Athena Vangalis

I’ve built a diverse and science-based career in health and fitness over the past decade, blending clinical experience, athletic achievement, and holistic coaching. I graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology, Pre-Physical Therapy, where my academic focus laid the groundwork for understanding human movement and rehabilitation.

During my final year, I completed an internship at a Cardiac Rehabilitation clinic, which transitioned into my first professional role as an Exercise Physiologist. There, I worked directly with patients recovering from heart conditions, helping them restore functional capacity through safe, heart rate-guided exercise. This experience sparked a lasting passion for heart rate-based training—a method I still use today to help clients distinguish between fat loss and weight loss, and to train smarter, not just harder.

In 2013, I launched my own private training brand, Athena.Fit, where I’ve coached clients across all ages and fitness levels—from teenagers to adults in their 70s. My coaching combines Pilates, strength training, mobility work, and nutrition to support long-term fat loss, aesthetics, and functional performance. I’m certified through the Cooper Clinic as both a Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Specialist, which equipped me with advanced tools in functional assessment, corrective exercise, and customized program design. I also hold credentials as an ISSA Sports Nutrition Specialist and ISSA Fitness Nutrition Specialist, allowing me to guide clients through evidence-based nutrition protocols tailored to their goals, metabolism, and lifestyle.

In 2021, I completed my Mobility Specialist Certification, further expanding my ability to address joint health, movement quality, and recovery—especially for clients dealing with pain, stiffness, or injuries. For four years, I also coached at Orangetheory Fitness, leading high-intensity group classes focused on strength, endurance, and heart rate zone training. This role sharpened my ability to motivate and manage large groups while staying aligned with my clinical background in cardiovascular safety and metabolic conditioning.

Beyond coaching, I bring firsthand athletic experience to my work. In 2016, I was named the 3rd Strongest Woman in Texas, competing in strength sports that tested my power, grit, and technical skill. I’m also a Top 10 Nationally Qualified Bikini Competitor, which taught me how to fine-tune nutrition, aesthetics, and mindset for competitive outcomes—insight I now apply to help clients shape strong, confident physiques without extreme measures.

My career blends clinical expertise, competitive athletics, and client-centered coaching. Whether working one-on-one or leading a group, my goal is to educate, empower, and equip people with the tools they need to feel stronger, healthier, and more in control of their bodies for life.