Frequently Asked Questions
Training
I haven't worked out in a long time. Do you work with out-of-shape people like me?
Yes! I have experience working with clients of all ages who may be de-conditioned, recovering from injuries, new to exercising, and of various athletic backgrounds. The process of getting back in shape is never easy but we'll start with a fitness assessment to determine your starting base of endurance and strength. With a wellness program created specifically for you, I'll help you regain your endurance, build your strength, and improve your health by training at a pace that is equally doable and challenging.
Where will our training and nutrition consulting sessions take place?
In-person training sessions will be held at your home gym, at an independent gym/studio, or outdoors in a public park (weather permitting).
Online: your training session will take place in a space where you feel you can zone in, focus and give your all.
Private coaching, nutrition and lifestyle consulting sessions may take place within the training session or can be scheduled separately in person, via phone, or online Skype calls.
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, running athletes, and plant-based nutrition. I work with adults of all ages and help them improve their general health, running technique, increase muscle mass, and strength.
Strength training serves as the foundation for my programs with body-weight exercises and conditioning workouts may also be incorporated into the work.
What do I need to do to get really fit?
Short answer:
CONSISTENCY with proper recovery, enough sleep, balanced nutrient-rich diet, and the right program for YOU.
You may need to train train mobility first if that is lacking. To get stronger, build muscle and lose body fat, you'll need to use varying tools like sandbags, dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, machines, cables, resistance bands, or simply your own body-weight. This is how you will ultimately improve athletic performance while creating a powerfully strong, fit, feminine physique.
Longer answer:
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.
How would you describe 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.
I encourage and teach my clients what they need to know. I am always direct; sometimes gentler, sometimes more aggressive depending on what works for each person.
My goal is to have a collaborative relationship with you where we work as a team and communicate often in order to help you stay on track with your goals.
What precautions are taken by to ensure a safe workout environment?
Outdoor spaces are pre-screened to ensure they are clear of debris, traffic, and any harmful elements. Independent gyms are regulated, secure, monitored and highly-rated facilities open only to members. I want you to always feel comfortable no matter where you train.
What should I always bring to our workout sessions?
First and foremost, good energy and an open mindset! Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move without restriction and constant adjustments, reliable training or running sneakers, a bottle of water, personal towel, snack if needed, and a small sports bag. If you have a medical condition, please bring any inhalers, medications, or EpiPen.
What are the steps to start training with you?
Whether you’d like to start in-person training, online coaching, or do both, the first step is to send an inquiry via email. I will follow up with an email and/or schedule a consultation call if we seem like a good fit to work together. You may receive an invite to fill out a PAR-Q (physical activity readiness questionnaire. During our phone call, I'll ask you about your training experience, lifestyle, nutrition, and go over scheduling, price, and answer any other questions. Once you sign up, training begins!
I need helping getting starting exercising and changing my diet. Where do I start?
Great job! The first step is realizing a change is needed!
1. Write down your goals and your WHY. 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. Keeping a food journal for 1 week and documenting details on your moods and energy levels is an effective way to build awareness..
4. Reach out to us to work with an experienced coach to help you create a progessive plan.
Nutrition
I don't know if I'm ready to change my diet yet...
Change can be uncomfortable but understand this discomfort is necessary to change your mind and body. Taking charge of your health means creating new habits! Self-education is a key when it comes to making the transition easier. Learn about how your food is made by reading artcles, books, and watching documentaries.
Start by commtting to remove one animal-derived food product (milk, cheese, meat, eggs) from your diet for one week and replacing that with a vegetable you've never tried before or a vegan substitute. Check our blog for recipe ideas and more guidance on transitioning!
How to start a plant-based vegan diet?
Start by keeping a food journal for 1 week (write down what you eat or use an app). Try documenting everything and noting how you feel physically and emotionally. Also note any details such as changes in your moods, physical energy, digestive ease or issues, bowel movements, skin, and quality of sleep. This will help you build awareness of which foods give you life and 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 on what your diet was like before.
Regardless, this is an exciting time for you! Continue to educate yourself and surround yourself with like-minded people for support. Research vegan restaurants in your area and find new recipes on how to "vegan-ize" your favorite meals. Get creative in the kitchen!
Online Coaching
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. When you sign up for the online coaching program, you have the option to submit a video to your coach to have your movement analyzed.
Cancellation Policy
What is your cancellation policy for training sessions?
Personal Training Sessions for clients at a private or home gym must be cancelled or rescheduled at least 12 hours in advance of the scheduled time. Sessions cancelled less than 12 hours in advance will be charged in full to the client or forfeited if part of a pre-purchased package
For clients training at an independent gym, sessions must be rescheduled or cancelled 36 hours hours in advance of the scheduled time to avoid charge.
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.
What methods of payment are accepted?
I accept all forms of credit online through Paypal, Venmo, Cashapp, and Zelle.
