Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Smith.
Hi Ali , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have dedicated more than 30 years to studying and teaching biomechanics, fitness, nutrition, and functional movement to help people build strength, improve their health, and maintain vitality throughout life.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from Temple University and later received my Massage Therapy License in Pennsylvania. Throughout my career, I have obtained numerous certifications in fitness, nutrition, and corrective exercise, continually expanding my knowledge to better serve my clients. I also completed four levels of training at the prestigious Equinox Fitness Training Institute (EFTI) in California, where I trained high-profile clients, including Janice Dickinson and actor Dolph Lundgren. My work with Dolph took me around the world, training on film sets in Africa, China, and England.
For more than 18 years, I have owned True Balance Studio, where I have helped thousands of clients improve their strength, mobility, confidence, and overall quality of life. This hands-on experience has reinforced my belief that fitness should be personalized, sustainable, and designed to support long-term health.
I am also the author of The No Burpees Method, a book inspired by decades of experience working with everyone from everyday individuals to elite athletes and celebrities. The book challenges the notion that fitness must be extreme to be effective and offers a practical, science-based approach to achieving lasting results. Its core message is simple: meet people where they are, build a strong foundation, and create a path to lifelong health, strength, and balance.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Lol, are you kidding? How deep should we go here?
Life has never been easy—and honestly, I wouldn’t expect it to be. I’m a mother of two, a business owner, and the wife of a firefighter whose demanding career requires sacrifice from our entire family.
I opened True Balance Studio in 2007, just before the financial crash, and weathered every challenge that followed. During COVID, I fought to keep the business alive and, against the odds, we came out stronger than ever. That resilience ultimately led to the opportunity to purchase the building where we continue to serve our community today.
Life will always test us. The struggle is often where growth happens. The question isn’t whether life is hard—it’s whether what you’re fighting for is worth it. And for me, the answer has always been yes.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I believe I touched on this in a previous question, but to elaborate, I work in the health and fitness industry—an incredibly competitive field. What sets me apart is not only my knowledge and credentials, but the depth of experience I’ve gained over the past 30 years.
I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, helping them navigate their unique health and fitness journeys. Through changing trends, evolving research, and countless transformations, my passion for this work has never faded.
More than three decades later, I still genuinely love what I do. There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone become stronger, healthier, and more confident than they thought possible. That passion, combined with experience, is what continues to drive me every day.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
That’s a great question. I believe that with the rise of the new weight-loss medications helping millions of people lose weight around the world, there will be a growing awareness of the importance of strength training.
I grew up in an era when muscular women were often viewed negatively. I’ve always loved being strong and embraced my identity as an athlete, but that wasn’t always easy when many people—including members of my own family—didn’t see those qualities as desirable.
Today, the conversation is changing. As more people focus on weight loss, they are also beginning to understand that losing weight and being healthy are not necessarily the same thing. Strength training plays a critical role in preserving and building muscle, which is essential for maintaining mobility, independence, metabolic health, and overall quality of life as we age.
I believe we are entering a time when people will recognize that muscle is not just about appearance—it’s one of the most important contributors to longevity. Building and maintaining strength is an investment in living a healthier, more active life for years to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.truebalancestudio.com
- Instagram: Truebalance.gram
- Facebook: Ali True Smith
- Youtube: @NoBurpeesMethod
