We’re so pumped about our conversation with Leia Nicole. Leia is a Certified Personal Trainer, Massage Therapist and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Leia below.
Leia, it’s been too long since we last connected. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts with our community again. Some readers might have missed our prior conversations, so maybe you can kick things off for us with a quick intro?
I have been a certified personal trainer and health coach since 2011. I have been doing a lot of online coaching since then, but it REALLY took off in 2020 when so many gyms closed! People were stuck at home with no idea how to maintain their workouts. I am now helping more people than ever through online training! I am also a certified massage therapist, which I do part time in my own private practice. I have a passion for helping women live active, healthy lifestyles, and truly love what I do.
What are the pros and cons of online training compared to in-person training?
Online training is great because I am able to be your coach 24/7. I often face time with my clients if they have a question or need me to check their form. I can create totally customized workouts, designed specifically for the client, using whatever equipment they have available to them. I can monitor their progress throughout the week in my app, and in their online food log. It’s a very comprehensive program, but you have to be ready to show up for yourself, since you don’t have an actual trainer showing up to workout with you. You have to be self-motivated. Within person training, I am basically just with you for one hour, once or twice a week, to put you through a workout. That’s it. But what will you do the other days of the week? Many people feel they really need the appointment with a trainer in order to make themselves actually GO and do the workout. They feel if it’s left up to them, they will just slack and be lazy. Being with a trainer means you have to show up, and they will push you to work hard. But you won’t get the 24/7 coaching and custom designed program like you would with online training. Personally, I’ve seen more success with my online training clients, since we work very closely throughout each week in order to see results.
Can you talk to us about some of your online clients’ best transformations, and how they achieved them?
I have one client who has worked with me online for 2 years straight. I was able to help her navigate stressful times, holidays, vacations, birthdays, illness, injuries and traveling. These are the things that throw people off track, or cause some people to quit all together. An important part of losing weight, getting fit and STAYING fit is learning how to live a healthy lifestyle that you can maintain for LIFE, not just for 90 days. I help people stay on track even when they really don’t feel like it, or when they lose their motivation or when they feel “too busy”. She has not only changed her entire body in those 2 years, but her doctor has applauded her for so much improvement on her overall health! My most successful clients are the ones that dedicate themselves to this long term, and really stick it out, being patient and trusting the process.
What is your favorite part of your job?
When my clients email me to tell me they did something they never thought they would be able to do… like pick up their grandchildren, or run and play with their own kids, or go hiking with their family and not get out of breath and have to stop, or wear an outfit they never had the confidence to wear before. Those are the best moments!
What made you decide to become a fitness professional?
I have always had a love for fitness. But as a massage therapist, I started to realize if I could help my clients be healthier, they would suffer less daily aches and pains. Combining health and fitness with massage was the perfect combination for me!
It was so great to reconnect. One last question – how can our readers connect with you, learn more or support you?
I would love to have you in my private FB community! I provide free challenges and coaching in our private group, which you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthychallengeshealthychanges
Let’s follow each other on IG! I am here: https://www.instagram.com/leianicolefitness/?hl=en’
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leianicolefitness.com/compare-programs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthychallengeshealthychanges
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE3YSVScHj97HE0A0R5PAzg
