We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Stewart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.

My story will feel a bit cliche, but it’s true. The best boss I have ever had is my dad. I told you, cliche!

So, let’s start from the beginning. Growing up, I always looked up to my dad as I saw him working his a** off day in and day out to give my mom, sister, and me the life we always wanted – a life of comfort, love, and opportunity. But don’t get me wrong, it was not as rosy and dreamy as that may sound. With a strong-willed and hard-working dad comes high expectations and pressure to perform. So, as hard as it was, I constantly worked and committed to achieving the high standards set.

Up until college, I was playing elite-level sports and constantly pushing myself in physically demanding ways since that is what I saw represented by my dad in his work ethic and expectations. But once I went to college and “flew the coop,” that rigidity began to slip….some might think, “Good, you don’t need to be so regimented and strict.” And to that, I agree, to an extent, but I also firmly believe that we are meant to work hard and push ourselves beyond what we believe possible.

After a few years – probably more like several years – of trying different tactics, modalities, and regimens, I ultimately decided that even though “balance” is vital, choosing what needs the most attention at the moment is the true “key.” Sometimes, that means work gets more attention, or family gets more attention or friends. Yes, the goal is balance, but I believe that balance comes once the hard work is done…a sentiment my dad instilled in me from day 1!

Chelsea, 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?

Well, my name is Chelsea, and to put it simply, I am a fitness professional. I coach Pilates and have been a fitness coach for over 12 years, ranging from yoga to yoga sculpt, cycling, and Pilates.

As I mentioned, I grew up playing sports and loved spending time in the gym, but I never thought it would be my career. During my last year of college, I received my 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate, and it wasn’t until then that I began to play with the idea of pursuing my passion for fitness as a potential career. Like everything I pursue, I went all in and dove head-first into yoga, teaching, and learning.

Since then, I have dedicated the last 12 years to learning, growing, and expanding my knowledge and teaching ability to incorporate new tactics and modalities.

In every class, I focus on detail, form, alignment, and safety, but most importantly, I motivate my students to be their best/strongest selves. This extreme attention to detail and human connection allows me to help individuals see actual, sustainable results. Plus, I understand the time and dedication it takes to progress on a physical and mental journey, so seeing clients change and transform into strong and confident individuals truly sets my soul on fire!

But don’t get me wrong, I know how intimidating and challenging it can be to take on a new fitness program or step into a new studio space. So, it is my duty to go above and beyond to empower and encourage every student regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. After all, I pride myself on being an ally and motivator on a mission to encourage and motivate while delivering REAL results, which makes my teaching style and classes unique and impactful.

If I had to pinpoint what I am proud of within my fitness career, it is the moments I see, hear, and feel when a client expresses how my classes have drastically changed their day (or lives) for the better. The joy I get knowing I can help someone through a hard time or day by pushing them to their physical limit is unparalleled.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being in the fitness space has been quite the wild ride over the past few years. When the pandemic first hit, fitness as we knew it IMMEDIATELY changed. We went from in-studio classes and personal connection to a dead stop. Overnight, I (along with so many others) had to pivot and FAST.

During this instant pivot, I had to change my approach to connection, teaching, and training…essentially pivoting my career. I must admit I didn’t pivot as fast as I would have liked, but once I made the slow progression to being more of an online presence, my perspective on fitness and fitness instruction changed.

Change is hard, but making this change opened up the opportunity to receive real-time feedback that helped me up level as a coach while understanding what works on a larger scale. But again, this wasn’t easy or fast to navigate at first. It took some real innovation, time, and coming back to my roots of connection to find out what my niche is and who I want to help…because that is what I want – to help.

Ultimately, this hard yet necessary pivot was the catalyst I needed to trust in my ability as a fitness professional and trust that when life gets challenging, perseverance and consistency prevail!

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

Fitness is unique when it comes to business because it is personal, VERY personal. To succeed in the fitness industry, you must be knowledgable, passionate, seasoned, AND care…a lot…like A LOT.

Think about it: wouldn’t you want your instructor/coach to care so that you can become a better you? Wouldn’t you want them to take it personally? I know, I would. I take that thought into every class, tip, and bit of insight I provide to show that I genuinely care.

Yes, you can be successful simply by being in the industry for years or being extremely knowledgeable in the space, but what separates the good from the great is their ability to connect and care for those they are coaching.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: chelsea.ann.stewart

Image Credits
McKenna Holly Photo