Let's Get Stronger-With Phyllis Strand of Strong By Strand

"I want to start some kind of fitness program".

Right before this pandemic hit, I felt the need to start exercising-do something for my body. Then, the world took a rough turn. Homeschooling. Lockdown. Now homeschooling again, for a second year.

It took the wrong kind of food for comfort.

I started gaining weight-at first it was a pound, on and off. But it's been a couple of months that the pounds are adding up. The "off" mode is off. My hips don't lie-neither does the scale.

I crossed the obesity bridge. Getting up the stairs is getting harder.At 47, I know the trait is here to stay and the bells are ringing. 

"I need to do something-NOW".

I reached out to Phyllis. Phyllis is one of those amazing women you meet online and they feel like you knew them forever. I know she has been down the same path and turned her life around so she gets me.

"I need a coach for lifestyle change that is sustainable. Can you help?"

For the next 30 days I'll be working with Phyllis-she'll take me through her signature 30 day lifestyle change program. I can't wait-I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, come meet the amazing mompreneur I'll be working (out) with:

-Phyllis hi! Tell us a few things about your community in Strong By Strand, and how it came to be.

StrongbyStrand, the health and wellness program, came out of my experience as Phyllis4Fitness blogging about my fitness journey.  I was a later in life fitness adopter and found that by sharing my journey I could help others in the same boat!  I was 50 when I agreed with a coworker to commit to 90 days of focusing on nutrition and exercise. At the end of those 90 days, I had unlocked so much potential in me that I kept going!  That was 10 years ago, and I have developed StrongbyStrand as a play book for others.

 

-What are some of the companies and causes you have worked with? 

When I started my health and wellness journey, I was working at an advertising agency and our CEO saw what I was doing and asked that I lead the charge for the agency.  So, my job was my first client! I started a program at work that included exercise classes at the agency, discount deals at local studios, nutrition seminars from local restaurant and meditation classes weekly. Once we went virtual due to covid, we moved to all virtual offerings and an accountability group to check in with each other.

My other clients for corporate wellness have been small group financial groups who are looking for ways to keep their clients healthy so that they can enjoy retirement.  This was a fun program.

I love to work with charitable causes and offer free running coaching for charity runners for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for Team in Training, UNICEF and Team Hole in the Wall (a camp for seriously ill children in CT).

 

-What's your bigger vision? Your 5-year dream? What change do you want to bring in this world?

If we have learned anything over the last two years, it’s “be ready to pivot”!  My mantra has always been “Life’s too short not to feel great “, and now it’s even more important to achieve wellness.  Covid has put a spotlight on how chronic health issues like obesity and high blood pressure put us all at risk of serious illness.  I want to be the example of how you can do all you can to be well and have a good time doing it.

It’s a serious issue but I want to bring hope and light through building a community of people to encourage each other.  Every day is a new day, and I’m here for you!

 

-Here at Next Door Goddess, we believe that every woman has the right to bring out her beauty and feel gorgeous. What are your thoughts on that? You’re so athletic-do you love getting all sparkled up?

That’s a great question!  I was always that mom in the picture with a kid in front of her to hide her body.  I wasn’t all that confident, except for my hair.  I always had that done!  Lots of perms, colors etc.

As I became more confident, I was able to post pictures of me in athletic clothes and that was a big change.  I do love dressing up and I love jewelry that means something.  My daughters and I all started wearing Evil Eye jewelry last year and I love that look because it helps protect us!

I am now experimenting with a bolder look and LOVE a statement necklace. 

 

-What’s your favorite Next Door Goddess piece and how does it make you feel when you have it on?

My favorite NDG piece is my StrongbyStrand bracelet.  I feel like a superhero when I wear it.

 

-Where can we find more about you and the amazing things happening at Strong By Strand?

You can follow me on @strongbystrand on Instagram.  There is a link in my bio to my get started checklist and to sign up for my newsletter.

You can also follow me @strongxstrandon2wheels.  I just adopted outdoor cycling and will be doing a century ride (100 miles) in Lake Tahoe on June 2, 2022.  It’s a charity ride for Team in Training with the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  It’s my first, so it will be full of training updates!

And of course my website, at strongbystrand.com. I've got a checklist to get you started and I'll be posting updates as I move forward! Can't wait to work with you and do my best to serve you!

There you have it!

Mompreneur, second act athlete and so much more! Phyllis has turned lemons into lemonade and can't wait to get me started...Neither can I!

What do you think? Will I make it? 

Till next time,

Sparkle and Shine, Goddesses!

Unforgettably

 

 

 

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