Bonnie Bernardi
Owner/Founder of TXK Fitness
Bonnie Bernardi is a business owner, personal fitness trainer, mother, and grandmother—the latter is quite possibly her favorite title. She truly loves helping people improve their health while celebrating life with her family.
Bonnie grew up in Winthrop, Arkansas. She was the baby of the family and spent time with her three siblings. “I was in sports all through school. I played basketball from pee-wee through my senior year of high school,” Bonnie says. Bonnie learned a lot growing up, including the time spent as a cashier in her first job at Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy. “I quickly learned that is not what I wanted to do,” Bonnie jokingly says. Upon her high school graduation, Bonnie moved to the Texarkana area and has been here for 26 years.
Later, Bonnie gave birth to two children, and after her last child was born, she lost 110 pounds. “I was working at a dentist’s office in town, and every day, the office would close from 12 – 2pm. During this time, the dentist would go work out. Everyone in the office was fit, and after losing weight, I realized how much my self-esteem had improved. That made me want to enter the fitness industry and begin to help others reach their goals. I can’t even call this a job because I love what I do so much. It is my passion. I have been training clients since 2015 and in this facility since 2021,” Bonnie says.
Bonnie received her personal trainer certificate through training and certification with the International Sports Sciences Association. She also attended Anatomy and Physiology courses at Texarkana College to learn more about the human body. Eventually, she opened her business, TXK Fitness, which is currently located at 3012 Richmond Road in Texarkana, Texas.
TXK Fitness is a 1:1 personal and private training facility. There are no gym memberships, and everything is tailored to Bonnie’s clients. She offers fully personalized in-person coaching with a customized workout program tailored to her client’s goals. She also provides nutrition guidance to her clients and teaches them how food can increase or decrease their growth toward their health goals. Her Facebook page offers a proven track record of success, and she currently trains 46 clients at her facility. Gone are the days of having to remember workouts by yourself at the gym; Bonnie not only provides a full game plan but walks her clients through every step, including progress tracking. “If a client wants to lose weight, I will train them differently than one of my guys who comes in wanting to bulk. Regardless, I am going to be there the entire time of the workout,” Bonnie explained.
As a solo business owner, Bonnie is not only the personal trainer but also the bookkeeper, janitor, social media manager, and so much more. “I love having my own business, but it can be stressful since it is a one-man shop. If I do not show up, there is no money coming in. Sometimes that means I am here early mornings until late at night or even on the weekends,” Bonnie says.
Keeping Bonnie on her toes and completely motivated are her children and grandchild. Bonnie has a daughter, Lakeyn, 21, and a son, Conner, 19. Her grandson, Jagger, is two years old and is Bonnie’s pride and joy. “We do whatever he wants! He loves to play outside and go to Chucky Cheese,” Bonnie says. “I am most proud of my children. Lakeyn is a single mom and a full-time college student who stays on the President’s list every semester. Conner just graduated high school and has almost completed his associate degree. I wake up in the morning thinking of all three of my babies, and I work and do everything for them.”
Bonnie enjoys the town of Texarkana, remarking, “It’s home. I love how the community comes together and supports each other.” Bonnie supports her community through her fitness business. She donates personal training time to fundraisers for those in need and contributes to HandsOn Texarkana to raise money for senior transportation.
Over the next five years, Bonnie’s goal is to grow into a bigger facility for TXK Fitness.
Tidbits about Bonnie:
Her best encouragement is this: Never give up on something you want; continually pursue it.
Her favorite hobbies include fishing, camping, riding ATVs, and hiking outdoors. She loves spending time with her family and traveling.
Her favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Texas Roadhouse, and she loves to order a steak and house salad.
If she could have dinner with anyone, it would be President-Elect Donald Trump, and she would ask him what his plans are for the nation of Israel.
As a personal trainer, she wishes for everyone to stay active. She currently trains a 78-year-old client who began working out due to balance issues. Those issues are now gone!