About Coach Mel
"Be healthy BEFORE you NEED to be healthy!"
Fitness has always been a part of my life, from playing sports throughout grade school, high school and college to coaching high school softball.
I began running in 2008. My first run was the Petit Foundation 5k and I’ve been running ever since. I’ve completed several 5ks, several 1/2 marathons, 1 marathon, 3 Ragnar Relays, and one 3-day 60 Mile Komen walk. I now train others to become runners.
Learn More About Coach Mel
My name is Melanie Knox. I am 50 years old and I am a breast cancer survivor! I grew up without a mother because I lost her to breast cancer when she was only 35 years old (I was 7).
On June 1, 2015 I heard the words every woman fears and too many hear, “You have breast cancer.” For me there was no question, I would undergo a bilateral mastectomy. (I had already had two biopsies on my left breast and now cancer was found in the right one.) On July 9, 2015 I had my surgery. Everything went great and my recovery started right away by getting out and walking. My nurse (thank you, Laura, for everything) couldn’t believe how well I was recovering, that I had no pain and that in just a few short days I was already out walking a mile. She said they were never going to believe my chart back at the office!
My recovery continued to progress amazingly well. So much so that I ran in a 5-mile road race, against the will of some people who thought I was pushing myself too hard, just one month after my surgery! I was able to do this because I had a great attitude, AMAZING support from friends and family AND I was healthy BEFORE I NEEDED to be healthy.
When I signed up as a Beachbody coach in February of 2015 I treated it like a coupon (I LOVE coupons) to get workout programs and Shakeology at a discount. I had no idea how important it would be just six short months later. And I had no idea I was going to be diagnosed with breast cancer when I decided to stop using my running as an excuse to eat poorly. I did not know I would NEED to recover from a major surgery. I did it because I wanted to try a new workout program and be healthier; I did it for me.
I became a certified personal trainer not only for myself, but also for you. I want to inspire you to take a moment and think about how you would recover from something of this nature. I want you to find it within yourself to realize that your health does matter TODAY. Don’t wait for something bad to happen and then get on the health/fitness bandwagon. Don’t put it off because you “don’t have time” because it may be too late if you wait. I cannot force anyone to make better choices for themselves, I can only lead by example, teach, and hope to INSPIRE!
My mantra will forever be…Be healthy BEFORE you NEED to be healthy!
Now I want to know, how can I help you?
Melanie Knox
Other Interests
While I have always enjoyed being crafty, crochet has become a real passion. From making scarves to afghans to ponchos, being creative is a wonderful, relaxing hobby that I also like to share with other.
There’s nothing better than the unconditional love you receive from a four-legged friend! I was always willing to share my yoga mat with Sadie, our beautiful Great Dane rescue. While Sadie is no longer with us, she will always be in our hearts.