About me

Hi, I’m Gretchen Burman, and I live in South Orange, NJ with my two amazing daughters, my supportive husband, and our two adorable little dogs. I love to travel, see live bands, and spend time with family and friends. I also enjoy working out, getting stronger, learning, and challenging myself.

As a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist, my goal is to educate and motivate my clients to achieve their goals in a safe, sustainable, and empowering way. I work with everyBODY — whether you're aiming to lift heavier, improve endurance, hike pain-free, lose weight, or keep up with your grandkids.

Like many of my clients, I’ve experienced the reality of aches and pains that come with age. I’ve learned (and continue to learn) how important it is to listen to my body — to stretch more, focus on mobility, and know when to ease up. It’s not always easy — I call it learning to be "smart dumb" — when you feel strong and want to push, but your body says otherwise.

That’s why I became a Corrective Exercise Specialist: to help people identify imbalances, strengthen key areas, and reduce the risk of injury. I’m constantly assessing my clients’ form and adjusting workouts to meet them where they are. Safe, strategic progress is the key to building strength and long-term health.

My mission is to keep moving well — today and for years to come — and to help others do the same. If you’re ready to move better, feel stronger, and train smarter, I’d love to work with you.

"Fitness is not about perfection — it's about progress, consistency, and showing up for yourself."

My Story

My introduction to fitness began in childhood through many years as a competitive gymnast, where I learned commitment, resilience, and courage. (I can still walk on my hands today!) In high school, I continued my passion by running track, and after college, I worked for Marriott for 15 years, helping hotels achieve financial fitness with the same heart and discipline I brought to physical fitness.

When my first daughter was three, I stepped away from the corporate world. After my second daughter was born, I was ready for my next chapter — author, educator, and speaker.

Character U — Mental Fitness for Kids

While pregnant with my first daughter, I began wondering how I could help her reach her full potential. I created a checklist of 12 core life skills we could intentionally teach her, which I called “The 12 Cs.” This became the foundation of my program Character U.

Through my book, school workshops, and assemblies, I empowered elementary students and staff with mental fitness tools to be their best selves. A major focus was helping kids learn to “Be the Boss of Their Thoughts.” Our mindset is powerful — for both children and adults — and I continue to live The 12 Cs with my own family today.

💪 From Healing to Coaching: My Fitness Evolution

I’ve always worked out to feel strong and healthy — to move the way I want and live fully. Over the years, I faced several injuries, which led me on a journey to learn how to train smarter, not harder.

Through physical therapy, guidance from skilled trainers, and years of trial and error, I learned how to challenge myself safely and effectively. My deep interest in movement mechanics and injury prevention ultimately led me to become a Certified Personal Trainer and NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist.

I now use this knowledge and personal experience to design custom fitness programs that help each client:

move better,
feel stronger,
and train safely — for life.

I also love learning and continue to study from experts in fitness, health, nutrition, and longevity so I can show up as the best coach possible for my clients.