kindness, and professionalism.”
~Linda L. (Retired)
"Kirsten is a great trainer. Very motivating and inspiring to get me working on my goals and making it an enjoyable experience. She knows how to push you to your limits, but also reads you to know when to lighten up. She also provided phenomenal nutritional advice and services. I used her food delivery service and it was fabulous. I would recommend her to anyone looking for both nutritional and physical training."
~Amy J. (Teacher, Consultant, Social Entrepreneur, Philanthropist)
“The experience of working with Kirsten has been therapeutic, tough, and transformative and has changed the way I view wellness as the whole. I was looking to start and MAINTAIN a healthier lifestyle long term and I’ve accomplished that. I now have a more holistic view of health - a view that suits me and my lifestyle. Kirsten helped me feel better in my own skin, helped me maintain the body I wanted, accept imperfections, and helped create mindfulness around all my lifestyle decisions (diet, sleep, exercise). If you’re looking to work with Kirsten, be willing to commit and maybe hear things you don't want to all the time. :)"
~Courtney A. (Consultant)
“I worked with Kirsten while on a business trip to Seattle and wanted to keep up my training when spending long hours in a conference center. In addition to staying active, I also wanted to get some new inspiration when engaging a new personal trainer. My expectations were absolutely met in many ways. Five stars! The training was fun and challenging and a skilled trainer can absolutely give important advice even though we only met three times. She provided different movements and different cues which made the training get to yet another level. Kirsten pinpointed my weakness in my right hip (known to me for many years but she had a completely different way of helping me be even more aware of this) and balanced heavy work with more flexibility in a very good way for me. Kirsten’s personality was so positive, gave me a lot of energy, and made me take good care of myself during my business trip. If you’re thinking about signing up, I would highly encourage you! I’m so sorry Seattle is so far away from me!”
~Anna L. (PhD and Research Scientist)
"Kirsten was a very personable and dedicated trainer who helped my wife and I as we prepared for our wedding to get fit and get in shape for the event of our life. I would recommend Kirsten to anyone looking for an expert in the field of physical fitness and if they want someone who is caring, thoughtful, and easy to work with while still getting the needed results you crave and want."
~Lawrence H. (CFO)
"I have known Kirsten for several years and she has been an excellent coach, trainer and friend. She understands the human dynamic and is able to structure a program that is designed to get the most from you in your workout. Despite being the taskmaster, she is very cool and a pleasure to be around."
~Bradley R. (Managing Partner in Law)
"Have trained with Kirsten for over 5 years. Very knowledgeable about fitness; able to design workouts focused on my specific goals. Understands how to adjust the program in the event of injury. Incredibly personable -- really a pleasure to work with Kirsten. I recommend her highly."
~Jeffrey H. (Managing Director in Investments)
"I have worked with Kirsten for 5 or 6 years. She is a highly skilled fitness coach. I highly recommend her."
~Robert W. (Independent Law Practice Professional)
"Kirsten is an incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable, personable and passionate coach. She has a natural ability to inspire and push her clients to the next level."
~Moises W. (Entrepreneur)
"Kirsten is an extremely effective personal trainer and yoga teacher who is fantastic at identifying your individual needs and teaching the correct way to exercise in order to get the best results. She is also very knowledgeable about nutrition. I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone looking to improve their fitness."
~Aaron A. (Environmental and Energy Partner)
"Kirsten is an excellent personal trainer and yoga instructor. She listens to her clients to provide the training they need to achieve their personal goals."
~Jeffrey H. (Attorney)
"Kirsten is a true professional who customizes your workout to focus on areas where you want to gain strength. She is positive and insistent on working hard and constantly pushing you to the next level each workout."
~Kristin G. (Wealth Management)
"I have several chronic injuries I'm dealing with, Kirsten adjusts the program to address those injuries. I had lost confidence in my body's ability to perform certain exercises after several months that confidence is returning."
~Rosemary W.