We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natasha Estes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Natasha , thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents did many things that positively impacted my life and career. As young children, we begin to observe and learn from those around us, especially the ones who raise us. I have always remembered and valued my parents’ work ethic. They taught me great responsibility, honesty, discipline, and integrity. I always had chores, which I received an allowance for as long as I completed everything. I believe that was one of the most impactful sets of responsibilities I had. Over time, I understood, appreciated, and valued everything my parents had given me and what they were trying to teach me indirectly and directly. I learned that everything in life feels, looks, tastes, smells and appears better when you work hard and earn it yourself. Of course, we all need help through our journey, but help does not necessarily mean being given everything without putting effort. I believe my parents had good intentions to teach me the best way they knew how. They provided me with nice things once in a while and showed me what it took to have those nice things, along with having a roof over my head and food to eat. Indirectly, I learned how to make long-term habits that contribute immensely to my success in my personal life and business. Those are the household chores I regularly use to maintain a clean and organized living and workspace, allowing me to focus better, increase productivity, and enjoy life.

They also always made me feel loved and secure. Spending quality time and enjoying what my parents worked hard for was very important. It has helped lead me to my current life and journey in the fitness industry. If it were not for them instilling the value of hard work, I wouldn’t have pushed through my first job at a corporate gym, making an unlivable wage. I knew it would be worth it with hard work, discipline, and responsibility. I showed up on time every day, went above and beyond to help my clients, and kept the visualization of becoming my own boss in my head. I was there to gain experience to increase in value. After about one year, I was offered an amazing opportunity to work in a private training facility as an independent contractor, which meant I could become my own boss. So I did! I have been on my own for over two years and bought my first home last November with my fiance.

I would say my parents did a few things right.

Natasha , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Natasha Estes. I am a Fitness Coach with 4+ years of experience and train clients out of a private training facility in the 4S Ranch/Rancho Bernardo area of San Diego. I offer 1-on-1 personal training, small group training, and virtual 1-on-1 personal training. I currently service clients from ages 10-82 years of age with all varieties of fitness, sports performance, and health goals. I educate my clients on the benefits of training, like improving their cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, stability, neuromuscular efficiency, motor control, and increasing muscle mass, strength, and power. I also believe in teaching my clients more than just the physical side of training. Most of the time, physical training alone will not fix or help sustain short or long-term health and fitness goals. I educate them on the importance of quality sleep, breath work, meditation, proper nourishment, stress reduction, and positive habit development. It is not just about looking good but also feeling good.

I am proud to be a fitness coach to help improve people’s quality of life. There are many misconceptions and a lack of respect for fitness trainers and coaches in the industry. I hope to be one of the many already existing coaches to set a higher standard and inspire those interested in making a career as a fitness trainer or coach possible. You can have a successful career if you have a greater purpose than yourself and give your best daily.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Absolutely not. I would have chosen the same profession, just sooner. I was very nervous, intimidated, and shy, leading me to procrastinate for almost two years. Finally, I had had it with my desk job and chose to take my exam, then immediately applied at LA Fitness and was hired on the spot. That opportunity I took at LA Fitness was one of the most pivotal points in my personal life and future business. I was thrown into a very diverse population of clients, which made me overcome many insecurities and challenges. All those experiences helped me become more confident, dynamic, and one of the busiest trainers at the gym within the second month of employment. Most importantly, I was giving my clients valuable tools and results.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think improving your own quality of life is the most helpful part of one’s success in the fitness industry. Before I made the choice to take my exam, I started reflecting on what was holding me back. It was my fear of failure. I began reading a couple of books on positive mindset, making positive habits, and changing many lifestyle habits that I thought were good but added extra stress and anxiety to my life. This will directly relate to your success with your clients, business, colleagues, and personal relationships. To give others your best, you must be at your best or strive to be your best. The best part is you can work on yourself while you help others. I am always working on improving myself for my health and well-being and for those around me. I would suggest starting to prioritize your lifestyle habits. Try to get 7-9 hours of quality sleep daily, eat foods that nourish your body and mind, avoid ultra-processed foods, consume filtered water, work on breath work, meditation, minimize screen time, spend a total of 2 hours outside daily, eliminate as much negativity out of your life (environmental, social, emotional) and read. Success comes with change and choice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tashestesfitness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashestes/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/tashestesfitness/

Image Credits
Patrick Koch