You might already be familiar with her, but what you may not know is that Andrea Engel is the new General Manager at Elite Sports Club-Brookfield! Having already spent over 20 years at Elite, Andrea brings a lot of experience and enthusiasm to her new role. Learn more about Andrea’s background here!
Get to Know Andrea Engel
- What position(s) do you currently hold at Elite and any you have held in the past?
I’m currently the General Manager at Elite-Brookfield. In the past, I’ve held many roles at Elite such as Playroom Attendant, Scamp Director, Children’s Programming Director, and Assistant General Manager.
- How long have you been working in the health/fitness/tennis industry and how long have you worked at Elite?
I started working at Elite back in 1998.
- What made you want to start working in this industry and/or for Elite?
I just had my eldest son and wanted a job where I could bring him along. A woman I was nannying for was a member at Elite and suggested I work in the playroom.
- What is your favorite part about your job?
I love the people, the social interaction, and that each day looks different. I love to connect with others and encourage others to live a life of wellness and to support the team here. I enjoy problem-solving and it fills me up to make a difference and in this industry that is an opportunity each day.
- What activities do you participate in at the club or outside of the club that are health/fitness/tennis related?
In the club, I love to run, cross train, lift weights, use the sauna and red light therapy bed. I do work out outside and at home occasionally, and really enjoy listening to health podcasts about nutrition, exercise, longevity, and wellness. I not only want to have a long life, but a great quality of life when I am older.
- What has been your biggest personal struggle with health/fitness/tennis?
I really haven’t had much struggle with it, as it has been so helpful to me in life in managing stressful times and dealing with some bouts of anxiety. It is the best medicine!
- What has been your biggest personal accomplishment with health/fitness/tennis?
Two different things come to mind: I did a 12-hour adventure race in Moab, Utah, in 2010 which was just an amazing experience. I pushed myself harder than I ever had physically. Secondly, I think another great accomplishment is to use what I have learned in fitness and health to help inspire and encourage others. I have talked with so many people over the years that just need someone to encourage and believe in them, listen and touch base with on their struggles, and then celebrate with them when they make progress.
- What advice do you give people who are coming to the club for the first time?
Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks! This time is for you! We have all different walks of life, young and old, healthy or dealing with an illness or condidtion that have walked the club. This club is the least judgmental, most welcoming club that I have heard about. I am biased, of course, but that is the feedback I have received all these years.
- What advice do you give people who are struggling to make health/fitness/tennis a priority or are getting bored/burned out?
Anyone can find more time by prioritizing. Health and fitness is something that will, without a doubt, improve your quality of life, your well-being, and your longevity – it is the BEST investment of time and money! There are so many different options if one feels burnout. I would encourage them also to make a goal whether it is a race or an amount of weight to lose. Also, partnering with a friend for accountability is something that has always helped me push through.
- What personal advice do you give someone who is looking to get to a healthier point in their life in general?
Listen to knowledgable people in the industry. Start filling your ears and mind with podcasts hosted by the experts on health and fitness. This is such a motivator for me and will help one understand how their choices create who they are day-by-day. We have far more control over our health and well-being than people think! We just have to change habits and see the bigger picture.
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