We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aviva Schmidt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aviva below.

Hi Aviva, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I feel like since I turned 18 my life has been one big risk after another. I’ve moved around a lot, from Laguna Beach to San Francisco, to Israel, New York, back to Israel, Australia, back to Israel, Boston, back to Laguna Beach, Kauai and back to Laguna Beach where I now live. I have learned so much and have had some amazing experiences along the way. I studied dance all my life, which then led me to teaching dance, getting certified in fitness, personal training and yoga. I opened the first power yoga studio in Jerusalem in around 2008 called “Flow” . It was written up in many newspapers and magazines at the time. I decided after about 2 years that it was time to head back to California and gave the studio over to one of my instructors. I’ve been working as a person trainer and yoga instructor back in laguna beach now for the past 13 years. I’ve most recently wrote a book. More of a how to guide to help you achieve your goals in health and fitness. It’s called “ You Got This!” By me Aviva Schmidt. You can get it on Amazon. Every step of the way has been a risk but a risk worth taking. It may not always workout the way you had hoped but it’s an experience , a life lesson. I’ve appreciated all of it.

Aviva, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was probably 18 when I first started teaching. I was a trained dancer from the age of 3 so teaching dance was very natural. Since then , I’ve been certified in and have taught aerobics, body-sculpt, kick boxing, spin you name it! I fell in love with yoga when I was about 23. I’ve been teaching yoga ever since . My time now is split between person training and yoga. I’ve worked in high end resorts like Pelican Hill and the Montage as well as many health clubs and gyms. Now I focus on my private clients. I work with all ages and abilities. I love working with all different peoples need and body types. I range from very basic chair yoga to very hard power yoga and strength training for all ages. I’ve heard all to stories, struggles, complaints, fad diets, yo-yo diets , you name it! I just love helping people to feel better in their skin. That why I wrote “You Got This!” I just want to help as many people as I can.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I am definitely in the right profession for me. It’s not always easy but it’s what I’m meant to do and what I truly have a passion for. When I moved back to Laguna Beach I was completely burnt out from teaching and personal training. I wanted nothing to do with it. I wanted to find a job working in a clothing store or something totally different. I went store to store but couldn’t find a job. I walked past the local gym everyday and there was always a help wanted sign in the window. I finally went in on day, desperate to find a job. I told them that I would just work the front desk and they hired me on the spot. About a month into working the front desk, one of the yoga teaches didn’t show up to class and they needed me to fill in. Reluctantly I said ok, I’m a team player, I can help out. Half way into the class I quickly realized “what am I doing working the desk?” This is what I’m meant to do! I guess I just need a little break at the time but I’ve never looked back. I love what I do and all the people I work with and have worked with a long the way.

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

Listening, compassion. I become incredibly close with a lot of my clients. They become family. Same as a hair dresser, you learn everything about them, their children, their spouses and life isn’t always easy. I’ve had sessions where they just need to talk the whole time or take a walk and that’s totally fine! Sometimes they need compassion and other times they need a kick ass workout where they can’t move after. I give them what they need.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @avivagrace
• Facebook: Aviva Schmidt
• Other: Amazon “You Got This” by Aviva Schmidt

Image Credits
Candice Dartez photography