We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcela Isaza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Marcela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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.

After 20 years as one of the top entertainment journalists in Los Angeles, I decided to pivot and completely change careers. I wanted to be of service to others and knew one day I’d use my first passion to do so: fitness. So I went “back to school” so to speak and got certified as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I work 1:1 with clients, helping them get stronger, by teaching people how to gain confidence through movement. I also teach a really fun high-intensity spin class twice a week at a local independently-owned gym in Los Angeles called Everybody. I love it! I am so happy!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Marcela Isaza and one year ago, I left behind a successful 20-year career as one of Hollywood’s top entertainment bilingual reporters to embark on new adventures in the health and wellness world. Swapping out glamourous red-carpet gowns for leopard jumpsuits, I am now bringing my unique Colombian joie de vivre to unlock the swagger in my private clients and spin class participants. Born in Colombia and raised in Latino Los Angeles, I have learned how to convert mental strength into tools of physical movement that have empowered my body and lifted my soul. Now I am sharing this gift with others.

I have been an avid fitness practitioner for 30 years and as a previously single, working mother, I completely understand the constant struggle of “I don’t have time.” My life’s mission is to empower clients to be their best selves through the power of movement. Everyone deserves to feel healthy, empowered and energetic.

I have a bachelor’s degree from USC (University of Southern California) and am a NASM-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. I am a Les Mills RPM-trained spin instructor and am also currently working on getting certified as a corrective exercise specialist who will also specialize in women’s fitness.

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

Empathy. Having empathy is a skill that proved useful time and time again when interviewing celebrities. Now working with private clients and understanding their fears, insecurities and excitement as they embark on their healthier lifestyles is incredibly important.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There are two things we can always count on in life: laundry and navigating the unexpected. Let’s face it, we ALWAYS have a pile of clothes that needs to be washed and life will take unexpected turns, guaranteed. As for laundry? Well, you just have to bite the bullet and get it over with. What’s less easy is pushing through life’s unexpected twisty turns.

When I was 20, I found out I was pregnant. I hadn’t even transferred to a 4-year college yet. Part of me wanted to crumble but instead, I used the physical strength I’d been working on during resistance training and transferred that to my mind. With a toddler, I went to USC full-time, worked in a bank almost 40 hours a week (for benefits and money, obviously), and also worked internships in various TV news stations (including overnight graveyard shifts). It was really hard, but I pushed and made it. Now I have a 24-year-old daughter who is also a college graduate and feel proud of her and the beautiful bond we share.

Then I spent the next 20 years, building my career in Hollywood during a time when it was a lot less fashionable to be a female Latina reporter on the red carpet. Again I worked hard and gave it my all but knew one day I’d jump ship to work in something where I could be of service to others.

So there I was, a few months away from turning 45 and decided, why not now? But I was scared. I was scared to walk away from a career I’d worked so hard to build. Was that a good move? Should I start a whole new career middle-aged? I yet again found myself having to push through my fears, and my insecurities and jump.

Long story short, whatever you put your mind to must be backed with a sense of resilience. That will get you through the fear, the unknown, and little by little squash those measly insecurities that creep up on all of us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: misazaLA

Image Credits
Marcela Isaza