Trainer Mere W, is a figure that represents the Studio SWEAT spirit to a tee.  After 10 years in the US Coast Guard, Mere decided to leave it all behind and pursue her true passion – fitness and helping others. Through helping clients reach their goals, Mere (affectionately known as simply “W” because she was the second Meredith trainer at Studio SWEAT) has inspired endless sweaters to tackle their fears and push beyond the limit.

Her professional objectives are clear, but who truly is W?

If you follow Mere W at the studio or online for classes, then chances are you already know the basics, but I took the time to sit down with her to have her reveal where she draws her inspirations from and what her greatest pleasures are outside of the studio!

1. What is your idea of perfect bliss? 

Perfect bliss for me would have to be relaxing at the beach. I turn to the ocean to provide me with a sense of calm and clarity. Sometimes a respite from the kids, the spin bike and the studio is much needed and what better way to spend it than at the beach? “

Life is Better at the Beach” has become a motto of mine and is a huge reason why I moved to San Diego so I can enjoy the sun, golden sand and sea whenever I choose to. Still waiting on the day I get to pack my bags and fly to Bora Bora but in the meantime, you can catch me at Coronado soaking in the peaceful and idyllic atmosphere and getting my tan on.

2. What historical figure do you most identify with?

I truly do not look up to any historical figures.  People have influenced and empowered my life along the way and I’ve learned life lessons from that I apply to my own life now, but I believe in making my own way in life. Why be inspired and rely on someone who doesn’t even know I exist? That’s why I inspire myself to be better and learn from my triumphs and mistakes to outline my own history.

3. If you had one superpower, what would it be?

Flying of course! I would never need a car, bus or plane ever again. I could park that “soccer-mom” minivan in the garage and finally win the “Coolest Mom” trophy for transporting my kids to school by air, rewarding them and myself instantaneous fame. Having the ability to air travel at lightning speed would make up for all the times my husband made me late for dinner reservations and did I mention it’s cost efficient?

4. What’s your favorite kind of music and why?

Every genre makes me a feel a certain way so I’d have to go with all music! I prefer listening to hip hop and aggressive music when I’m working out to keep me motivated like Lincoln Park, Nickelback and Fall Out Boy. When no one is at home or in my car, I turn the sound to maximum volume and scream Pink and Pitbull lyrics at the top of my lungs. I can bust out all the words to old school, “Gin & Juice” and I must say, I have just as much swag as Snoop himself. Check out our collaboration on his next album! 😉

5. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

A phrase I use on my kids more than five times a day would be “Let’s Go” but only because they ask for it!! I’m not much of an over-user of words or phrases but due to my upbringing, I say some words a bit different like saw is “sawl”. According to Cat, I finish sentences which she thinks means I’m listening to what she’s saying 😉

6. Describe the workout you’ve designed that you love the most.

A workout I routinely use in class is where participants get into groups of 4 and engage in different activities like step weights, trx, kettle bell swings and pulsing squats for three minutes in each station. Not only is it an effective workout, but it brings sweaters together and encourages those who are tired to continue pushing and stay motivated. Slamballing is a favorite exercise I do on my own to release the aggression. Pair it with some underground hip hop and I can be cast as the lead actress in the next Eminem music video!

7. Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could dance. It wasn’t much of a problem back in highschool since my white middle class suburb was reminiscent to the town from Footloose but as I get older, I wish my brain could find the ON switch for my body. The extent of my dancing is swaying and an occasional head bob but if I go any further, tripping onto a piece of furniture will likely happen.

8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?

I wish I was witty. At every party, there’s always that one person who makes other people laugh and fires off a perfectly timed comeback seemingly without effort. I’m the type that comes up with a comeback five minutes after the conversation missing the perfect beat. A scene that never fails to amaze me, as far as wit goes is in Good Will Hunting in the Harvard Bar during the Will and Clark intellectual dispute. Okay…maybe some of it is the accents – which always makes me smile, especially when Brian starts talking in his Boston accent.