PERSONAL journey with Martha Kaplan

Martha Kaplan is the Community Marketing Manager at Athleta, and a seasoned SoulCycle instructor. With over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Martha is the OG Wellness Warrior, meaning she was all about wellness before wellness was a thing. Oh, and did I mention, Martha is a cool 62 years young.

I had the chance to sit down with Martha recently and talk to her about her personal journey, as well as her thoughts on health, fitness and the wellness craze.

Martha takes the questions...

Q) A full-time job with Athleta, and a side hustle as an instructor at cult fav SoulCycle since 2009! Tell us how you got here, and what inspired you to become involved in the fitness industry in the first place? 

I was always an athlete, and while my early years were spent in the ad industry, I always felt like my calling was fitness. When my ad agency merged with another big agency, I saw it as the perfect time to dive into my fitness career.  I became a certified instructor and personal trainer, and began teaching part time and taking on personal clients. I loved every minute of it, and never looked back. 

Q) What was the industry like when you started out?

We were all pioneers at that time - creating and inventing all types of workouts! It was a very exciting time to be in the fitness industry.

Q)You’ve been an instructor at SoulCycle since 2009. What drew you there, and has being part of the SC family changed the way you think about or approach exercise and fitness?

I was one of the first instructors in NY certified to teach indoor cycling. At the time is was called “spinning” and we were all trained on Schwinn bikes. I had been teaching at Equinox and several other studios for a number of years, when I heard about SoulCycle and decided to check it out.
There was something about the experience, the atmosphere, the ride and the instructors that drew me in right away. It was special and aligned with what I wanted my ride to be. SoulCycle is more than a great workout. It’s about connecting with others and developing relationships.

Q) As a dedicated rider myself, one of the things I love most about SoulCycle is the community of riders and instructors, and the special feeling of connection and shared experience that happens in that space. It can be pretty powerful. Can you talk a little about that?

SoulCycle tapped into a “social wellness” community. SoulCycle found a way to bring people together into a dark room with candles, and surround them with great music and motivating, inspirational instructors. SoulCycle gives you the feeling of belonging and connecting to something bigger. 

Q)There are no clocks, no doors opening and closing during the class, no distractions. People are connected through music, mantras and their shared emotion. Who doesn’t want to be a part of a community where you can meet people that share positive vibes and make you feel good about yourself? And, by the way, it’s a fantastic workout!

Much in the same way SoulCycle is more than a spin class, Athleta is so much more than an athleisure brand. Can you expand on this for us?

I feel deeply connected to Athleta’s mission “to ignite a community of active, healthy, confident women and girls who empower each other to reach their limitless potential” It’s a brand that stands for more than just yoga leggings and high performance apparel. Athleta stands for inclusivity and supports women and girls of all ethnicities, body types and sizes. It’s inspiring to be a part of a brand and movement that is redefining perceptions of wellness and strength 

Athleta is also a certified B-Corp with a focus on sustainability efforts and Fair Trade, putting the planet and people before profits. Knowing the work I do can positively impact every woman, and have a lasting effect on the world is personally fulfilling. That’s #powerofshe

Q) Wellness is everywhere you turn these days, and with it a slew of content and rapidly changing, often conflicting, information about what it means to be healthy. Throw in social media, and it’s no wonder people feel confused, stressed, and unsure about their own wellness habits. How do you cut through the noise, and find a more grounded approach to a healthy lifestyle? 

I ignore a lot of what I see on social media. I read and get as much education as I can from a variety of credible sources. Ultimately, I take a personal approach to wellness and ground myself in all the pillars of wellness in my life - - - physical, emotional, spiritual, nutritional, social, intellectual, financial and environmental.

I think people confuse wellness with just physical exercise and nutrition. When they see photos and quotes on social media there’s such a focus on the physical. Physical wellness is not just about how you look or how you exercise, it’s also your sleep habits, hygiene, mindfulness. This all encompassing view of wellness is my approach to a healthy lifestyle.

