Lea Tallia's ISSA x REIGN-Fueled Fitness Journey

Lea Tallia's personal fitness story is driven by passion, perseverance, and a commitment to education. As a 2020 ISSA x REIGN scholarship winner, Lea transformed her career from a novice trainer to an elite powerlifter and sought-after personal trainer. Her experiences demonstrate how the right education and certifications can open doors and boost confidence in the competitive world of fitness.

Early Days in the Big Box Gym

Growing up, Lea was always involved in sports. "Sports were my thing. Every sport you could name, I was that kid, that girl." she recalls. This natural athleticism led her to pursue fitness as a passion after college, though she didn't study it academically.

After graduating, Lea realized her true calling was in fitness. "Six months out of college, I recognized that fitness was where my true passion was. I needed to pivot from Marketing and go for it," she explains. She started her journey at a local gym, armed with a basic certification and her personal experience as an intermediate lifter.

The ISSA x REIGN Scholarship: A Game-Changer

In 2020, Lea's career took a significant turn when she was a recipient of the ISSA x REIGN scholarship. This opportunity allowed her to expand her knowledge and credentials rapidly. “I went through ISSA’s Elite Personal Trainer Program which included a Nutritionist and Powerlifting Coach Certification. It was an amazing package specialized to my passions & specialties, which  really leveled me up from my previous base level personal training certification,” Lea shares.

The scholarship's timing couldn't have been more perfect. As Lea puts it, "Everything took off at the same time, my personal powerlifting and my personal business, so the scholarship was extremely perfect timing for me to explore and seize new opportunities. Having ISSA on my side provided the extra support to go for my dreams by taking the next big step.”

Confidence Boost through ISSA Certifications

One of the most significant impacts of the ISSA certifications on Lea's career has been the boost in confidence. As a petite female trainer, Lea sometimes worried about being taken seriously in the industry. The ISSA certifications changed that.

"That's probably the biggest thing," Lea says about the impact on her confidence. "Being able to look the part, demonstrate the part, but also say, 'No, I've done all this education,' it puts you in a very unique category."

This newfound confidence has allowed Lea to attract a diverse clientele, including male athletes who respect her knowledge and expertise. "Today, I train a lot of male athletes who are wanting to stay with that competitive heavy lifting experience, but moving more into creating strength for just life." she explains.

Empowering Clients Beyond Expectations

Lea's education and expertise have allowed her to make a significant impact on her clients' lives. One particularly inspiring story involves a client who had been told she would never lift again due to a back injury.

"She grew up a dancer, broke her back and had a steel rod through her back. She was told, 'There's no way you'll ever do anything. Lifting would be impossible- don't do it.' And she came to me and she was like, 'I want to try it. I want to feel strong. I don't want this to run my life.’”

Through Lea's guidance, this client defied expectations. "Today, she's barbell squatting and deadlifting, with no pain and feeling better than she ever has." Lea proudly shares. This success story highlights the power of knowledgeable, confident training.

Looking to the Future

As Lea continues to grow her "Train with Lea" brand, she aims to further expand her reach and impact. Her path from a big box gym trainer to an elite powerlifter and respected personal trainer can inspire future fitness professionals.

Lea's advice to those starting out? "You can create your own path. Trust your gut and go for the things that make sense to you, that you have a good feeling about. A little bit of fear is great. It pushes you."

With her ISSA Elite Trainer certification and growing reputation, Lea Tallia is proof that with the right education and mindset, you can turn your passion for fitness into a thriving, impactful career.