Life & Work with Patricia Desormeau

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Desormeau.

Hi Patricia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
This is certainly a loaded question, but I will do my best to sum it up as best as I can. My health and fitness journey started in high school, where I was amongst a group of select students chosen to be what was called Physical Education Leaders. At the time, I was far from what I would call ‘fit’. I was that high school student who wanted to excel in every subject, including ‘gym’ . I am grateful my Physical Education teachers, some of whom I had the pleasure of teaching with once I earned my college degree. They saw leadership skills within me at a young age and gave me a platform to excel in that area.

As I transitioned to college, I pursued an interest in dance, declared my major in Physical Education, and began the heavy workload required to become a Physical Education teacher. Courses such as kinesiology, anatomy, biology, and biomechanics were some of the courses required to meet NYS certification requirements. There were also lighter courses in sports that balanced out the heavy workload. I consumed myself with dance classes and was compelled to learn about mat Pilates. I went on to earn a certification from the Kane School of Core Integration.

After earning a Mat Pilates certification, it became clear to me that I should teach and help other women reap the benefits of a different form of exercise that builds strength by focusing on tone and not just building muscle. In an effort to make myself more marketable, several years later, I decided to earn a personal trainer’s certification with the National Association of Sports Medicine.

While earning these certifications, I landed my first physical education teaching position at my alma mater, John Dewey High School. This was such a great experience to be back at the school that helped mold me into the woman I am today. In addition, I had the pleasure of becoming colleagues with my former teachers.

As much as I love teaching the youth, I felt like that was not enough and embarked on a journey to help women reclaim their body which has become the tagline of my business. Established in 2019, I am the proud owner and founder of Your Strategic Cuisine and Lifelong Exercise (Your S.C.A.L.E). It’s a small yet growing business, and I’m fulfilled every day I can motivate and inspire women to take control of their health and fitness and reclaim their body.

Growing old as women does not mean we have to fall victim to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death amongst women, obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis, just to name a few. My goal is to educate and motivate women to move regardless of their age.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road simply because life has a way of taking twists and turns that you’re not always ready for, but when they come, you figure out a way to cope. From being in a toxic marriage, a working mom while in school to not being business savvy, the road has certainly been rough. However, despite the many challenges, I’m still here and focused on doing greater things for the betterment of my family and community.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
By day, I’m a Physical Education teacher, and I have the wonderful opportunity to teach and play with children all day. Teaching them teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation, anatomy, and biomechanics while playing and having fun are skills you must have as a Physical Education teacher. They think PE is all fun and games, and it is to an extent, but they’re also learning lifelong skills.

By night, I’m a women’s personal trainer on a mission to educate women on the importance of fitness, especially as we get older. I train women of all ages to prioritize the importance of exercise, making healthy food/ beverage choices, and developing healthy habits that will transform their lives.

My mission is to transform women’s lives and not just teach them a few exercises and send them on their way. I’m in the business of transforming lives so that women can enjoy growing older, spending quality time with their family, and being comfortable in their skin.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I believe that everyone who has shown support in its many forms deserves credit. I wish I could list them all, but I’m sure I’ll miss someone, and besides, this is an article, not a thesis.

I will certainly give credit to my parents, the two people that created me and instilled some of the qualities that make up who Patricia is today. Mom and Dad provided just the right amount of prayer and support needed to navigate the many obstacles.

My sons Aaron and Evan are my ultimate ‘why.’ Unbeknownst to them, they have a lot to do with why I do what I do. Seeing them excel in school and the arts fuels me to continue on this path of excellence so that I can create more opportunities for them.

My brother Samuel Desormeau who cheers me on even when I’m doing some of thee most ridiculous things to keep my clients engaged and inspired. He is the epitome of a supportive sibling, and the perfect male fitness model.

Image Credits
Christopher George
Thompson Qassim Barefield