Twenty-five-year-old Vanessa Guthrie has only lived in Turlock for two years, but already, she has made the city her home. She and her husband Zachary Osborne moved to the Central Valley in 2015 after getting married, and haven’t looked back since. The fitness enthusiast opened her own gym, GOH Fitness, in April, where she supports community members on their journeys to look and feel their best with professional help and guidance every step of the way.

Q: What inspired you to open up a gym in Turlock?

A: I have always loved health and fitness, but I honestly never thought of myself as someone who had the capabilities to be a business owner. I have worked for multiple gyms in the last four years (I started training people when I was still in college) and always thought I’d be a worker bee, but never the queen bee. Earlier this year something clicked for me, I found I was doing a lot of the work that an owner would and should be doing: funny hours that meant I was waking up at four and getting home at seven, a lot of split shifts, client management, etc., and I finally thought, why not me? I absolutely believed in the product I was selling – the journey to a happy and healthier life, so all I needed was to believe in myself. I had a lot of family, friends and of course my amazing clients who pushed me to do it. And I am so glad they did.

Q: Why is fitness so important to you?

A: It has been such an important part of my own life. My family has a lot of history with diseases like cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol, I myself have also suffered with a horrible eating disorder. Health and fitness (in my eyes) was and is the only way to take control of all of it. When I work out and fuel my body properly I feel all other aspects in my life are a lot better as the confidence and endorphins carry through to all sectors. I see that I manage my time better, my relationships are stronger and I make better decisions. It isn't just about one 30 minute workout class, it effects my entire day. I have seen the wonders of exercise and how it can literally turn a frown upside-down.

Q: What's it like running a business alongside your husband?

A: Zach has been extremely supportive of me. Anytime I don't feel confident and have doubts he reminds me of all the people I’ve helped, the amazing community that I’ve created and how we are still ONLY five months into this, yet my business seems like it’s been around forever. I couldn't think of anyone I’d rather have in my corner.

Q: What is one thing Turlock residents can do every day to help their overall health?

A: My number one thing, no matter who you are, is to get out in the fresh air and try to walk for 30 minutes a day. Even if you are stuck in a desk all day, Turlock has a lot of lovely parks that you can use, or just around your neighborhood. I swear by walking, I do at least one walk a day. It is so good on your joints, fresh air works wonders on your mind and best of all, it’s free!

Q: When you're not at GOH Fitness, what's your favorite thing to do in Turlock for fun?

A: I am a massive foodie, so I love traveling and trying out different restaurants with family and friends. I am also such an extrovert, so I love surrounding myself with people. I know that going out to eat and going to unfamiliar places can be daunting when you are on a fitness journey, however it is such a big part of who I am that it is something I’ve never wanted to give up.

Q: What is the last book, television show or movie that captivated you?

A: The last movie I’ve truly loved is “About Time.” It may seem like your typical rom-com, but I watched it at a time where I was still mourning the death of my mother. The movie deals with the death of a parent who suffers with cancer (as my mother did) and talks about truly appreciating every second and taking the bad in life with the good. It was made in 2013 and I still have to have a full box of Kleenex whenever I see it again. Definitely a very special film in my heart.

Q: What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

A: I have lived in five different countries and I am actually half Singaporean and half Scottish. All of my family still lives overseas and I can speak five languages. Hence, why I am never able to drop the travel bug or my love for all foods from different cultures.