Nicole Voelzke - Personal Trainer

About Nicole:

I got my start coaching group CrossFit classes, where I was initially drawn to the community aspect and focus on functional movements. Over time I saw how challenging it was for people to make consistent progress in a one-size-fits-all program. Everyone in a class brings different strengths, injury histories, and goals, and I became increasingly interested in how thoughtful program design and individualized coaching could better support long-term progress. As I deepened my understanding of exercise science and one-on-one training, it all started to click. Around that time, I shifted my own training away from the competitive, “intensity at any cost” mindset and toward building strength, recovering better, and generally just focusing more on being fit for life.

What I love about Become Better is that it maintains the sense of community and positive energy that first drew me to CrossFit, while offering individualized programs that are thoughtfully designed around progression and each person’s unique strengths and long term goals.

Unique Experience:

I’ve operated a gym for the past 15 years, wearing many hats along the way—coach, programmer, administrator, event planner, and educator. That experience shaped my leadership style and taught me how to create a training environment where people feel supported and challenged at every stage of their fitness journey. I’ve worked with a wide range of clients in both fitness and nutrition, from competitive athletes to people completely new to training, with a large portion of my experience training adults over 60 through safe, effective programs tailored to their stage of life.

Programming Style:

I draw from a variety of methodologies and certifications to build programs that are tailored to each person. I've largely been nspired by OPEX’s individualized approach, John Rusin’s focus on pain-free movement, and Bret Contreras’ glute-targeting programs (aka “butt stuff”). I still love the energy of CrossFit but apply it in small doses and in a structured, purposeful way. I often combine strength work with targeted aerobic and interval training for well-rounded results. I'm always interested in learning from other coaches and seeing how they approach program design.

Certifications:

  • PPSC - Pain Free Exercise Specialist

  • USA Weightlifting - Sports Performance Coach

  • OPEX Coaching - Program Design

  • OPEX Coaching - Physical Assessment

  • Precision Nutrition

  • Girls Gone Strong Menopause

  • Extra crossfit Certifications

    • Movement and mobility

    • Aerobic Capacity

    • Gymnastics

Other Fun Facts

  • I have 2 kids, Rowan (age 15) and Zoe (age 12)

  • Deadlifts are my favorite exercise: 2.75x BW was my all time PR

  • I didn’t pick up a weight until I was 26 years old

  • I have over 200 house plants

  • If I have time to watch TV when not tending to my houseplants I love The Office and Breaking Bad

  • My favorite movie is Interstellar. I love any brain-twisty movie.

  • I also love running, hiking, and being outside during those four months of the year where we experience sunlight in Pittsburgh.

  • I am into photography