It might seem unusual for a fitness studio to celebrate its anniversary by hosting a barbeque, but the more you learn about Middleburg Bodyworks owner Kristin Quinn, the more it seems like a perfect fit.

"I wanted to do something fun and relaxing to celebrate our clients' hard work this year," Quinn said.

"Let's face it, when you've worked like they have, you can enjoy a little barbeque and a glass of wine. Success isn't about endless sacrifice; it's about staying healthy, enjoying life, and making great memories."

Strictly speaking, Middleburg Bodyworks opened its doors more than a year ago, but this Summer's celebration marked a milestone – its move to 103 W. Federal Street.

The new location offered more space and allowed Middleburg Bodyworks to start offering small group training classes in addition to individual training, nutritional guidance, and dietary therapy.

"Classes are the best way to keep things affordable for everyone without sacrificing personal attention or safety," Quinn said. "And they're fun. We create amazing energy in these classes. People work together, support each other, joke around. They feel motivated and connected and they grow."

Quinn, who has eight years of experience as a trainer and nutritionist and holds many certifications from nationally recognized organizations, is no stranger to the industry. She said the best lesson she ever learned – one that guides her practice today – is that her business isn't about her.

"By today's standards," Quinn said, "I should be out there posting pictures of myself, telling everyone what workout I did, how many calories I burned, what I wore, what I ate, and how they can be just like me... but I'm not going there.

"I don't want people to come to me because of how I look or what I can do. I want people to come to me because I respect what it takes to prioritize yourself and take a step. Because I know what it means to hand over your energy, trust, time, money...and your hope.

"I really think the hardest words people ever have to say in life are 'help me'. I never fail to be moved when someone comes to me in that way. That is an awesome responsibility and an amazing gift. Sure, I want to work in a place where people appreciate me, but not for how I look or how strong I am or who they think I am. I want them to appreciate me for helping them see the best in themselves."

And her clients have done just that.

"Kristin has had a profound influence on me," relayed client Wendy Heuer. "I'm able to do things that I never thought I could do again. Things I haven't done since college."

Referring to a different type of strength that she has gained from training, Megan Hubbard said "Every time I leave Kristin's class I feel happier, better, and a little bit more confident about being me."

As a fitness trainer and nutritionist, Quinn often straddles the line between drill sergeant and life coach.

"Sure our workouts are hard," Quinn said. "But as my dad always told me, you can do hard things. My clients are so much stronger than they think they are, and it's such a rush to witness the moment when they finally realize that."

As Clythie Clarken attested, "Kristin is an amazing trainer and the classes are small, welcoming and fun, and you will get an insane work out….I'm talking a workout so intense, it knocked my ponytails out!"

One of the most rewarding aspects of her work, Quinn says, is providing dietary therapy.

"Most of our battles with weight management stem so much less from what we're eating than from what's eating us," she explained. "When you get to the bottom of that, you can really change. That's where the magic happens."

And it's clear from talking to clients that magic is happening at Middleburg Bodyworks.

But don't look for the magician to steal the show. Quinn remains firm that she is just happy to be a part of it all.

"I'm not doing anything but helping them along the path that they set out on, and I feel very privileged to do so. That's why I work so hard to stay current on the science, design powerful classes, and give them everything I can in every single session. No excuses, no exceptions.

"But most importantly, I share with my clients my most authentic self… flaws, jiggles, and all. Someone who makes mistakes and gets tired and unmotivated just like anyone else. A woman, a wife, a mom, and a friend. Someone doing their best to be their best. And someone who believes in balance, making memories, and having fun."

And that is why a fitness and nutrition studio can throw a barbeque… with dessert.