This is a written conversation that I had recently had with my coach. I chose to record it in writing because she is always full of great information and loves to make others smile. Her way of talking in general just has a genuine, down to earth uplifting tone. Through this short interview, you are exposed to some aspects of the fitness industry along with the inspiring and motivational words of my coach.
— What first got you interested in the fitness life?
When I was younger I myself struggled with eating disorders and was not at all accepting of my own body. I would constantly be putting myself down, never a word of positivity. At the age of 16, I went to therapy twice a week to help me feel better about myself and just accept myself for who I am rather than going straight to impressing others. From this point on I got online and read numerous fitness blogs and led myself into the fitness world in which I found so many people that were struggling with identical problems and found a way out of this dark tunnel. I was exposed to many ladies that would post daily workout routines and worked to inspire others to change their lifestyle rather than just body figure. I emerged myself in a variety of articles and videos of wonderful, inspirational people that had a living in helping others to lead better lifestyles.
— What was the main driving factor that kept you going?
The main driving factor would be me wanting to share my story as I knew I definitely was not the only person facing this difficulty. My passion for sharing my story and inspiring others to step up and feel better about themselves was the main driving force in this case.
— What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job would most certainly be working from home. More practically I love being able to contact various people around the world that are searching for insight and are willing to change their lifestyle. I love waking up to a mailbox full of emails with people that are just so committed and willing. Furthermore, I love to formulate specific plans for each person based on their body and their eating habits. As one of the main struggles in the fitness industry for bodybuilding athletes is, in fact, learning to always voice that their macros are set for their body type and are not meant to be followed by others because each is to their own body. Having the capability to create these individualistic plans just provides me the relief that these people are not following a plan that their body won’t necessarily cope with.
— Do you ever regret your initial decision of joining the fitness world?
No, despite the many struggles I have faced both externally and internally, I have never once wanted to go back into something else. One of the main reasons is that me having the capability to touch so many lives by sharing my story as many people globally are struggling with body figure. I am happy with how far I have come and the amount of progress I have made. As well the amazing, genuine people I have met along my journey is something I would never give up or want to forget.
— Do you ever get frustrated by any of your clients?
My clients are my students, as I like to say. These are people that are willing to do almost anything to just change their lifestyle and live healthier lives. These are the people that I love to wake up to and help throughout their journeys. Although there are some people that may cause a little frustration, I tend to just take a deep breath and help as much as I can because in the end there is nothing more to make me happy than to just help others. It all depends on the mentality of the person and the drive of their passion. Yes, I have dealt with people who struggle internally but that has never been taken as an obstacle but rather as an opportunity to just be a stronger individual and grow as a person.
— What is one special event you most look forward to during the year in relation to the fitness industry?
My most anticipated event would most certainly be the Arnold Fitness Expo. (Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic) It’s a large festival supporting many different athletes in competing as well as numerous booths that showcase equipment, supplements, and apparel. It is a fun occasion in which you can meet many different bodybuilders and stroll around looking at the various products being offered. It’s a great event to attend to experience the fitness industry and watch competitors competing for the grand trophy. All in all this a great event to check out and attend to broaden your sources for fitness.
— What is our most valued piece of information that your have received and held great importance to?
The most valued piece of information I have received would mainly just be encouragement from coaches as it really helps with internal mentality. As in all my years, the most repeated phrase I have heard is that being healthy is a lifestyle that you need to adapt to it is not a quick fix. Constantly being told this and trying to adapt to it has really made me understand this as it all comes down to your mentality. With a stable mind comes a strong spirit and attitude. With a healthy lifestyle comes a great body.
— What is your definition of progress and success?
Progress to me is being able to make the changes and sticking to them, it’s not necessarily a whole transformation. Progress is demonstrated if you come out as a better person that you had initially started with. As far as the success if you achieve what your mind pleases within certain extents you reach success. It doesn’t always have to be about great results; in fact, all it encompasses is a great attitude and a strong passion to keep moving forward.
