We recently connected with Ruby Pachall and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ruby thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

I went into the fitness industry with the idea that it would all be worthwhile if I could help just one person live a healthier, more confident and fuller life. 14 years into this journey and I know that I have helped many more than that. Seeing my clients gain the confidence to try hard things, to reverse diabetes, or to live a pain free, full life is what drives me every single day.

I hope that my legacy is that I have inspired others, pushed them to grow, and that they feel their life is better for knowing me…that I worked hard, played hard, loved even harder and that I lead my life with dignity and purpose.

Ruby, 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?

I got into the fitness industry after fairly suddenly losing my mother to cancer. The best way for me to honor her was to make make my best efforts in not going down that same path and helping others avoid health issues. . Her last advice to me was to live true to myself, help others whenever possible, always say how I feel and to do what makes me happy. I have since obtained 6 fitness certifications and a nutritional coaching certification. The growth is endless in this industry.

I believe that if our mind is healthy and our internal dialogue is positive that we can accomplish anything in this life. I try to approach each person as a whole. Where is there head at today? Do they need to vent before we get the workout started? Do they have the support they need to be successful? I’m confident that all of my clients would also consider me their friend, not just their trainer. Above anything, people remember how you made them feel. My approach is to be a demanding, no nonsense coach when needed and a listening ear or shoulder to cry on when life gets tough.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

This industry can be fairly unpredictable…there are peaks and valleys when it comes to the flow of business. You really have to be comfortable getting yourself out there, approaching people and having the confidence to sell yourself to others. It’s important to never stop promoting yourself, even when business is booming. I follow up with people who have had past training inquiries, I touch base with former clients to see how they’re journey is going, and I never doubt my ability to keep my business going.

There was a shift recently where more people wanted to do online training. I created an app to appeal to these clients. I recently added online nutritional coaching which taps into another market. Being flexible and learning to adjust to the times is extremely important.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

There are a lot of blanket “one size fits all” trends in the fitness industry. Every year there’s some new fad diet people want to jump on. It simply doesn’t work like that. We are all vastly different with different starting points, ideas about what healthy means and different obstacles. I had to learn to meet each person where they’re at and go from there. Some people do great with a total overhaul in diet and lifestyle, but not many. Small changes compiled over time and consistency with those changes are where I tend to see the biggest impact in my clients lives.

Image Credits
Debi Rowley Photography