About Coach Mel

"Be healthy BEFORE you NEED to be healthy!"

Coach Mel after a running race. Learn more about Coach Mel
2019 Hartford 1/2 Marathon

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 about Coach Mel and how you can complete hold up your medal like she is.
2015 Iron Horse 1/2 Marathon

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

Certified Fitness Instructor

Certified Personal Trainer

Nutrition Coach

SilverSneakers Instructor

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.

Coach Mel's dog lying on yoga mat

What My Clients Say

Great place to work out. Making new friends and Mel gets us motivated in her pleasant atmosphere.
Lynn
Litchfield, CT
I took 3 different types of classes over the weekend and enjoyed all of them. Close by and great way to get out and get motivated. Looking forward to taking more classes.
Mandy
Harwinton, CT
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