founder of Literally Fit. My (current) motto is mountains flow. I love handstands, swimming, strength workouts, stretching, and contemplative practices like yoga asanas.

When it comes to fiction, I dig voice- and character-driven books—Circe, The Bell Jar, Catcher in the Rye, Jane Eyre, Emma—and, especially, books that might be considered “children’s literature”—A Wrinkle in Time, The Little Prince, Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms.

As for poetry, I like the taste of haibun and haiku (Basho, Issa, Kerouac); of formal verse that makes me go “whoaaaa” (A.E. Stallings, Elizabeth Bishop); of poems that I feel more than I understand (Wisława Szymborska, E.E. Cummings).

I keep “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” in my heart…

…and, lately, I keep my heart in lyrical nonfiction: insightful, personal stuff written in beautiful language. If I could read only one essay for the rest of my life, I’d choose “Ring of Time” by E.B. White. Second place might be Annie Dillard’s “Living Like Weasels.” Thank goodness I don’t have to decide.

Speaking of decide, I’ve had trouble sticking to one career. As Esther Greenwood said, “I couldn't make up my mind which of the figs I would choose. I wanted each and every one of them…”

Nevertheless, I’ve amassed over three decades of coaching and teaching experience—including being head coach of Women’s Swimming and Diving at Northwestern University and the University of Nevada, Reno; teaching undergraduate courses in Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise; coaching health researchers to tend their own health as they strive to solve society’s health problems; and doing a practicum that combined Physical Education and reading instruction at a Montessori School.

I’ve taught yoga and mindfulness and breathing; reported on pawpaws and the Northern cardinal for a nonprofit, nonpartisan, local news organization; ran a seitan micro-business; dabbled in university administration.

But it always comes back to books and moving my body.

So. Here I am. Doing more of what makes me tick—including sharing it with you.

Cheers,

Abby

P.S. If you’re seeking one-on-one, completely customized coaching for athletics, fitness, or life, email me. I have very limited availability, but love working with driven people with a tendency to drive themselves into the ground. You can message me through the form below or email me at literallyfit@outlook.com.

P.P.S. I am not a medical professional, counselor, therapist, nutritionist, or dietitian. I do not make diagnoses; I do not treat illnesses; I do not prescribe medicine, exercise, or meal plans. Here are my credentials:

• PhD in Behavioral and Community Health - Virginia Tech, Dept. of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

• MPH in Behavioral and Community Health - West Virginia University, Dept. of Community Medicine

• BS in Human Development - Northwestern University, Magna Cum Laude

• Executive Certificate, “Energizing People for Performance” - Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business

• Certified Personal Trainer - ISSA

• Certified Nutrition Coach - ISSA

• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - ISSA

• Certified Yoga Teacher - Yogaview, Chicago, IL

• Certified Plant-Based Cook - Forks Over Knives

• Head Coach - Northwestern University Swimming & Diving, 2015-2018

• Head Coach - University of Nevada, Reno, Swim & Dive 2012-2015

• Assistant Coach - University of South Carolina, Swim & Dive 2007-2012

• Graduate Assistant Coach - West Virginia University, Swim & Dive, 2003-2006