About
About Us
Welcome to Aptitude Fitness—a community built for women who are ready to discover just how strong and capable they truly are. Our mission is to help women unlock their potential, grow stronger, and gain confidence, both inside and outside the gym. Whether the goal is keeping up with your kids, lifting your grandkids with ease, conquering that challenging mile, or finally feeling at home in your fitness routine, this space is yours.
Aptitude isn’t just about workouts—it’s about celebrating the everyday miracles women achieve when they embrace their power. Here, uplifting each other is at the heart of what we do. We believe every woman deserves to witness her own transformation and delight in what her body can accomplish—at every age and every stage.
We’re here for you through every season of life. Supporting your journey from motherhood- menopause.
About the Founder
I’m Nikki Russell, and I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed—wondering what to do next, not sure who to listen to, and juggling so many roles that prioritizing yourself often feels impossible. As someone balancing raising kids, working full time, and managing all the demands life throws my way, I get you. I’ve been in your shoes—searching for answers, doing late-night research, and looking for real solutions that actually fit a busy life.
Through Aptitude Fitness, I support women across Des Moines, Clive, and central Iowa who want practical, sustainable fitness solutions that fit real life.
That’s why I dove deep, completing multiple certifications and trainings so I could genuinely help others going through the same struggles. I’m a Certified Fitness Coach (AFAA), Certified Nutrition Coach (PN Level 1), and Certified Perimenopause & Menopause Coach (Integrative Women’s Health Institute), with additional certifications in yoga foundations, barre, Axle, TRX, and Pound.
My approach is rooted in real-life balance—helping women connect fitness, nutrition, and mindset so they can thrive at every stage of life. My work in hormone and cycle-based nutrition has been featured on NBC WHO-TV 13 (Your Cycle Optimized) and the Your Sasstastic Life Podcast (YouTube and audio).
My mission is simple: to give you practical tools and reliable guidance—tools I wish I’d had myself on this journey. I believe that taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. Together, we can find that balance you crave.
