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

Yeranoui ‘Noui’, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Opening up my gym, Body & Soul, felt like the right path. 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 created Body & Soul to be just that. It is a space where health is seen as a combination of physical, mental, and emotional well being. I believe the fitness industry has a responsibility to teach others how to create and then maintain a healthy lifestyle. This starts with education and mindset. As someone who is in the fitness industry, I hope that opening up a space like Body & Soul can change the narrative and help people begin their journey to a have 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?

I’m a kinesiologist/gym owner to Body & Soul- a private personal training facility. Movement always was and will continue to be a large part of my life. I spent my childhood years alternating between gymnastics, swimming, and dance classes. In college, I decided to major in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Exercise Science and I can honestly say it’s been the best decision I have made. Using the knowledge that I had gained and continue to gain, I started working with clients one on one. I fell in love with seeing how something so simple like exercise can have such a big impact on someone’s life. If I train my mind, my body will follow- thats the motto I use with my clients.

The training approach at Body & Soul is about having my clients be more intuitive and in touch 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, partner, and small group training at Body & Soul as well as a space for independent trainers who have similar fitness values to bring their clients to. I love that by sharing my space and experiences and continuing to strengthen my mind and body, I can help others begin their own journey to strength.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The answer is simple- building connections. 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 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 and open Body & Soul.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When I first started my personal training career 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 and am now an owner of a personal training gym, Body & Soul.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bodyandsoul.studio
• Instagram: @bodyandsoul.studio
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/Q7WMaF4zHP