Today we’d like to introduce you to Clelia Stefanini.
Hi Clelia , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband and I moved to Nashville in 2015 with no real plan — just a sense of adventure and a hope that I could break into the world of CrossFit. At the time, I didn’t have a job and couldn’t afford a gym membership, but I knew I wanted to be part of that community. So I sent a bold, cold email to a local CrossFit box offering to help with anything administrative in exchange for membership. Thankfully, they took me up on it — they were overwhelmed on the operations side and welcomed the support. I jumped right in and started helping organize and manage the day-to-day.
Within a month, they encouraged me to get my CrossFit Level 1 certification. I studied, got certified, and officially became Coach Clelia. That experience gave me my first real foundation in group fitness, and I learned so much in those early days. But as I worked with more people, I realized I wanted a deeper foundation to truly support my clients — especially in one-on-one settings where individual needs are more complex.
That drive to serve at a higher level led me to pursue further education through OPEX and complete their Coaching Certificate Program (CCP). OPEX gave me the scientific framework and individualization tools I had been craving, along with the confidence to coach in a way that’s truly client-centered. Since then, my work has evolved to combine practical coaching experience with deeper education in behavior and physiology.
Today, I help people build sustainable strength, energy, and confidence — in the gym and beyond — by pairing science-backed programming with real-world coaching.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road?
Not at all — but I’m grateful for every twist in it.
In the beginning, I had passion but no income, no gym access, and no clear direction. I had to be resourceful just to get a foot in the door. Once I started coaching, I quickly realized how much more I needed to learn to truly support people on an individual level. That pushed me toward deeper education and ultimately shaped my client-centered approach.
There were also hard lessons around burnout, boundaries, and valuing my time. I used to over-deliver and undercharge, trying to prove myself. Over time, I’ve built a coaching business that’s not only sustainable but deeply effective — especially in the remote space. When COVID shut down all in-person work, I already had systems in place to continue supporting my clients. That experience solidified the strength of remote coaching when done with the right tools, structure, and relationship.
Becoming a mother has deepened this work even more. I understand now, more than ever, how important it is to meet people where they are — with flexibility, empathy, and a long-term view of progress.
We’ve been impressed with Coach Clelia Fitness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Coach Clelia Fitness is a remote coaching practice that helps people build sustainable strength, energy, and confidence — not just for a season, but for life. I combine personalized fitness and nutrition coaching with behavior-based strategies to create lasting, meaningful change.
I specialize in individualized programming built on OPEX principles as well as additional certifications and courses I’ve completed, which means every plan is tailored to the client’s unique goals, schedule, and life context. From busy professionals to new parents to experienced athletes, I meet people where they are and coach them through life’s changes with structure, compassion, and accountability.
Clients come to me when they’re ready to move beyond quick fixes and want a smarter, more sustainable approach. I’m known for helping people stay consistent — not by pushing harder, but by coaching with intention and flexibility.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how my business has grown. It’s allowed me to coach through major life transitions, including becoming a mother, while delivering high-quality support to clients around the world.
At the core, my practice is about more than workouts or macros — it’s about helping people move, nourish, and live in ways that support who they are and who they’re becoming.
What were you like growing up?
I was timid and thoughtful, and I had a huge passion for music, dance, and connecting with people. I’ve always loved building relationships, no matter someone’s age — I was just as happy chatting with adults as I was playing with other kids.
I was also surprisingly into health and nutrition from an early age. I genuinely loved food, learned to prioritize hydration early (I was the kid with the water bottle before it was trendy!), and became aware of gut health at a young age due to some personal issues I had to work through. That meant learning about fiber, digestion, and how food could support how I felt — long before most kids were thinking about those things.
Looking back, those early threads — curiosity, connection, movement, and nutrition, and I even was a competitive figure skater for 14 years!— were already weaving together the path I’d eventually take as a coach. I didn’t know it then, but the foundation for my work today was already forming.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coachcleliafitness.com
- Instagram: @coachclelia
