Margaret A. Hofmann M.Ed.
Margaret A. Hofmann, M.Ed., known as “The Trainer to the Agers,” is a highly accomplished health educator, exercise professional, and personal trainer with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. She is the founder and owner of Agers In Condition LLC in Columbus, Ohio, a consulting and personal training business dedicated to helping adults over 50 improve strength, mobility, cardiovascular conditioning, and overall health and wellness. Drawing on her background as an athlete and successful college coach, she brings discipline, insight, and a deep understanding of athletic performance and functional training to every client she serves. Margaret holds specialty certifications in Senior Fitness, Balance and Mobility, Functional Training, and Fitness Nutrition. Additionally, she manages a SeniorFit Center at a retirement facility, providing supervision and instruction, group exercise, personal training services, and wellness seminars for the residents.
Margaret’s professional journey began while immersed in collegiate athletics. She closely observed and was greatly inspired by her college volleyball coach. It was then that she considered a college coaching career. She acquired a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on health and sports performance while serving as a graduate assistant and assistant volleyball coach at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She went on to be a head coach at multiple small colleges across the Midwest before transitioning into the fitness industry in 1995. Since 1999, Margaret has been an independent contractor and business owner, now specializing in functional training for older adults. Her work has highlighted the unique needs of the aging population, a demographic she describes as often overlooked yet incredibly wise and willing to improve their health. Margaret is also a fitness product inventor, having developed two free-weight products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of older adults while training. In addition to her work in fitness, Margaret is a published author. Her memoir, The Wedding Gift, 2nd edition, shares her personal journey of love, loss, grief, and resilience as she watched her mother battle cancer and struggle to get to her wedding day. All proceeds from the sale of her "charity" book benefit the Pauline Hofmann Education Fund, which supports an impoverished school in Nairobi, Kenya.
Beyond her professional life, Margaret is passionate about the outdoors, enjoying golf, pickleball, hiking, biking, boating, and gardening. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in life, which is closely tied to leisure, encouraging her clients to slow down, connect with nature, and cultivate balance alongside physical health. Margaret credits her success to her large family of nine when growing up, her faith roots, athletic experiences, and entrepreneurial spirit, which have driven her to educate, innovate, and make a lasting impact on the health and wellness of older adults.
• Heartsaver CPR & AED
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer, SF, FT, FN, Posture & Balance Specialist
• Morehead State University - BA Health, Movement Education and Recreation
• Xavier University - MEd
• Amelia High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
• Clermont County Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee
• American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• International Health & Fitness Association (IDEA)
• All proceeds from the sale of my book, The Wedding Gift, support my mother's education fund, learn more at: theweddinggiftmemoir.com.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing in a large family of nine and the discipline and drive I developed as an athlete. Being competitive instilled in me a strong work ethic and the desire to succeed with intense focus. I am a Type A personality that dives into every professional endeavor I pursue, giving all I have and then some. These qualities have helped me set ambitious goals, remain persistent in the face of challenges, and consistently strive for excellence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Put in the extra time needed to improve, learn, and grow in your field. As an athlete, even at a young age, I was always the player who wanted to stay after practice to train longer and get individual attention.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
- Get certified from a reputable institution, such as the American Council on Exercise (ACE), International Health and Fitness Association (IDEA), National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), or Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), just to name a few.
- Shadow an experienced fitness professional in your area of interest.
- Read, even if it's only 15 minutes a day, and stay up to speed on the latest advancements, research, and changes in your field.
- Lead with collaboration, empathy, and trust with each person you meet and work with.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Burnout can be a challenge for fitness trainers who have a full slate of clients all day and even on weekends. I combat this with proper scheduling, rest, and getting an emotional boost through educational webinars and attending national conventions.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, collaboration, empathy, and trust. Approach and treat all people/clients with respect.
Milestone Moments
The milestone moment recently for me was getting the 2nd edition of my book, The Wedding Gift, published in late 2025. It was a ton of work daily for about a 6-month period. I am happy with the results, and it's a "charity" book, meaning all proceeds go into my mother's education fund.