Q) You just celebrated your birthday! I love that you’re open and honest about your age; and treat it as something to be celebrated, not swept under the rug….

To quote Betty Friedan, “Aging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
Life is about learning, growing and discovering new opportunities every day.

I learn something every time I take a class from a new instructor or have a conversation with a co-worker at Athleta. I think we have to approach every day with a growth mindset and embrace a willingness to learn and try new things. If you stop learning you kind of stay stuck in the same place. 

I try not to think about aging as getting older. Turning 62 for me felt like  just another birthday.  I don’t feel any differently now than I did last year or the year before.  I have more energy and drive then I’ve ever had and that’s definitely something to celebrate!

Q) Lastly do you have a life philosophy. Something that helps you stay on track, see the big picture, and not get mired in negative thinking? 

A) My philosophy is to continue to do the things in life that bring me joy and make me happy. To stay grounded in my everyday wellness journey. To surround myself with positive, like minded people. To be kind and supportive to others, loving to family and friends. To cultivate gratitude daily...and to keep pedaling! 

Q) Favorite Quote?
A) I start everyday with a quote from Tao-Porchon-Lynch who just turned 100 years old: “This is going to be the best day of my life.”

Thank you Martha for taking the time to talk with us, and share your inspiring thoughts on health, wellness, and a growth mindset. Want more Martha? Check her out on Social @Martha_Kaplan

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RESOLUTIONS with Mica Diamond

I love the promise of a shiny New Year; the possibilities it holds, the opportunities for personal growth, the feeling of a fresh start. I’m not alone. Research shows that 60 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. The rub? Only an estimated 8% of us make good on them, leaving the majority of us holding the bag, feeling defeated and unworthy of change.  

We’re not a fan of these statistics, so we reached out to iPEC certified Life Coach, Mica Diamond, to help us better understand the numbers, and provide us with insight and strategies to help tip the scales in our favor, and increase our chances for success.

Mica Takes The Questions:

Q: What is a Life Coach?

Mica Diamond, Life Coach; Photo credit: Stacy Bass

A: Life Coaches partner with clients to explore new goals, expand their sense of what is possible in their lives, and provide real tools that empower them to reach  their full potential. We ask deep questions that challenge clients to think bigger and reach higher, as well as help them understand what motivates them and what holds them back.  Together, we come up with ways to harness strengths and overcome obstacles to make long lasting shifts and make sustainable, measurable results

Q: How does coaching differ from traditional therapy?

A: Coaching and traditional therapy both form a confidential one-on-one trusting relationship between professional and client, however, there are key differences.  Therapy often helps a client understand how they got to where they are today. Coaching, on the other hand, is less focused on how you got to this moment. Coaching says “here you are, where you go from here is up to you!” It is forward thinking and empowers the client to proactively create their future.

Q: What’s the secret sauce when it comes to coaching? Why do you think it’s so powerful and transformative for clients?

A: Having an appointment with a coach is having an appointment with yourself.  So often people go through their day checking-off items on a to-do list without ever pausing to see if these items are actually moving them in the direction they’d like their life to go.  Coaches carve out and hold space for clients to focus time on what they really want to do, and help them do things beyond what they think may be possible. We work in partnership with clients and hold them accountable for what they say they will do.  Coaching takes what is inside (hopes, dreams, intentions, desires) and translates it to external goals that the client accomplishes step by step.

Q: Resolutions are easy to make, but hard to keep. Can you help us better understand this narrative? Why is it so hard to stay motivated?

A: Many New Year’s resolutions are broken within weeks, days or even hours.  The biggest mistake I see people make is they feel like they have to deprive themselves or participate in activities they don’t actually like. Willpower is draining and we can quickly run out of reserves and give up.  A simple shift in thought process can change this:

If your goal is to get lean and fit in the new year you might look at it like this: “I have to force myself to go to the gym 4 days a week and I can no longer eat all the delicious food I love.”  If that is your thought, your feelings will be of deprivation and doing things you don’t enjoy. You may last a few days, but chances are you will become unmotivated and give up on your goal.

