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THE STAR SCOOP: Tell us about what motivated you to become a personal trainer?

MICHELLE BETTS: I was motivated to become a personal trainer at the end of a very destructive, 8-year relationship. In order to heal the hurt in my heart, I turned to the gym. I started going to the gym religiously, taking many of the classes and became friends with the instructors and staff. It made me feel and look good. I also began pursuing acting and that motivated me as well; I wanted to look and feel my best. It turned into a way of life for me. I would run around Los Angeles in my gym clothes and would get asked constantly what I did to stay so fit, a big factor in my motivation, as well. Probably the most influential factor, however, was Tony Robbins. I started one of his programs and it led me to finding the passion I had for fitness and personal training.

THE STAR SCOOP: How has that decision shaped the person we see on “Tough Love: Miami”?

MICHELLE BETTS: Becoming a personal trainer definitely shaped me into the person you see on “Tough Love: Miami.” Before I became a trainer I was unhappy with where I was in life; I was bar-tending late nights, and it wasn’t making me happy. As a personal trainer I started getting up early in the morning and was excited to train my clients. When a client sees and feels improvement it is such a gratifying feeling. When you truly love what you do it shows, and I believe I have been perceived as the positive, nice girl on the show because of it. Also, being a personal trainer I have to push my clients and be really tough on them, because of this I understood what the host, Steve Ward was doing. I didn’t fight him on things, I took his criticism and advice better than most, I just gave in to trusting him…….and I am very grateful for that.

THE STAR SCOOP: What do you think viewers will take away from “Tough Love: Miami”?

MICHELLE BETTS: I have had a really positive responses from fans. I think the show does so well because the viewers can relate to myself or one of my cast mates. The viewers have told me that they learn from our mistakes. My fans have been amazing, telling me that I’m a role model and wishing me the best. That really makes me feel like it wasn’t just about me, yes I helped myself and my life has changed, but I’ve also helped many other people. It’s wonderful!

THE STAR SCOOP: Everyone seems to make a new year’s resolution to get fit. Do you have a few tips for people to get started for 2012?

MICHELLE BETTS: A few tips….well, I can go on and on, so I’ll make it short and sweet. First, know what you want and why you want it. What is your fitness goal and why? You need to root of your problem, and then know the path to solve it. Second, once you’ve identified what you want, make a plan and stick to it, but be realistic. Make little baby goals to reward yourself along the way. I tell everyone I know to schedule your exercise and fitness plan like it’s a job and stick to it. Once you start exercising and working out it gives you momentum to do more.

THE STAR SCOOP: What about people who are already on the right path. What can they do to keep up the good work, or to mix it up a little so they aren’t bored with the same old workouts or food choices?

MICHELLE BETTS: Another thing I tell my clients is do something you like that is fun. For example, would be take a dance class or join a sporting league. Make it something that you have fun and look forward to doing and do it with a friend. Make it a weekly catch up session where you get some form of exercise or body movement in, and spend time with someone you love. As far as food choices, change things up by eating fruits and veggies that are in season. The seasons change, use what’s in season to add variety to your meals.

THE STAR SCOOP: Will you be opening a wellness center anytime or is this still hope for the future? Can you tell us more about this plan?

MICHELLE BETTS: I am determined to open up a wellness center in the future. I would really like it to be for women who have been through some type of abuse. A center where you could go to feel good again. Exercise is so good for your body and mind, it was my form of healing and I would love to give that back to other women. I believe that if you can, you should help, I would like to do it in a large capacity.

THE STAR SCOOP: Lastly, what would you like your readers to know about you?

MICHELLE BETTS: Wow, that’s hard to answer. I am constantly trying to live my life by doing the “right” thing, morally and ethically. I don’t screw people over and I’m not a liar. Sometimes I think life in LA would be easier if I gave in to that cut throat mentality. You know the saying “nice girls finish last”……I’m living proof that it’s wrong. On a side note, my favorite musician is Eminem….I LOVE his music! Thank you for the interview! Check out http://www.michellebettsfitnessfanatic.blogspot.com and http://www.michellebetts.com!