Napa personal trainer helps clients keep doing 'the things they love'

Meet Onna Hadley, programs coordinator, personal trainer, Pilates trainer at Active Wellness Center (AWC) Napa.

Formerly known as the Synergy Medical Fitness Center, AWC Napa is a full-service gym attached to the Queen of the Valley Hospital. It offers various programs, ranging from basic fitness to medical fitness, personal training and Pilates.

Hadley said she's worked in the fitness industry for 30 years.

"I truly enjoy helping people achieve a better quality of life," Hadley said. "I mostly work with older clients who are dealing with injuries, illness and disease. It's a great feeling when you are instrumental in enabling people to still go out and do the things they love with the people they love."

1. What was your childhood ambition?

My childhood ambition for a job was to be a veterinarian.

2. What was your first job?

My first job was in high school at the Social Security office in Yuba City.

3. What job would you like to try/not try?

Try: One of my fantasy jobs growing up was to be a backup dancer for Janet Jackson. Maybe I'm not too old yet LOL.

Not try: Accountant... numbers aren't my thing.

4. How did you get into the fitness industry?

I started teaching group fitness classes at age 20 after taking a step aerobics class at the community college. I loved it and have been teaching some form of group fitness ever since then. About 8 years ago, I decided to get my Personal Training certification and I haven't looked back.

5. What is the biggest challenge the fitness industry has faced?

From an individual standpoint, one of the biggest career challenges in this industry is that professionals often aren't provided with benefits, paid vacation, or holiday time like those in other professions. This often leads industry professionals to leave or burn out due to the nonstop hustle.

6. Who do you most admire in the business world?

Ok, since I am a Pilates trainer, I am going to be predictable and say Joseph Pilates. I strive to exemplify his quote with clients: "Change happens through movement and movement heals."

7. If you could change one thing about the fitness industry, what would it be?

I would truly like to see the fitness and medical worlds become more unified and work together. A situation where medical professionals communicate with qualified fitness professionals would improve people's quality of life and help avoid many unnecessary health issues.

8. What's your favorite charity or nonprofit?

I would say the local animal shelter and the SPCA. I love animals and I am so grateful that AWC Napa has partnered with the Napa County Animal Shelter and Friends of the Napa County Animal Shelter for the past several years. The AWC Napa members donated a lot of food to the shelter during our drive. After the food drive, the animal shelter hosts an adoption event at the gym. I love it! This year I even adopted a puppy from the event.

9. What's something people might be surprised to know about you?

I am a total history nerd. My family always calls me the "unofficial docent" whenever we travel anywhere.

I love Jackie Chan and have seen all of his movies, including those made in Hong Kong.

10. What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your lifetime that you haven't yet?

My sons are the most important thing to me in the world. I truly hope that I can continue to be involved in their lives, wherever things take them, in a positive, supportive, and loving way. That's all that really matters to me. And....I hope we get to travel all over the world together!

Active Wellness Center is located at 3421 Villa Lane in Napa. More information is available at activewellnesscenter.com.

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