Staff Spotlight: Laurie Phillips

Get to know Laurie Phillips

Laurie is a new fitness teacher on our staff, teaching several of our group fitness classes. This month she will also be one of our coaches for our Get Ready For Summer Challenge, so this was a perfect time to get to know more about her:

Ashley: I know you've been a patient at The Smith Clinic in the past, but you actually met Angie and Michael prior to that on a cruise, right? 

​Laurie: I met Michael and Angie on a K-Love cruise to the Bahamas! My husband and I didn't know anyone on the cruise. One evening we went to either the front or the back of the ship (I don't remember which) and saw someone in a Memphis Tigers sweatshirt! We started talking to them about being from Memphis and come to find out we were both from Cordova, TN. We never expected to meet anyone from our hometown while being so far away from home! 
Since meeting Michael and Angie, several of my family members have come to The Smith Clinic for physical therapy needs. I have always come away from The Smith Clinic feeling cared for by the staff. From the friendly faces and warm welcome when I step through the doors, to the music playing on the radio, and the care I receive in physical therapy, it always leaves me not wanting to end my treatment and say goodbye. 

A: And now you don't have to say goodbye since you now work here! I completely understand that feeling, I had a similar experience when I was a patient, years before I became an employee. It's a wonderful environment with both the staff here and the amazing patients. You mentioned your husband, tell us more about your family: 
L: My husband and I have been married 25 years, and have been blessed with two amazing children. Our lives are full watching them bloom as adults. 

A: I know you run and are active in working out, but how did you get interested in actually teaching fitness classes? 
L: I had a very sedentary lifestyle up until 2008, when I decided that I needed to do something for myself. Since then, my love for fitness slowly began taking over and replacing the sedentary lifestyle. After several years of working out at the gym, and finding a love for running, I found that I absolutely love having fitness as a part of my daily life. And now I am a two-time marathoner and a sprint triathlete!
​The thought of becoming a group fitness instructor came up in 2015 when Angie mentioned it to me. With my love for fitness, it made sense! I decided to check into it, started studying and then took the test. I am so excited for the opportunity to have a job in the fitness field, and to be a part of The Smith Clinic. 

A: Your story is very inspiring, a good reminder to follow our interests and be brave to try something new! Do you have any tips on staying fit? 
L: I find that there are days when I don't feel like working out, but before I talk myself out of going, I put on my workout clothes and tennis shoes. Then my mindset will already be changed and I will be ready to head out the door and conquer the workout. Then it's over before I know it, and I'm left with a feeling of accomplishment. 

A: Thanks Laurie that's so true about starting our day off in the right mindset, even something as simple as putting on our workout clothes first thing! I know you will be a wonderful asset to the clinic, especially during our upcoming Challenge!