We recently connected with Yeranoui ‘Noui’ Dzhigneyan and have shared our conversation below.

Yeranoui ‘Noui’, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

The biggest trend I see over and over again in the fitness industry is the idea that health can be a quick fix. The truth is health isn’t made in an intense training program, a macro diet plan, or cutting out carbs for eight weeks. The problem that comes from that mindset is that you will always see health in a negative light if you are concentrated on the two extremes. Health is not a destination, it’s a lifestyle. I think the fitness industry has a responsibility to teach others how to create and then maintain a healthy lifestyle. This starts with education and mindset. With time, we can change the narrative and begin our own journey to a positive outlook on health.

Yeranoui ‘Noui’, 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?

Movement always was and will continue to be a large part of my life. I spent my childhood years alternating between gymnastics and swimming classes- I started dance lessons soon after and was able to form life long friendships. When it was time to go to college, I decided to major in kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise science.

Even though I was very active growing up, I had never stepped foot in a gym. I had always been curious about lifting weights, but never had the guidance nor the confidence to go alone. However, I was ready for the challenge. Often times, I found myself as the only female on the weight room floor for my early morning workouts. Other times, I found there was a lack of understanding between the mind to body connection in the fitness industry. The idea of pushing yourself to the ultimate limit and ignoring signs that the body is communicating didn’t sit well with me. I started to include things in my routine that would better my health and fitness overall (goal planning, balanced nutrition, rest, etc) and learned quickly that this is what the fitness industry is missing. I started to include these things with my clients as well and I have been loving seeing the positive impact it has had on others.

I’m a kinesiologist who views health as a combination of physical, mental, and emotional well being. During one on one sessions, I teach others how to be completely present, internalizing how the body and mind feel, and respond to certain effort levels. My training approach is really about having my clients be more intuitive and in tune with their bodies. I keep the workouts challenging but never to the point of exhaustion. I value the importance of quality sleep, a balanced nutrition, and having a healthy relationship with exercise. I believe health and fitness is much more than working out and meal prepping. I truly want my clients and others to feel confident and comfortable with their bodies from inside out. I offer one on one private sessions as well as an online program, Body & Soul: The 6 Week Wellness Program.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

In a world full of countless sources to connect and interact with thousands of people, it is ironic that we live in a time where many people feel lonely. As I started to meet more people and grow my clientele, I found that what separated me from my peers in the industry was that I had the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. I sat and listened to potential clients on what their concerns were and what they were going through behind doors. Fitness is so much more than doing a few exercises and eating healthy. Fitness helps provide you a sense of inner confidence that comes from not just how it makes you look, but how it makes you feel. When you can set goals, work hard physically, and mentally achieve them, you feel you can do anything you set your mind to. I created a safe space for clients to be able to be themselves and not feel judged- I listened to their needs and what they were looking for and personalized the fitness programs to fit their goals. Being real and honest with clients is what led me to be able to grow my business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first started my fitness training journey, I was working long hours at a big corporate gym. My days started as early as six in the morning and would end close to nine in the evening. I knew I wanted something more in my career as a personal fitness trainer but I couldn’t do that if I continued to work at a corporate gym. When I decided to take that risk, I was hit with the harsh reality that I had to start over. I began to reach out on social media and offered consultations. I walked all around LA placing my flyers up to reach out to more people. I also connected with other fitness trainers in my area and asked for advice. Often times it felt like I wasn’t getting anymore, but I stuck to my vision and continued to put in the work. The road wasn’t easy and there was mistakes along the way, but taking that risk and learning along the way made room for my career to grow and continue to grow. I’m so thankful I took a leap of faith for myself and I’m doing what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://getnaturallyfit.org
• Instagram: @naturallyfit.noui
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/get-naturally-fit-with-noui-los-angeles-2