We were lucky to catch up with Cindy Leos recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cindy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents truly understood the importance of granting me the freedom to explore and create my own path, which has had a profound impact on my life and career as a holistic fitness coach. They did encourage me to consider more traditional career paths, but they never stifled my strong passion for movement and healthy living. In fact, they wholeheartedly supported my dance career, which ultimately paved the way for everything I do now.

Throughout my dance journey, I not only developed a strong connection with myself but also had to dive into the realm of nutrition to meet the physical demands of my career. When I was 18 years old, I auditioned for the Laker Girls, and although the director saw potential in me, there were two things they wanted me to work on before the next audition: cutting my hair and losing weight.

Back in the ’90s, there was no social media or fitness boutiques on every corner, so I was left to figure things out on my own. Without any guidance, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I enrolled in nutrition classes and physical training at college, bidding farewell to my trendy job at Fred Segal and working at a Vitamin/nutrition store instead. This allowed me to immerse myself in the world of health, nutrition, and fitness, all while learning about the ketogenic diet and incorporating it into my life.

I embarked on my morning fitness journey, losing weight in a healthy way, and all the knowledge I gained became a part of me. Not only did I achieve my goal, but I also deepened my connection and relationship with my body during this process. This pivotal moment not only shaped my own journey but laid the groundwork for my career as a holistic fitness coach, where I now inspire and empower others to embrace healthier lifestyles.

Thanks to my parents’ support and my determination to learn and grow, I can proudly say that my dance career not only taught me about movement but also ignited a passion for holistic fitness coaching, transforming lives and guiding others to achieve their health goals.

Cindy, 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 journey into the world of holistic fitness coaching began during my time as a performer in the Las Vegas Pussycat Dolls show. While there, I realized my deep interest in health, nutrition, and movement. With a vision to combine my dance training with Pilates, I enrolled in a Pilates certification program, paving the way for my career transition after my dance days.

My mission is to help clients transform their stress or pain into strength through a holistic fitness approach. I firmly believe in empowering individuals to look inward, deepening their relationship with themselves, and becoming truly embodied with their own strength and self-confidence. By turning stress into power, clients can achieve holistic well-being and a balanced life.

The services I provide include personalized nutritional guidance and customized movement plans tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, desires, and goals. My methodology is grounded in somatic practices, ensuring a gentle yet impactful approach that benefits all body types and fitness levels.

Beyond just the physical aspect, my approach encompasses a holistic perspective, incorporating body, mind, and soul. Through this approach, clients embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, uncovering hidden potentials within themselves.

I go beyond traditional fitness approaches by incorporating elements like breath work, sleep optimization, mindset training, inner child work, light exposure, and cold exposure. These components, along with the right environmental conditions, contribute to building a strong and healthy foundation for our bodies.

What sets me apart is my deep commitment to addressing the whole person and providing a comprehensive approach that fosters lasting transformation and well-being. I take pride in guiding my clients towards achieving their health and fitness goals while instilling a sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

For potential clients, and followers, I want them to know that my work goes beyond merely fitness training—it’s a transformative journey that nurtures the mind, body, and soul, leading to sustainable growth and fulfillment in every aspect of life.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Absolutely, beyond training and knowledge, the ability to connect with clients and create a safe and supportive environment is paramount for succeeding in my field. Building strong relationships with clients allows me to understand their unique needs, aspirations, and challenges. By fostering an atmosphere of trust and encouragement, I can guide them through their fitness journey with care and understanding. This approach not only helps clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences but also enables them to explore their potential with curiosity and confidence. It’s through this genuine connection that I can effectively support my clients in achieving their goals and experiencing transformative results.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I learned the hard way that the “boss base, hustle hard” mentality was not sustainable for my heart-based business. It felt non-gratifying and led to burnout. Realizing this, I had to unlearn the notion that success only comes through relentless hustle and the constant pursuit of external validation.

As someone with a deeply rooted practice of holistic living, I understood the importance of energetic alignment and balance. I reframed my approach to business, choosing to embrace a more energetically aligned way of doing things. This meant focusing on being true to my heart’s calling and finding fulfillment in my work, rather than solely chasing financial gains or societal expectations.

In this new approach, I prioritize creating a safe and nurturing environment for myself and my clients. By embracing a more embodied way of doing business, I can sustainably grow and expand my heart-based venture while staying true to my core values and purpose. This shift has not only brought greater joy and satisfaction to my work but has also allowed me to make a more profound impact on the lives of those I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.cindyleos.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindyleos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064103522919&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@CindyLeosMovement

Image Credits
Kathryn Page @katpage (Instagram handle) Amy lynn Grover @amylyngrover (Instagram handle)