Lyndsay Katauskas--FitOps Foundation

Description:

The Fitness Operatives mission is a certification program for veterans who want to become elite personal trainers. The on-site program concludes with certification of fitness industry professionals--who are experts in exercise and in leadership--designated as Certified Veteran Fitness Operatives (CVFO).

We help veterans who are passionate about health and wellness to find success after the military in the fitness industry. The goal is not just to help veterans to get certified as personal trainers, but to create a path for our servicemen and women to use their leadership skills to help improve the lives of others. For this reason our program focuses on QUALIFICATION not simply CERTIFICATION as professionals in the fitness industry.

FitOps Foundation  is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Charitable ID #: 82-1433446

Contributions to FitOps Foundation may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Please check with your personal tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your gift.

*Any funds raised through individual efforts are strictly considered donations to the FitOps Foundation. Funds raised do not guarantee program placement or acceptance to the program. Funds raised by applicants that are not accepted into the program will be utilized as funds towards accepted applicants’ tuitions.

I need your help! Please donate at least $25 to this amazing nonprofit. Twenty-five (or more!) dollars recognizes that the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day in our country is 22 lives cut short too soon. Let's pay-it-forward. Please donate to FitOps so we can help more veterans to become Certified Veteran Fitness Operative. Your donation will exponentially help veterans invest in life again.

Giving up & Losing Your Self

Substance Abuse & Dependence, Post Traumatic Stress, Military Sexual Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Weight Gain...

These are all things veterans struggle with as they re-assimilate back into the civilian world. 

The two people that have been the most pivotal in my life since becoming a veteran were Marines themselves. The first was my boss when I was a mental health & substance abuse clinician. The second was my training partner who is now in law enforcement. They knew my training work ethic & knew I was struggling with managing stress as a loved one was dealing with combat PTSD and MST.  All I could do was offer unconditional love, but nothing else. They were able to look me in the eye, and when I doubted myself, they'd tell me, "you can do it." I also have PTSD, and being able to give back to others is what gives my life purpose and focus. 

I overcame many obstacles to compete as a bodybuilder this year.  After a successful first season qualifying nationally and placing 1st five times, 2nd two times, 3rd one time, and 5th two times. Since I was able to train and figure out my nutrition as a competitive figure athlete, I know since I can do it--I  can help others achieve their fitness goals too. After I graduate from Fitness Operatives in November, I will be ready to lead from the front again to help other veterans achieve their health and wellness goals using fitness to visibly see the growth and change.

I had to get out of the Marine Corps early for medical reasons. It has taken me almost 14 years of learning & life experience to be a competitive athlete ked down several times trying to connect into 10 communities & regain my equilibrium in the civilian world as a military spouse & mom of 2 boys. 

I needed these two fellow Marines to look me in the eye & tell me I could do it. Daily exercise is what has kept us from falling apart once we got out of the military. 

It is also the number one thing I recommended during 90-day treatment plans with clients when I was a mental health & substance abuse clinician as well as life coach. 

It is better than any type of therapy, as it gives immediate feel-good endorphins, it hijacks your amygdala from a negative-feedback loop, boosts self-confidence, reduces stress, & keeps your body mobile. 

Most veterans have beaten their bodies up from being in the military. Once we get out we have to figure out how to manage our pain & old injuries. It is easy when nobody else is looking to fall into bad habits. It's easy to let our fitness go when it's no longer a job requirement. However, it is the key to our long-term health & wellness, for civilians and veterans alike.

Starting in November as a CVFO, I will start personally training. I can't wait to take my life experience & look veterans in the eye after we create our first 90-day training plan together & say, "you can do it."