Erika Godfrey
Erika Godfrey

I competed in the Burn Athlete Games 2020, 2022, and 2023 - The Burn Athlete Games were a huge feat of strength for me — not just in what my body could do, but in how far I’ve come mentally. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, tested my limits, and reminded me that strength isn’t just built in the gym… it’s built in the moments you don’t quit.

In my last position as a trainer there was a benchmark test that the Head Trainer had to pass annually called the SAC (Strength and Conditioning Test) and each year I can say I was able to improve my score and perform those skills stronger and more efficient each time.

Qualifications

Physical Therapist Assistant (June 2013 - Present)

ACE Certified Personal Trainer (November 2018 - Present)

Fitness Nutrition Specialist (ACE) (February 2024 -  Present)

Coach

Erika Godfrey

Hi, I’m Erika.

Looking back now, I can confidently say everything in my journey has happened for a reason. Health and fitness have always been a part of who I am. I grew up in gymnastics — it was my life. I trained through Level 9 and was preparing for Level 10 before stepping away at 15. From there, I went on to hold my high school pole vault record and stayed involved in athletics through cheerleading.
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During my senior year, University of Missouri invited me to try out, and that opportunity led me to cheer at the collegiate level. That experience, along with the incredible coaches I had growing up, shaped the way I see coaching today. It’s not just about performance — it’s about impact, support, and helping people become their best. Even with that background, I initially took a different path. I pursued design and architecture in college, but graduating during the 2008 economic crash shifted everything. That season led me back into coaching gymnastics and ultimately to earning my degree as a physical therapist assistant.
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I worked as a PTA for a few years, but I always felt pulled toward something more. I knew I wanted to coach on a deeper level. That’s when I found Orangetheory Fitness, and it reignited that drive in me. Not long after, another opportunity came into my life that allowed me to fully step into personal training — and I haven’t looked back since. For the past 6+ years, I’ve been coaching in multiple capacities — group fitness, 1:1 personal training, and online coaching. I’ve competed in three Competitive Athlete Games, was honored as the St. Louis A-List Trainer of the Year in 2022, and most importantly, I’ve helped clients build sustainable, healthy lifestyles.
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More recently, I connected with Zach at Strength Works, which led to the creation of FitWorks. And this is where everything has come full circle.
FitWorks isn’t just a program. It’s a space where people can come to feel supported, challenged, and empowered — a place that delivers real results while also giving people a sense of home.
That’s what I’m most passionate about: helping people build a life where they feel strong, confident, and in control of their health — for good.

For a long time, I thought my turning point was joining a gym… but it wasn’t.
It was the moment I no longer let a gym and their brand define me.
And that’s when everything shifted. When I was introduced to Zach and his vision for Fit Works, it all finally clicked.

I no longer had to operate within the constraints of a franchise or follow someone else’s rules. For the first time, I was building something of my own that will help others live life to their fullest.