FAIRHOPE, Alabama — Dolly Stokes, creator and owner of DollyBFitness, is celebrating her 30th year as a professional fitness trainer and consultant.

“From the moment I attended my first aerobics class as a freshman in college I was hooked on fitness,” said Stokes, who uses techniques inspired by Thai massage and yoga. “At that time, however, I never dreamed I would, 30 years later, have a successful fitness consulting business and a career as a top fitness educator.”

Stokes, 53, lives with MS. She was diagnosed at 47, and was told to back off from physical activity and to decrease her work hours. However, since being diagnosed, she adopted a brain healthy diet and scheduled daily rest, and now has the energy and stamina she had in her 20s.

“When movement stops, health stops,” said Stokes. “Clean diet is the best medicine. Everyone enjoys exercise; they just need to find the exercise they enjoy.”

DollyBFitness provides private fitness training through large group, small group and one-on-one opportunities. Stokes specializes in women’s-only training. Her clients are known around Fairhope as the “BFitGirls.” BFitGirls programming is successful because Stokes knows that, for many, friendship is often key to individuals reaching their goals.

“All of the BFitGirl programs are geared toward bringing women together who have a common goal – to be healthy,” Stokes said.

Stokes’ goal for her clients is for them to embrace a lifestyle that allows them to achieve and sustain optimal fitness for life. The BFitGirls’ motto is “GetFit! StayFit! BFit!” Stokes is constantly evolving her fitness programs with fun fitness activities that keep clients coming back for more.

Stokes’ largest client is FiTOUR®, a nationally recognized continuing education provider for fitness professionals. Stokes has been a ProTrainer for FiTOUR® since 2002. Her work experience with FiTOUR® includes managing a team of 50 ProTrainers. She has been the director of education for FiTOUR® since 2007. She has presented over 300 workshops for FiTOUR® throughout the United States. She is also the featured presenter and producer of 15 FiTOUR® DVDs and has developed over 25 FiTOUR® Continuing Educational Courses.

Additionally, she has authored five FiTOUR® course manuals, including Indoor Cycling Advanced course, Aqua Fitness Instructor Advanced course, Pilates Reformer Level One Instructor course, Boot Camp Instructor course and Group Exercise Instructor Advanced course. She is currently developing a FiTOUR® course on myofascial release and trigger point. Stokes has also worked internationally as a fitness trainer. In 2010, she presented at IDEA World, the United States’ largest fitness convention.

About Dolly Stokes, DollyBFitness

Dolly Stokes is devoted to sharing healthy habits for lifelong health. She and her husband, Jeff, own three fitness-related companies in Fairhope: DollyBFitness, BFitLifestyles and Stokes Fitness Academy. Stokes is available as a consultant for fitness pros who would like to own their own fitness business. She also provides training and program implementation counseling for fitness facilities. For more information, please visit dollybfitness.com.