Get to Know Mandi

A MESSAGE TO MY FUTURE CLIENT:

Hi! My name is Mandi :)

I grew up as a dancer, constantly surrounded by the message that excelling required achieving an “ideal” body shape. Those pressures extended beyond the studio—into the magazines I read, the shows I watched, and now, the content we see across social media. For years, I chased that ideal, gaining and losing weight, even losing my menstrual cycle along the way. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus from restriction to balance that I truly began to feel at home in my body.

Through my own journey, I’ve learned that no two bodies are the same. Each of us has unique genetics, habits, priorities, and goals. Health and confidence don’t come from forcing ourselves into a mold—they come from creating a sustainable lifestyle that aligns with who we are. Over time, I discovered my balance between fitness, nutrition, and enjoying life, and now I’m passionate about helping others find theirs.

That passion led me to create Fit by MDW, where Movement, Discipline, and Wellness are at the core of everything I do. With certifications in personal training and nutrition, along with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and a master’s degree and current PhD candidacy in Prevention Science, I bring both personal experience and evidence-based research into my coaching. Prevention Science focuses on habit formation and behavior psychology—ensuring that the programs I design are not just effective but sustainable long-term.

At Fit by MDW, my mission is simple: to empower you to build strength, confidence, and peace in your body while living a life you love. Whether through individualized coaching or science-backed downloadable programs, my goal is to help you transform not just your body, but your mindset and overall well-being.

ABOUT MY CREDENTIALS:

I hold a Master’s degree in Prevention Science and am currently a PhD candidate in the same field, where my research focuses on health-promoting behaviors and evidence-based strategies to support long-term wellness.

I’m also a certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, combining academic research with hands-on experience to create practical, science-backed guidance for my clients.

While my background equips me with a deep understanding of fitness, nutrition, and behavior change, I’m not a medical doctor or registered dietitian. My coaching is designed to educate, guide, and support you as you build healthy habits — not to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for medical conditions.

Sincerely,

Mandi Ward

Fitness model walking down stairs
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
ISSA Certified Nutritionist
Fitness model putting on headphones

FAQs

  • I’ve lived through the ups and downs of dieting, overtraining, and having an unbalanced life, so I know how exhausting the cycle can be. What sets me apart is that I bring my background in Prevention Science (Master’s + current PhD candidate) and certifications in personal training and nutrition. That means everything I create is backed by research on habit-building and behavior change—creating a lifestyle, not quick fixes.

  • I offer multiple options! If you want something completely personalized, 1:1 coaching is for you. If you’d rather start with a ready-to-go option, I also offer downloadable programs you can follow at your own pace. As for meal plans, I don’t do rigid, one-size-fits-all plans. Instead, I’ll help you learn how to fuel your body with flexible, realistic nutrition strategies that actually fit your life (and still include the foods you love). With Fit by MDW, you can choose 1:1 coaching + nutrition, 1:1 coaching only, nutrition only, or any of my downloadable programs.

  • No! I can create both home- and gym-based programs depending on your access, goals, and preferences. I also offer downloadable programs that are specific to the gym OR home to fit your individual needs.

  • Struggling with consistency is so common—and honestly, it’s what I specialize in. My coaching focuses on building habits you can stick with long-term, which form into discipline, so you won’t have to keep starting over. At Fit by MDW, I believe that discipline isn’t about being harsh with yourself—it’s about showing up with consistency, even in small ways, because you know your long-term health and happiness are worth it. Motivation may spark the journey, but discipline is what sustains it. As for results, everyone’s journey looks different. Some people notice changes within a few weeks, while for others it takes longer. What matters most is building results that last and doing that by finding what works best for you.