Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Corina Miranda-Risnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Corina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
After deciding to resign from a cushy corporate job, I took some time off to travel, reassess my goals and pursue my passion for fitness. I stayed financially afloat by doing small gigs in gorilla marketing and background work. It was an interesting time in my life. I had a lot of freedom, but as the financial security dwindled, I was eager to find work and start building a career in my new field. I reached out to the local YMCA to inquire about interning or simply shadowing an experienced trainer so that I could gain some real-world experience while still studying to get certified. They were very receptive. To this day, I clearly remember that phone call when the manager said, “intern? I’ll do better than that; I can offer you a job!” It was a small step, but I felt victorious. I felt at ease with my decision to step away from the corporate paycheck to pursue a passion I could see myself happily engaged in for life. I was eager to learn and start helping people take better care of their fitness and health. It was a great stepping stone that allowed me to learn at my own pace and take chances.
Corina, 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 decided to pursue a career in fitness because I knew I couldn’t sit in a cubicle for hours on end working on a deadline (as I was doing). I became certified as a personal trainer in 2006 by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). I continued studying movement and anatomy and now hold specialized certifications in Post-rehabilitative exercise, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Mat Pilates instructor, and Senior Fitness Specialist. I strongly believe that recovery and self-care are vital components of any training program, and so I decided to study massage therapy. In 2008, I attended the Swedish Institute of Massage Therapy in NYC, which gave me a whole new appreciation for the body. I provide personalized online fitness programs for busy professionals struggling to adopt healthier habits and fit in a workout. I help you boost your strength and stamina and form sustaining habits to support your long-term health through self-care routines, nutritional guidance, and mindset strategies. I believe fitness should be fun, insightful, and purposeful because this is truly the way it will remain consistent in your life. I am happy to have found my purpose of guiding others toward better health, and I’m grateful beyond words to those that have trusted me.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In my chosen field of fitness and being a trainer, many variables exist to achieve success. At first, my passion was to guide people toward better health by applying the knowledge I learned through my certification. Yes, that is a part of it, but I soon learned there was so much more. I had many clients, yet did not feel successful. I was not seeing big changes in their habits or health, and I felt discouraged. Many clients weren’t compliant and came and went as they pleased. Though I had great relationships with them, I could have done a better job of engaging and holding them accountable. As a result, my income was unpredictable, and I felt stressed and burnt out. I had to sit and write down what success meant to me. I had to get clear on my standards and clients’ expectations. I sought help because this is my passion. I want to thrive in it and find some sense of harmony. It took some mentoring and business coaching to find that clarity. It was worth the time and effort. It is still a daily balance of finding harmony but having the right support and guidance helps.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
I would definitely choose the same profession over again. I wake up every morning excited to make a positive impact and I feel fulfilled. My passion and mission are to share my knowledge and experience to help inspire, and empower people through simple health strategies that have a lasting impact. I feel this is just the beginning for me. I have so much more to learn and give.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.integrativefitnesstherapy.com
- Instagram: @standtallbreathedeep
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standtallbreathedeep
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrative-fitness-therapy/