Terra Cardwell lightening bolt

Verified 7 Reviews
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About Terra

Whether you're looking to lose weight, get stronger, or just feel better in your body day to day, I build programs designed to get you real results — not just a workout for the sake of a workout.


I work with clients 1-on-1, in St. Cloud, FL and online, creating personalized fitness and nutrition plans tailored to your goals, your body, and your life. With 20 years in fitness and health coaching — including a decade in physical rehab in NYC — I bring the same rigor and attention to every client, whether you're chasing a strength goal, a weight-loss goal, or navigating a chronic condition like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or Long COVID (an area I have deep personal and professional experience in).


NBHWC Board Certified Health Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Precision Nutrition L2, and degrees in Kinesiology (UW) and Healthcare Administration (Columbia).


Ready to build a plan that actually works for you? Book your consultation today.


My favorite client story

My favorite client stories are the ones where everything finally clicks — when all the tools come together and someone reaches a new level of health, clears a hurdle they've been working toward, and gets to feel rewarded for their commitment to the process. Watching that transformation, and watching clients write their own story of resilience and achievement, is a testament to the power of personalized coaching and real dedication.

My favorite quote

It is easy to find fault. The hard part is to find answers for improvement.
One needs to act positively, not think positively - Work towards solutions

My training philosophy

My training philosophy revolves around empowerment and education. I believe in equipping each client with the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of their health journey independently. By providing personalized guidance and support, I aim to serve as a compassionate guide through the complexities of chronic health conditions, fostering forward progress and sustainable results. Together, we'll navigate obstacles, celebrate victories, and ultimately empower clients to create their own story of resilience and achievement.

My training experience

**Qualifications:**

- **Bachelors in Kinesiology from the University of WI:** A solid foundation in the science of human movement and exercise physiology.

- **Masters of Healthcare Administration from Columbia:** Equipped with in-depth knowledge to navigate the healthcare landscape and provide holistic support.

- **NBHWC Board Certified Health Coach:** Recognized expertise in health coaching, ensuring a high standard of care for my clients.

- **NASM Certified Personal Trainer:** Specialized certifications in Olympic lifting, Kettlebells, Pre/Post Natal, Tai Qi, and Qi Gong, offering a diverse and tailored approach to fitness.

- **Precision Nutrition Level 2 Health and Wellness Coach:** Providing individualized nutritional guidance to complement your unique health needs.

- **ISSA Specialist in Performance Nutrition:** Focused on optimizing nutrition for improved performance and overall well-being.

- **Pilates Mat, Reformer, and Chair Certified:** Incorporating the benefits of Pilates for enhanced flexibility, strength, and balance.

Areas of Expertise

  • Pilates
  • Strength Training
  • Sports Performance Training
  • Weight Loss
  • Nutrition
  • Core and Balance
  • Posture
  • Kettlebells
  • Injury Prevention
  • Stress Reduction
  • Wellness
  • Corrective Exercise

NCCA Accredited Certifications

NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Additional Certifications

ISSA Performance Nutrition Specialist, PAI Mat, Reformer Pilates Instructor, Kunyu Mountain Shaolin Martial Arts Academy Tai Qi - Qi gong, Precision Nutrition Level 2, Balanced Body Instructor (Chair and Barrels), Olympic Weightlifting, FMS Level 1, Kettlebells Levels 1 & 2, Everlast Boxing, CPR/AED/First Aid, Health Coach, BS in Health Science, NBHWC Health & Wellness Coach

Education

BS Kinesiology, Univ. Wisconsin, Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from Columbia

Who I Especially Like Working With

Actors, Bariatric, Beginners, Bodybuilders, Brides-to-be, Disabled, Middle-aged, Models, Overweight/ Obese, Post-rehab, Pre/post-natal, Rehab, Seniors, Women, Youth

Medical Conditions Experience

ACL tear, Anxiety, Bone/Joint Injury, Depression, Diastasis Recti, Hernia, Infertility, Joint Pain, Joint Replacement, Knee Pain/Issues, Limited Mobility, Lower Body Pain/Issues, Neck Pain, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Plantar fasciitis, Postural Issues, Prediabetes, Pregnancy, Rotator Cuff Issues, Sciatica, Scoliosis, Shoulder Issues, Stress

