Teresa M. Gleason

I've always been an active kid and never felt like I had to worry too much about nutrition or exercise. We all know health is important yet a lot of us take it for granted, and who can blame us? Life is so busy sometimes the last thing we think about is ourselves -  until we are faced with something serious. When a disease took down the strongest man in the world, my dad, I started to take health a little more seriously.
"Strong Like Bull" or in Polish, "Silny Jak Byk" was the famous quote that my dad, John G. Lyp, would often say. "I'M STRONG LIKE BULL!!" he would shout in his grunting, yet silly voice as he picked me up with one arm! July 4, 2008 would be the last time I heard that distinguished voice, the last time I'd be picked up with one arm, the last time my dad would hug me so hard I could barely breathe… My dad passed away on July 4, 2008 from a battle with cancer. I hate to think that cancer was actually stronger than bull... and the truth is, it's not. My dad lives on within the beautiful family he created, through the hundreds of lives he touched with his compassionate nature, through his amazing acts of kindness he displayed to complete strangers, and through that smile that people will never forget. The saying "Strong Like Bull" has now become my way of making sure my dad's spirit lives on though my work and attitude. Cancer can't touch that!

My own personal health journey has a lot of twists and turns. From an eating disorder to fad diets to over exercising to under exercising to depression - I'm proud to say there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Although not perfect, I found a fantastic balance with outdoor exercise, yoga, plant based nutrition, and meditation.

I am a NJ certified K-12 Physical Education and Health Teacher and hold the following certifications:

• Certified Health and Wellness Coach
• American College of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer
• NETA Senior Fitness 
• TRX Suspension Training
• FiTour Group Fitness
• FiTour Boot Camp 
• PLYOGA®
• TABATA BOOT CAMP®

These days I live in Westfield, NJ with my wonderful husband Mike and two pitbulls, Bluebelle and Mayday. Although life is challenging and confusing sometimes, keeping my body, mind, and relationships healthy allows me to get through and overcome. 

I've had MANY people help me throughout my health journey. My hope is that I can be there as part of yours.