Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Salva.
Hi Yvette, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Yvette Salva Story: From Rock Bottom to Purposeful Living
I’m Yvette Salva, and my story is one of survival, transformation, and hope. My journey started when I was just 16, working as a receptionist at an all-women’s fitness studio. It didn’t take long for me to catch the fitness bug. I started teaching group fitness classes, and from there, my passion for health and fitness grew. But behind the confident persona and six-pack abs, I harbored a dark secret.
At 14, I developed bulimia—a secret that haunted me for decades. For years, I stood on fitness stages inspiring others, but every night I was trapped in a vicious cycle of bingeing and purging. I remember going home and throwing up after eating 30 or 40 pancakes in one sitting.
When bulimia wasn’t enough to numb the pain, I found new coping tools in drugs and alcohol. That led me to the depths of desperation—homeless, addicted, and cycling in and out of rehabs. My book, Booze, Blow, and Pancakes, dives deep into these moments, including a chapter titled “Rock Bottom Is a Solid Foundation.” That’s exactly what it was for me: a place to start rebuilding.
At 33 I finally got sober. The drinks and drugs were gone, but the chains of bulimia held tight until I turned 45. That’s when I broke free from the prison of addiction and the relentless pressure of perfection. I realized the lies society tells women: that happiness is rooted in beauty, youth, and thinness. For years, I bought into those lies. But through recovery, I discovered that real happiness comes from connection, fulfillment, and purpose.
Today, I’m a mother of two, a fitness studio owner, and a Certified Life Coach. My studio focuses on more than just fitness; it’s about mindset, mental health, and building strength from the inside out. I’m particularly passionate about helping women over 40, a group that often feels invisible, unheard, and unappreciated.
Life didn’t magically get easier after sobriety. The hits kept coming, but I learned how to cope by changing people, places, and things. My recovery community gave me connection, fitness gave me strength, and my purpose gave me direction.
I wrote my book, Booze, Blow, and Pancakes, to share my journey and reduce the stigma around mental health and addiction. My keynote, From Hell to Happiness: Three Steps to Change Your Life, is built on the steps that saved me: Awareness, Acceptance, and Action.
Fitness saved my life when I was a bullied teenager, and it continues to be my anchor today. But my real mission is to help women know they’re not alone, that they can break free from shame, and that it’s never too late to rewrite their story. This is what fuels me every day—to share my message of hope and inspire others to find their strength, their voice, and their purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has It Been a Smooth Road? The Challenges of My Journey
My journey has been anything but smooth. Along the way, I’ve faced challenges that tested my resilience and pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible.
One of the hardest decisions I ever made was letting go of a 20-year marriage. My husband was a wonderful man, but we had grown apart. I found myself feeling married yet deeply alone, and I knew I couldn’t keep living that way. Making the choice to end our marriage was heartbreaking, not only because of the emotional toll but also because I had to step into a world I didn’t fully understand.
At the time, I had no experience managing finances, mortgages, or taxes. It was overwhelming, but I took a leap of faith. I sought the help of professionals, including a lawyer and a financial advisor, and began to rebuild my life. It wasn’t easy, but it was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done.
Another major challenge came at the age of 30 when I experienced a relapse after three years of sobriety. I was seven months pregnant when I made the decision to drink at a party. That moment was devastating, and the guilt was overwhelming. But recovery has taught me the importance of honesty and accountability.
I returned to my 12-step program, raised my hand, and admitted that I had slipped. I also had to tell my husband, which was one of the hardest conversations I’ve ever had. But in those moments of vulnerability, I found strength. Recovery isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being truthful, even when it’s difficult.
These experiences taught me resilience and the power of perseverance. They showed me that even in the most challenging moments, there’s an opportunity to grow, rebuild, and find purpose. Today, I look back on those times not with regret but with gratitude for the lessons they taught me and the person they helped me become.
As you know, we’re big fans of Yvette Salva Fitness . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
About Yvette Salva Fitness
At Yvette Salva Fitness, we specialize in helping women over 40 transform their bodies, minds, and lives. Our mission is to create a space where every woman feels empowered to step into her best self—regardless of where she’s starting.
We offer a completely private personal training experience, unlike traditional gyms. Our studio is designed for one trainer, one client, and one goal. There are no distractions, no crowds, and no judgment—just a safe, welcoming environment where women can focus on their physical and mental strength.
What sets us apart is not just the privacy, but the connection and understanding we bring to the table. I’m a woman over 40 myself, and I’ve been where so many of my clients are—feeling stuck, unsure, or like change is impossible. I believe it’s never too late to rewire, whether you’re tackling fitness, weight loss, addiction, divorce, or just life’s curveballs.
Our tagline, “You Can Do Hard Things,” is more than just words. It’s a mindset. I want every back-row girl from every group fitness class to feel like a front-row star. Your age, your fitness level, or your past does not define you—the effort you bring today does.
In addition to personal training, I’m also a certified life coach. I work with women who feel stuck, helping them regain clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether it’s through fitness, mindset coaching, or a combination of both, my goal is to provide the tools and support women need to create lasting change.
What I’m most proud of is the safe, supportive space we’ve created for women. It’s a space to grow stronger—both mentally and physically—and to prove to themselves that they can overcome anything. Yvette Salva Fitness isn’t just a gym; it’s a place of transformation, empowerment, and hope.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
COVID-19 was a time of immense challenge, but it also taught me some of the most valuable lessons I carry with me today. One of the biggest takeaways was that everything is figureoutable. Before the pandemic, none of my clients were open to virtual training sessions. But when it became the only option, they gave it a try—and many ended up preferring it. It was a powerful reminder to embrace change and stay open to new possibilities. Technology truly is amazing, and it allowed us to stay connected and keep moving forward.
Another lesson was the importance of mindset. The pandemic affected people in very different ways, and I saw firsthand how mindset made all the difference. Some clients fell into unhealthy habits, saying, “I’ll come back when this is over.” Others took the time as an opportunity to focus on themselves. These clients built new routines, stayed consistent with their fitness, and came out of it stronger both mentally and physically. The difference wasn’t in their circumstances—it was in their perspective.
For me personally, COVID-19 reinforced the importance of mental health. I leaned heavily on my spiritual practices during that time, including attending online 12-step meetings, journaling, meditating, working out, and continuing to learn. These routines kept me grounded and reminded me that growth doesn’t stop, even when the world feels like it’s standing still.
Finally, the value of community became clearer than ever. I leaned on my mastermind group of fellow fitness professionals, and we supported each other through every challenge. Whether it was troubleshooting business hurdles or just sharing encouragement, our connection kept us all going. I also found strength in my recovery community and my fitness tribe—we held each other accountable and reminded one another that we weren’t alone.
COVID-19 taught me that with the right mindset, strong routines, and a supportive community, we can adapt, overcome, and even thrive in the face of adversity. It’s a lesson I now pass on to my clients every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.yvettesalvafitness.com
- Instagram: @yvettesalvafitness
- Facebook: Yvette Salva Fitness
- LinkedIn: Yvette salva
- Youtube: Yvette salva
Image Credits
Jose m photos