Coach Spotlight: Meet Erika – Building Strength That Lasts

At Oak Performance, coaching goes far beyond writing workouts. Every coach brings their own story, experiences, and passion to helping others move better, feel stronger, and live healthier lives.

This month, we're highlighting Coach Erika. From discovering strength training after the pandemic to inspiring members both inside and outside the gym, Erika believes fitness should build confidence, create community, and support the life you want to live.

How did you first get hooked on fitness?

Like many people, Erika's journey started with simply walking into a gym.

"After the pandemic, I started going to the gym with my mom, and her coach taught me how to lift. I quickly fell in love with the process of getting stronger."

While strength training was the initial draw, it wasn't the only thing that kept her coming back.

"It was fun having a group of people to see regularly. One of the coaches really inspired me too. We connected over both being vegetarian at the time, and I loved following her bodybuilding journey."

That relationship eventually opened another door. While in college, Erika had the opportunity to shadow that coach and see what happened behind the scenes.

"Getting to experience that side of coaching really inspired me to pursue nutrition and fitness professionally."

What do you love most about coaching at Oak?

Without hesitation, Erika points to the community.

"What I love most about coaching at Oak is the community we've built that extends outside the gym."

She explains that Oak isn't just a place where people come to exercise.

"It's Saturday morning coffee after the group workout, sharing books and puzzles, swapping recipes, and so much more."

For Erika, the relationships formed outside of training are just as meaningful as the progress made inside the gym.

"It's so rewarding getting to know members beyond workouts and helping create an environment where people feel supported, challenged, and excited to show up."

What's one fitness myth you wish would disappear?

"If I had to pick, it's probably a tie between 'carbs make you fat' and 'fruit has too much sugar.'"

Erika believes nutrition has become far more complicated than it needs to be.

"Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy. Weight gain comes from consistently eating more calories than your body needs—not from carbs themselves."

The same goes for fruit.

"Yes, fruit contains sugar, but it also provides fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support overall health while slowing digestion and helping prevent large blood sugar spikes."

Her advice is refreshingly simple.

"Most people don't need extreme diets. They'd benefit much more from eating balanced meals that include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber."

What's your personal non-negotiable?

Erika doesn't believe consistency has to be complicated.

"My non-negotiable is making sure every meal includes a source of protein and either a fruit or vegetable."

That simple habit helps her keep meals balanced while supporting both her health and performance goals.

"It helps me stay consistent without having to overthink every meal."

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What's your favorite exercise to coach?

When it comes to coaching, Erika loves the basics done well.

"Deadlifts and bench press are two of my favorite exercises to coach."

While they're both foundational strength movements, what excites her most isn't the lift itself.

"It's incredibly rewarding to watch people become more confident and see their progress over time."

And your least favorite exercise?

Without missing a beat…

"Bulgarian split squats."

We're pretty sure plenty of our members would agree.

What's one piece of advice for busy professionals?

Erika believes the biggest mistake people make is thinking they need to do everything perfectly.

"It's not about being perfect—it's about being consistent."

Her recommendation?

"Focus on small, sustainable changes. A few 20-minute workouts each week are far more beneficial than going all out for one week and then doing nothing the next."

Small actions repeated over time create lasting results.

What does longevity mean to you?

For Erika, longevity isn't just about adding years to life.

"It's about staying healthy and strong through every stage of life while still leaving room for fun, flexibility, and the things you enjoy."

Strength should help you experience life—not limit it.

What's your go-to meal?

Keeping it simple has always worked best.

"Chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli will always be a staple because it's balanced and easy to throw together."

Although she admits she's currently obsessed with another favorite.

"Lately, it's been toast with eggs and avocado topped with Everything Bagel seasoning."

Favorite learning resource?

When she's looking to continue learning, you'll probably find her listening to the Mind Pump Podcast.

What are you working toward right now?

Like many Oak members, Erika has goals outside the gym that motivate her training.

"Right now I'm focused on getting stronger in my main lifts while making sure I stay in good hiking shape this summer."

She wants her strength training to translate into real life.

"I want to feel strong and capable on longer, more challenging hikes. Building strength is important to me, but I also want that strength to carry over into the things I love doing outside the gym."

Finish this sentence...

At Oak Performance, we help people...

"...become the best version of themselves."

And that's exactly what Erika strives to help every member do—one workout, one conversation, and one relationship at a time.

Whether she's coaching your deadlift, celebrating a new personal best, or grabbing coffee after a Saturday workout, Erika is committed to helping you build strength that lasts far beyond the walls of the gym.

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