Training Areas Served

I am 54 years old and started working out with Terra a year ago. Although I was not terribly overweight, I had lost muscle mass, and fat had accumulated around my torso and on my thighs. I had terrible brain fog every afternoon to the point where I could barely function at work by 4 pm. I had problems regulating my blood sugar and low energy overall. After working out with Terra for a few months, I started to feel better. Terra comes to my home twice a week for an hour-long workout where we do core and Pilates exercises, and then interval training using an elliptical and weights. Terra also gives me "homework" to do every day which includes walking, and I try to do at least one more workout during the week on my own. Terra also provides good life coaching advice while you are working out with her: to create your core values such as exercising, eating right, and thinking positively about living a healthy, balanced life. Terra is a highly educated trainer who understands the physiology of the exercise program that she tailors to your individual needs. A year later, I feel so much better! My core is much stronger, my shoulders are broader and more muscular then they've ever been. My arms and legs are toned, and I even have muscles above my knees now, instead of fat. I haven't changed my clothing size, but clothes fit and look better on me. I no longer have blood sugar drops during the day and the brain fog happens much less frequently. I am feeling much more positive about life in general, and I know a lot of this is because of having Terra in my life!

Katherine M.

I highly recommend Terra to help you reach your health goals - both physical and mental. Terra practices what she preaches.....consistency, challenge oneself, self reflection and ownership of your health. Under Terra's guidance, I've vastly improved my core strength and my running form. I'm stronger than I have been in years (after having 3 children). I feel good about my physical fitness and overall health. Thank you Terra!!

Lona M.

Knowledge is the key on any journey, and because of Terra I was able to start off on the right foot. She gave me an appreciation for how good health, nutrition and fitness could affect my life and make me a better mommy. Because of her guidance, I've created a lifelong habit that has not only made me feel better, thereby giving me more confidence, but I also got my pre-baby body back and look even better than before!! Would I recommend her? Hell yeah! (As long as it doesn't interfere with OUR session ;)

Kanya G.

Terra's been a great trainer for my husband and I. She's been really flexible to listen to both of our needs and to help us move towards our different physical goals. My husband was coming back from a shoulder injury that Terra has been very careful to work around. She clearly knows her stuff and helps us workout in a smart way to prevent re-injuries. Her workouts are very challenging, but they are the right type of "challenging". The workouts are focused on where we are and our capabilities. We highly recommend working with Terra.

Zac & JO

As a current client of Terra’s, I can attest that she is absolutely the best personal trainer I have ever worked with. Whether you are bulking up or slimming down, trying to improve your health or just improve your strength, Terra has the background and the commitment to help you succeed. I first began training with Terra in 2013. I rapidly improved my strength, Cardio, and endurance. I have never gotten results like these from any other trainer. I believe this is because she not only understands the science of personal training, and also understands the science of motivation. When you feel like you can't keep going, Terra will get you there. Terra was very much able to help me achieve my PR in the New York marathon.  Without her help and guidance, I’m positive I would not have been able to achieve the great results. No matter what your fitness goals, I am certain that Terra will be more than able to help you get there!

Edouard

LOVED meeting with Terra. She took the time to listen to my unique needs and built a program that made sense for my body. She's compassionate and personable, and great to work with!

Ciara U.

I was working with Terra for a few months before the Pandemic took hold. When I began, I was overweight and very stiff-jointed. I had trainers in the past, so I was prepared to work. The difference here is who knew working out could be fun. We did stretching, squats, deadlifts, beginner's push-ups, and my favorite; I got to put on boxing gloves and work out a little frustration. Who knew I would feel ever so much better after Terra's visit. After the city closed down, Terra and I continued our sessions via Facetime. We adjusted to this new world. I continued to workout during the week. Unfortunately, I lost my job due to Covid, so my world needed further adjustments which meant giving up any extras. I miss Terra and our sessions and the way she kept me motivated. Now, I continue to workout. I have a glider, tons of weights, and places to attach rubber ropes that I can pull.

Geri G.

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