HOULTON, Maine – The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians has a new certified personal trainer on its staff following the promotion of Maya Gardiner.

Gardiner joined HBMI in 2023 as the Maliseet Fitness Center attendant, assisting Tribal Citizens and HBMI staff with the use of the facilities, which include a variety of exercise bicycles, treadmills, elliptical machines and weights.

Now, as a CPT, Gardiner will be able to offer new programs at the center. Gardiner completed the personal trainer course through the American Council on Exercise in October, with a score of 536. 

“This certification will allow me to bring a new set of skills and guidance to the Fitness Center,” Gardiner said. “I am able to create fitness programs for those who would like to discuss their goals and expectations of having a personal program. I can also help in any way that is within the scope of practice of a personal trainer.”

Gardiner added that while advice for types of physical activity a person could perform to achieve their desired results are well within the purview of the new job, there is one area that cannot be addressed.

“I cannot give direct advice regarding diet and nutrition, but I can refer someone to websites that are helpful or a registered dietician that may be able to offer more help,” Gardiner said. 

“I am planning on offering some type of fitness courses or group activities in 2025,” Gardiner continued. “I have yet to solidify a plan for anything specific. I have never done anything like that before, so I still need to figure out what I am most comfortable doing and find something I can do to the best of my ability.”

For more information on the Maliseet Fitness Center, call Gardiner at 207-532-2240 or email fitness@maliseets.com.