Hey girl, hey. Between running her own business, literally running, being a mom and balancing a full-time career...Stacey has it going on. 

 

 

GRL Fitness just graduated! Tell us about Operation YOU Academy.

GRL Fitness graduated! We are so happy to now be Operation YOU Academy. Where we believe in the continuous learning and progression of self growth and development through our three foundational pillars: mindset, nutrition and movement.

 

Is personal training your primary career and why did it interest you?

Personal training for me started over a decade ago when I was in college for policing. I would help classmates in my program as well as paramedic and fire sciences in order to be successful in their respective fitness testing. I became certified shortly after that and haven't quit since. After a successful career within the military, I have recently stepped away and am focused on coaching full-time while also offering mindset and nutrition along with movement coaching.

Being a mom, balancing nutrition, mental health and exercise is important. What tips do you have for moms post-partum?

In short:

Food prep saves time and leaves guessing out of the equation.

Rest. Rest. Rest.

Don't beat yourself up if you didn't get the things done. Tomorrow is a new day.

Above all else, remember you are a human.

Mental health is #1 ! Always. Being a mom who knew nothing about babies until I had one was rough, as well as being in a isolated area where help was hard to come by. One thing that has been hard for me to learn is to slow down and let the small things stay small. Those dishes you hate looking at vs spending an hour to just sit and chill, you owe it to yourself to rest. Momming is a full-time sport in it's own. Rest for your mental, emotional and physical self is important now than before. That little person needs you, but YOU need you.

When Harper was a newborn she was easy to cart around for walks/hikes, and she slept or rolled around when I took her into my home gym. If you're trying to get into a routine start small. Add in weekly walks, and don't over due strength training or jogging before your BODY is physically ready. Now that Harper is a toddler she's super busy. We frequent walks/jogs, bike rides and I'm always blasting the music for a dance party. Involve your kids, show them an example even if you are focusing on purposeful movement, strength training or whatever your activity of preference is.

 

What are your personal fitness goals?

My personal fitness goals are to keep my body strong due to a medical condition involving my back. As well, regain flexibility. I move because I'm grateful that I can -  but I also love pushing my body to see how far it can go.

 

What was the most difficult part about creating your own curriculum?

The most difficult part is condensing the content for each program. I cap 2/3 curriculum programs to two months and even then I am always finding things to add. We really cannot put a cap on learning more about our bodies.

 

We are now halfway through the year, what would you say was your biggest hurdle?

 

Leaving the military and going full-time into my business. Leaving a structured and routine life for uncertainty has been a struggle but the benefits have shown to be worth every minute.

 

You have been in Girl Gang since the beginning, what was your initial objective and what has kept the relationship continue?

My biggest objective was to network and stay connected to my home area while I was gone. I knew I wanted to come back to the area and I didn't want to feel like I was starting from scratch when it came to getting locally involved. Being in a network of other badass women who own and run businesses is so thrilling and empowering to me. Now that I've returned, I am hoping to be more involved not only with the Girl Gang, but within the community as well.

 

What would be advice to someone starting a business who has a family, side hustle and full-time career?

Don't spread yourself too thin and make sure you're starting it for the right reason.

 

Blunt answer.. Careers are replaceable. Family isn't.

If you're finding yourself burnt out from the career, side hustle and cant find the time for your family.. Something has to give.

Ask yourself the hard questions. Or just,

Take the leap. You might surprise yourself. 

 

What is one of your biggest accomplishments that you would have never imagined happening 5 years ago?

 

Leaving my career to be a full-time entrepreneur. But I think I knew deep down I couldn't live my entire life following someone else's agenda. The resistance was real.

Headed toward 2022, what can we expect from Operation YOU Academy?

 

We have two more curriculum programs coming up within nutrition and movement.

 

As well, fingers crossed for in-person options when we move!

In all honesty - possibilities are endless and we are rolling with it.

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Stacey

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