When you meet Caroline Jordan, two things immediately stand out. First, she's ripped. That's understandable when you consider her background as a dancer and a trainer, and she explains that she's spent her entire life in fitness. (Jordan has been working in the fitness industry for 16 years, received her first group fitness certification at age 15, and became a personal trainer at 18.) Second, she's one of the most positive people you'll ever meet—and not in an annoying way.

Jordan can recognize a less-than-ideal situation, but she's trained herself to redirect her energy to gratitude. It's something that shines through in both one-on-one interactions and her group classes. For example, Jordan was an enthusiastic runner for years until a Sesamoid injury forced her to hang up her running shoes last July. "The injury has been life-changing for me in so many ways, I think mostly in helping open my eyes to what my body was capable of outside of just running," she says. "You are so much stronger than you think you are, and your body can do really cool things. It's empowering to explore the potential."

Where some people see disappointment, Caroline sees opportunity.

Even after her injury, Jordan says her body is more fit than ever, which certainly helps with powering through her busy schedule as a health and wellness coach. So how does she balance her personal routine and coaching? With positivity, of course.

Rockyt: Where do you teach?

Caroline: I teach every week on YouTube. I teach large public fitness events for Caroline Jordan Fitness (like BOOTYcamp) and for my partners Fitbit and New Balance. I also teach regular weekly classes for Equinox.

Rockyt: What do you teach?

Caroline: I teach any and all group fitness format, indoor cycling, pilates, yoga tune up therapy, and my most popular [class], Best Butt Ever. (Yes, best name ever!)

Rockyt: How do you prepare for classes?

Caroline: I attend continuing education courses all of the time and am constantly working to learn, evolve, and grow as an instructor. IDEA world fitness convention is my favorite, but I also watch a lot of online learning courses and surround myself with people in the industry who are learning, growing, and advancing their skills. I plan and prepare for classes, but also adjust to the needs of the participants. A skilled instructor can meet the participants where they are at, and challenge them in a safe way to grow.

Rockyt: How do you cross train?

Caroline: I Spin, swim, do pilates, and am a total CrossFit junkie these days. It makes my body feel amazing. What I love about Crossfit is that every workout is different, uniquely challenging, and highly effective. The workouts are completely scalable, which means that a new participant and a veteran can complete the same workout with changes in load and intensity. Its diverse fitness programming aims to improve your capacity in all ways: cardio-respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. The result is comprehensive physical fitness and restored vitality. You become a well-rounded athlete who can move well, perform well, and excel in the world.

Rockyt: What are your favorite studios for cross-training?

Caroline: I train at San Francisco CrossFit and am confident that San Francisco CrossFit houses some of the best movement professionals in the world. SFC founder Kelly Starrett is a coach, physical therapist, author, speaker, and healer. He has revolutionized how athletes think about human movement and athletic performance. I also swim at the pools at Equinox—the Palo Alto and San Mateo outdoor pools are my favorite.

Rockyt: Are you training toward a particular fitness goal right now?

Caroline: My goal has always been to feel good, have energy, and be happy; to move well, with skill and intention; to make my workouts smart, balanced, and powerful. Oh, and to get a stronger butt, because that helps everything! Fitness is an incredible way to not only train your body, but train your mindset. If it's stressing you out, you are doing it wrong. You are one workout away from a good mood and fitness can—and should be—a rewarding, and uplifting part of your lifestyle.

Rockyt: What's your training regimen?

Caroline: To listen to my body and to do what it needs to feel good. Sometimes you need a challenging workout to feel better. A solid workout can balance the body, sweat away stress, and lift your energy. And sometimes you need a little more rest and TLC. Every day is different, and if you practice the skill of tuning in and listening to what your body needs, then you'll move mindfully and feel your best for life.

Rockyt: Do you take rest days?

Caroline: Yes I do! I love to write, so on rest days I catch up on writing, reading, or time with friends in the sunshine. I also am a huge fan of Epsom salt baths and foam rolling.

Jordan shares tons of wellness advice and tips on her blog and YouTube channel, and she's published a book called Balanced Body Breakthrough. For updates on her weekly teaching schedule and special events, sign up for her email newsletter.

How Wellness Coach Caroline Jordan Stays Positively Fit