If you shift that initial thought to something positive like “I am choosing to get lean and fit in the new year because I will feel great, have more confidence and enjoy every aspect of life more” then you will feel excited and connected to exercising and eating nourishing healthy food.  Now you don’t feel like you are depriving yourself, rather you are giving yourself the gift of health and wellness.

Choose your initial thought surrounding your resolution carefully.  Check in and make sure it is serving you well and will inspire and motivate you to stick to those resolutions…. Not because you HAVE to, but because you WANT to.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake you see people make when it comes to setting and achieving personal goals?

A: Setting an unreasonable goal is the biggest mistake I see.  If you are determined to get something that is not possible, then you will quickly feel discouraged and defeated and lose motivation.  I like to tell clients to think about the ideal goal. Then think about a much smaller, but still minimally acceptable goal. Then choose the sweet spot in between those two goals as the stated goal.  You want to stretch yourself just the right amount so that it will take work, but will also be achievable.

Q: What can we do to increase our chances of carrying through on our resolutions this year, and living the life we envision for ourselves?

A: Setting “S.M.A.R.T.” goals will increase your chances of success.

S - Make sure your goal is specific.  Vague goals don’t work.  State exactly what you want and why you want it.

M - Your goal needs to be measurable.  How will you track your progress? What does success at each stage look like?

A - Is your goal achievable?  Make sure the stated desire is something that you can take the steps to make happen.

R - Is your goal reasonable?  Knowing the constraints or present conditions of your life, ensure that the goal and action steps you are choosing can fit in with the realities of your current day-to day.

T - Make your goal timely.  Set a plan of when you will do each step and find a way to hold yourself accountable to the mile markers along the way, so that you reach your goal and run through the finish line!

Q: Do you believe personal health and wellness play a role in our ability to set and achieve goals in other parts of our life, such as relationships, career, home life?

A: Absolutely! Coaching looks at the whole person.  When you change one area of life, all of the other areas automatically shift.  People that hone in on their personal health and wellness gain massive amounts of increased energy and confidence.  Not only does that translate to success in the gym or jogging on the track, but it creates more positive energy while you are at work, parenting, spending time with your partner, friends and family.  It’s all connected!

Q: Lastly, what would you say to someone reading this who is off track, feeling discouraged, and in need of inspiration?

A: We all sometimes feel off track and discouraged.  No one always has their mojo. But you don’t have to wait for it to arrive.  You can choose to create it at any time. No matter what happened last year, last week or even an hour ago, the future is yours to start creating right now. The next chapter has not yet been written, and you are the author.  Take some time to think about what you really want and why you want it.  How will life improve if you reach those goals?

If you’re really stuck, working with a coach can really help. A good coach can help you break down your larger goals and desires into manageable steps that are specific, reasonable, and stretch you just the right amount to get you moving in the direction of your dreams. Rather than simply wishing for the changes, we can start making the changes.  

THANK YOU Mica FOR SHARING YOUR wisdom, WELLNESS HABITS AND POSITIVE MESSAGE WITH US!

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MINDSET with James Mcleod

James McLeod, also known as @ThatVitiligo_Guy, grew up in Peekskill and now lives in Ossining. James is a DJ, certified personal trainer, student and motivational speaker. he is also a model, and has been featured in “CR Fashion Book” and “Vogue Italia”online.  James is also working on a children’s picture book based on his experience growing up with Vitiligo called “The Boy Behind the Face.” He speaks at schools and youth programs throughout Westchester and The Bronx to spread his message of positivity and share his story of “beating the odds”.

James takes the questions:

Q)You’re a personal trainer, motivational speaker, DJ, student, and model. Sounds busy! What’s a typical day in the life of James Mcleod look like?

