MEET ARIEL

I’m Ariel — the founder and one-woman show behind Whole Body Wellness Co. I’ve been working and playing in the fitness and wellness industry for over 15 years as a personal trainer, yoga teacher, group fitness instructor, professional bodybuilder, and now massage therapist.

For more than 15 years, I have dedicated my life to understanding and supporting the body in both movement and healing. My work is rooted in a clinically informed, holistic approach that blends massage therapy, movement, and intuitive care to help you feel better in your body — not just temporarily, but in a way that lasts.

My Path

I grew up in the mountains with a deep love for movement, the outdoors, and the feeling of being in my body. From a young age, I was immersed in athletics — soccer, swimming, cross country, and track — and was introduced early on to strength training through my mom, who competed as a figure athlete. That foundation gave me both confidence and a deep respect for the discipline and intelligence of the body.

Cancer Diagnosis and Single Mom Life

My path eventually expanded beyond performance and aesthetics into something much deeper.

At 30 years old and a single mother to a (then) 18-month-old, I was given the gift of a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. This experience blessed me in ways I could not imagine by completely reshaping the way I engage with life and work and motherhood. This life is such a gift, and I am grateful to be given the clear conviction about what I ought to be doing with my life.

I believe in the body’s innate intelligence and resilience, and this belief guides the way I show up for my clients today.

Fitness by Ariel to Whole Body Wellness Co

My journey into business ownership began as Fitness by Ariel in Madision Wisconsin. I’ve shifted into Whole Body Wellness Co., which is beginning to grow into something bigger than just my individual practice. While I still work one-on-one with clients, I’m also expanding into corporate wellness, education, and collaborative experiences — bringing together a team of skilled practitioners to support people in a more comprehensive and accessible way.

At the core of my work is a deep respect for the body and the understanding that true wellness isn’t one-dimensional. My role is not just to provide a service, but to create an environment where people feel supported, understood, and empowered in their own health. I have always worked to put my clients at the center of my care. I meet every individual exactly where they are and help them to take steps in the right direction.

As I grow this work, I’m focused on building a network of like-minded professionals who share this philosophy — so that what I offer can extend beyond me. Whole Body Wellness Co encompasses this larger vision.

I’m especially passionate about bringing this work into larger spaces — supporting teams, communities, and organizations through thoughtful, high-level wellness experiences that go beyond surface-level care.

Whether it’s through on-site massage, movement sessions, or educational workshops, the goal is the same: to help people feel better in their bodies so they can show up more fully in their lives and work.

What started as a curiosity evolved into a competitive path in the bodybuilding world. Over the course of eight years, I competed in ten shows, earned professional status in multiple divisions and federations, and placed consistently at the professional level. Alongside that chapter, I continued to explore endurance and movement, completing marathons, half marathons, and races that kept me connected to the joy of moving for the sake of it.

My Approach

My work is both clinically informed and intuitive. I am trained in myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and Thai massage, with a strong foundation in deep tissue and Swedish techniques. I integrate this knowledge with an understanding of movement, anatomy, and nervous system regulation to create highly personalized and effective sessions.

This is not one-size-fits-all care. Every session is a collaboration and is built around your body, your goals, and what you need that day.

True Health Comes from Treating the Whole Person

Whole Body Wellness Co. is both a reflection of my personal journey and a vision for what wellness can look like when it’s approached with intention, collaboration, and care. Your story matters. Your health is the absolute best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.