I decided to establish Val Hopkins Fitness so I could share my knowledge and experience as an elite athlete with others. As a former member of the U.S. National Speed Skating Team, I was able to turn to cycling to stay fit and healthy as a working mom. But it didn’t come easy…I had been struggling with my weight after my second child, not sure I would ever lose the last 20 lbs. On top of that, I was experiencing the fatigue and stress that is so common when a mom puts exercise and healthy habits on hold while juggling work and raising children.

New England weather forces cyclists to embrace indoor riding but I failed to last longer than 7 minutes on an indoor bike. This is when I hired a coach. With the structure of a training plan that combined strength and cycling workouts, in less than 4 months I was at the top of my game racing the New England circuit of ladies pro races. After 4 seasons, at the age of 45, I won the New England Ladies Pro Criterium championships. This was all because I had a structured, periodized training plan that provided accountability, personalization and goals.

It is this knowledge and experience that I would like to share with you to help you achieve your goals. Trust me, if I can do it so can you!

-Val Hopkins