Although many people don’t consider working out to be the most fun part of their day, Jennifer Scruggs is trying to change that.

Scruggs, who owns Bodymechanix Personal Training Services in Oxford, started out in the fitness industry more than 20 years ago and has been helping others get in shape ever since.

“I was 19 and couldn’t afford a gym membership,” she said of her beginnings. Before she knew it, others were asking her for workout advice.

Since then, Scruggs has been licensed and certified in many different training areas, and she teaches aerobics and fitness classes at the Golden Springs Community Center. She also trains clients at the Calhoun County YMCA or can even go to clients’ homes for a more personal and private training experience.

Scruggs said the personal relationship she builds with her clients is essential to a good training environment.

“You have to have that special relationship with them because you do get so close to them,” she said. “It’s hard to motivate someone that you don’t have a personal connection with.”

But the relationship goes both ways, and Scruggs tries to open up about her personal life with her clients as well.

“It’s nice to know I am making just as much impact on my clients emotionally and therapeutically as they have done for me,” she said. “It’s been just as rewarding for me to know that I’ve had a little impact on their lives, if not a big impact.”

Best weight loss service

Jennifer Scruggs at Body Mechanix, Oxford