Frequently Asked Questions
I want to get really fit! Where do I start?
To that I ask: How do you define fitness? Everyone has a different goal of what they'd like to accomplish so try to get clear on what that looks like for you.
With that said...
Proper stress management is the foundation to getting very fit.
We impose stress on our bodies everyday through our thoughts, the environment we live in, our diets, our sleeping habits, and our exercise routines (or lack thereof).
So you'll first need to start with taking an inventory of what areas in your life need the most improvements and then you can begin to implent healthy lifestyle habits.
As far as physical activity, your body loves variety of movement! Start by doing something low-impact that is realistic for you and will help you stay consistent such as daily walking, jogging, swimming, biking, rowing, dancing, or yoga.
Consistency in eating a whole foods plant-based diet, training intensity, optimizing sleep, and proper recovery will yield a strong, fit, feminine physique.
DEVI Fitness Training Programs incorporate a variety of movements and offer the proper training stimulation that'll help you build muscle, decrease body fat, and improve athletic performance using bodyweight movements, machines, dumbbels, barbells, and bands.
If I don’t have a gym membership or access to equipment, can I still benefit from a program?
Definitely! At DEVI Fitness, our belief is that fitness is a lifestyle. I will design a training program that is adapted to the equipment and environment available to you.
What are your training specialties?
As someone who became a vegan and an athlete as an adult, I've developed a niche for women's fitness and plant-based nutrition. I work with adults of all ages and help them improve their general health, running technique, increase lean muscle mass and strength.
I love incorporating body weight exercises, kettlebells, resistance bands, and free weights into all programs.
What is your training style?
Think tough love yet easy-going drill sergeant. If you like to talk during sessions, I’m a great listener but when it’s time to work, I won’t let you slack off.
How do I start training with you, Darlene?
Whether you’d like to start in-person training, online coaching, or do both, the first step is to fill out a
form. I will follow up with an email and/or schedule a consultation call if we seem like a good fit to work together. During the 15 minute call, I'll ask some questions to get to know you better and answer any questions you may have. Once you sign up, training begins!
What methods of payment are accepted?
I accept all forms of credit online through Paypal. Venmo, Cashapp, and Zelle are also accepted.
What is your cancellation policy for private sessions?
For clients training at an independent gym, sessions must be rescheduled or cancelled at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled time to avoid charge.
For clients with a private or building gym, you must notify your trainer 12 hours in advance of the scheduled time.
What is your refund policy?
All sales are final once service has been rendered. If your trainer cannot continue working with you for any reason, you may be refunded for any remaining sessions in your package.
Where will our training and nutrition consulting sessions take place?
For online: your training session will take place wherever you are! In a space where you feel you can zone in, focus and give your all.
Nutrition and lifestyle consulting sessions will take place virtually in a video conference call (or phone call if you prefer).
No in-person clients are being accepted at this time.
For online training, how will I know if I’m doing an exercise correctly if my coach isn’t physically present?
Each exercise prescribed will be presented to you via the mobile app with a video demo and instructions on how to perform the movement. Upon commencing the online coaching program, you will submit a movement assessment via video for analysis or your coach will watch you exercise virtually.
How do I start a plant-based vegan diet?
Start by keeping a food journal for 1 week, documenting everything and noting how it makes you feel physically and emotionally. Make note of any details such as changes in your energy, digestion, bowel movements, skin, and quality of sleep. This will help you build awareness of foods that give you life and those which aren't well-suited for your body.
Next, plan to remove one animal-derived food-product at a time every 1-2 weeks (dairy and cheese, eggs, poultry, fish, red meats). The goal is to eliminate nearly all processed and packaged food-products and go "back to basics." (eating whole foods from the Earth) This means shopping in the produce section for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and buying whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Take your time with the transition since a plant-based diet is richer in nutrients and fiber than a Standard American Diet and you may go through an intense emotional and physical detox period depending what your diet was like before.
Regardless, this is an exciting time for you! Look up some vegan restaurants in your area or new recipes on how to veganize your favorite meals and get creative in the kitchen!
I need helping starting an exercise routine and changing my diet.
Great job! The first step is realizing a change is needed!
1. Write down your goals. This makes you much more likely to acheive them.
2. Increase your activity. Make time to move more often than you currently do. It can be as simple as a 20-minute walk everyday.
3. Understand your current eating habits. Start with keeping a food journal for a week and document details on how your body feels.
4. Hire an experienced coach to help you create a progessive plan.
