Megan Habina is the Founder and CEO of Valkyrie Fitness & Nutrition, a company dedicated to helping women in first responder, military, and healthcare roles build strength, balance, and confidence through practical fitness and nutrition coaching.
Based in New Jersey, Megan’s journey began in Vineland, where she grew up working in her family’s restaurant and learning the value of discipline and determination.
Before starting her business, Megan served as a Class I and Class II Officer for the Vineland Police Department and a member of the New Jersey Army National Guard and Honour Guard. These experiences shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by women in high-pressure, male-dominated environments. They also taught her the importance of resilience and teamwork—principles she carries into her coaching today.
With over a decade of experience and certifications as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC), Megan has built a reputation for designing programmes that fit real lives. Her approach focuses on simplicity, sustainability, and mental toughness.
When she’s not coaching, Megan enjoys travelling full-time with her wife, a travel nurse, as well as riding motorcycles, snowboarding, and hiking. Through Valkyrie, she continues to inspire women to redefine strength and success on their own terms.
Q&A with Megan Habina
How did your journey into fitness and leadership begin?
I grew up in Vineland, New Jersey, where I worked in my grandmother’s restaurant from a young age. It taught me hard work and responsibility. After high school, I went into law enforcement and served as a Class I and Class II Officer for the Vineland Police Department. Later, I joined the Army National Guard. Both experiences showed me the value of discipline and teamwork. I became known in my unit for maxing out my physical fitness scores, and that’s where I realised how much I enjoyed helping others reach their full potential.
What inspired you to start Valkyrie Fitness & Nutrition?
Valkyrie was born out of necessity. I saw how many women in first responder, military, and healthcare careers were struggling to stay healthy while working long hours. I wanted to create a system that made fitness manageable for people who don’t have time for the gym. My mission is to make health achievable for those who give their all every day.
You’ve mentioned that failure played an important role in your success. What do you mean by that?
People often think success is about luck or talent. But in my experience, it’s about failing and getting back up again. I’ve failed plenty of times, both in my career and in business. But each failure taught me something valuable. I tell my clients that failing isn’t the end—it’s part of the process.
What challenges did you face as a woman in male-dominated fields like law enforcement and the military?
There were moments when I had to push twice as hard just to be taken seriously. But that made me stronger. I learned to focus on results and let my performance speak for itself. Working in those environments also gave me empathy for other women who feel overlooked. It motivated me to create a space where women can grow stronger, both physically and mentally.
How do you help your clients find balance while working long or irregular hours?
I focus on flexibility. You don’t need a perfect routine; you just need consistency. I teach clients how to use short, effective workouts and practical meal strategies that fit into real life. I tell them, “Start with what you can do.” Even 20 minutes of focused effort makes a difference.
You talk a lot about goal setting. Why is that so important to you?
Writing things down is everything. If you don’t write down your goals, you’re more likely never to achieve them. I also like to ask myself, “What would the version of me who already achieved this goal do?” Then I act that way. It’s a mindset shift that helps you make decisions from a place of confidence, not doubt.
What role has mentorship played in your career?
Mentorship has been huge for me. I’ve spent over $150,000 on personal development and learning from coaches who’ve achieved what I want. They’ve helped me avoid mistakes and stay focused when things got tough. I tell people that you don’t have to do it alone—success is always a team effort.
You travel full-time with your wife. How do you balance business and personal life on the road?
It’s all about planning and perspective. My wife works as a travel nurse, so we’re constantly moving. I see it as an opportunity to stay adaptable and meet new people. It reminds me to slow down sometimes and appreciate what I’ve built, rather than just chasing the next goal.
What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business or take control of their health?
Start small and stay consistent. You don’t have to change everything at once. Write down your goals, take one step at a time, and never underestimate what you’re capable of. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built one decision at a time.
Where do you see Valkyrie Fitness & Nutrition heading in the future?
I want Valkyrie to continue empowering women to find their strength—physically, mentally, and emotionally. My focus is on education and helping women in demanding jobs realise that fitness can fit into their lives. The ultimate goal is to create a ripple effect where women inspire others to do the same.
Read more:
Megan Habina on Discipline, Strength, and Leading with Purpose