Fitness Warriors Mentor Spotlight: Adrienne Quarles-Smith
By: Anne Crenshaw
“A Mentor empowers a person to see a possible future, and believe it can be obtained.” This quote said by a well known mentor, Shawn Hitchcock, expresses what our mentors do for our Fitness Warriors program. They work one on one with a fitness instructor-in-training, otherwise known as a Fitness Warrior, and give them advice to better themselves so they can go into the community and help others lead a healthy lifestyle.
Meet one of our mentors, Adrienne Quarles-Smith, and see what she has to offer the Fitness Warriors program!
Why did you want to be a mentor for the Fitness Warriors program?
During my journey as a Fitness Warrior I had a great mentor, so my hope was to be the same for another Warrior.
What is your favorite group exercise modality?
Dance and Yoga.
Tell us about a time that made you proud to be a Fitness Warriors mentor.
It made me proud when I attended community activities and watched how the new class of Warriors interact in such a positive way with the public. They are also doing a great job of sharing information about the free classes with enthusiasm and showing such pride in what they are doing to change the perception of health and fitness.
What advice would you give to people just starting their fitness journey?
Set small goals and give yourself grace when you make a mistake. Realize that the road to changing your lifestyle is sometimes minute-by-minute 
and/or day-by-day. Do it with a friend and celebrate even the smallest victories.
Who are some people that have influenced you in this field?
Actually I have been inspired most by my fellow Warriors. Also, of course, our head trainer for the Fitness Warriors, Ricky Martin. His unwavering dedication to the underserved neighborhoods, especially the children who live there, is wonderful to watch. His passion for fitness is contagious.
How can people get in contact with you?
My email address is [email protected]
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being a Fitness Warrior and sharing what I have learned with others has changed the way I approach my own daily heath and fitness journey. Learning to give myself the grace that I show others when their road to fitness gets rocky has helped me mature as both a mentor and an instructor.
As you can see, our mentors truly care about the Warriors they are supporting and the work that is being done through the Warriors program. Check out our FREE weekly fitness warrior workout classes here!