Coffee + morning inspiration with James

No two days are alike, Which is one of the things I love about my life!  Some days, I train six or seven clients in a row. Other days, I spend a couple of hours with clients, head to a school to speak to a group of students, and then head to night school, where I am a student!

You have an incredible personal story. Would you mind sharing some of it?

I have had a skin condition called vitiligo since I was 18 months old.  I was bullied a lot as a child because I looked different. I had a learning disability and gave up on school and myself. As a teenager, I made a lot of poor choices, and I continued making poor choices into my early adulthood. My choices led me to federal prison.  When I was released from prison, I made the decision to turn my life around, and use my experiences of being bullied and making poor choices to help others. I do this by sharing my message of positivity, hope and second chances.

How has your story informed your work?

I try to spread positivity wherever I go and in whatever I do. I encourage my personal training clients never to give up on themselves, or to be embarrassed by whatever they think their imperfections or flaws are. Nobody is perfect!  When I am doing public speaking, my story is the inspiration for my message. When I got into modeling, it was another way for me to embrace my difference, rather than be embarrassed by it.

One of your stated missions is to help people overcome insecurities and fears. How do you help others live their best lives?

In everything I do, when I share my story, whether it be with clients or a group of 200 kids, I try to let it be an example of how to live with insecurity, yet still shine bright.  If I can show people that I can walk into a roomful of 200 kids without fear of having them judge my appearance, and if I can walk the floor of a health club introducing myself to everyone I meet with a smile on my face, then I hope I am setting an example of how to live your best life.  

Who or what inspires you?

I’m inspired by others who share their stories of overcoming adversities and turning their lives around.  One person who really inspires me is @inkyjohnsonmotivate. He was a college athlete whose hopes and dreams were shattered by an injury that paralyzed his right arm.  He has since become a powerful motivational speaker.

Do you have a life philosophy?

One of my mottos is “smile and let your happy shine!”  The more you smile and put positivity out into the world, the more happiness and good things come back to you.  What you give you get. A smile has the power to change someone’s whole day.

You recently completed the Organic Pharmer “Five Day Jumpstart” Program I helped create. How was it? Be honest! We want to know how this kind of lifestyle works for an athlete.

You did a great job!  Overall, it was an amazing experience. It gave me a chance to experiment with different foods and see how my body would respond.  Some of my favorites were the Alpha Green, the Power Protein Bar, the Kale & Cauliflower Caesar Salad, the Falafel, the Hummus, the Curry Cauliflower Soup, and the Asian Salad. Some of the meals left me a little hungry, so I added boiled eggs, avocado, and nuts to tide me over.

**Love that! Those are all great additions, and I encourage anyone on the Jumpstart Meal Program to add in clean healthy protein, avocado, nuts, seeds, and greens as needed. It’s about tuning in and listening to your body. This is not a calorie restrictive program.

You don’t normally eat a fully plant-based diet. Do you think you’ll incorporate more plant-forward meals in your diet now that you’ve completed the program?

Absolutely! I’ve been researching some vegetarian recipes for the cold weather months.  I can definitely say I felt really good waking up in the morning and energized during the day while following this program.

What’s next for you? I know you’re incredibly busy and successful, but somehow I feel like you’re just at the beginning of your journey…

That’s exactly how I feel too!  I always want to keep moving forward.  I’m definitely not satisfied, there’s so much more to accomplish, and so much more to learn!  I want to keep crafting my motivational speaking message, I want to share my story with the world!  I want to keep inspiring and helping others!

What would you say to someone who is reading this and needs a little inspiration?

If I can do it, you can do it!  Your attitude is your choice, and your attitude determines what kind of day you’ll have.  A good day leads to a good month, which leads to a good year, which leads to an AMAZING life!

Thank you James for sharing your story, wellness habits and positive message with us! Want to learn more about James? Check him out on Social @thatVitiligo_guy

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