Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Paula Bruckner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Paula , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I have been interested in fitness for many years, and even trained for and competed in 5 bodybuilding competitions in my 30’s. Twice in my life I’ve had issues with my pelvic floor, the first the doctor didn’t offer any other solution other than surgery— which I had, but he ended up not giving me the procedure once he put me under— but that’s a story for another day.
The second time happened about 11 years later, I had another injury which resulted in a very tight pelvic floor, leader ani syndrome, where the muscles cramp up so badly, it feels like a hot poker in my bootyhole and so much pain, which leads to not being able to have proper bowel moments. It is extremely uncomfortable and I missed a lot of work. Finally this time my doctor got upset with me because I told him laxatives weren’t cutting it, I just wasn’t Pooping!! So he said, “just go to pelvic floor physical therapy!” So I went, and I went and I went, for long months of corrective exercise and internal release work.
During this time period I was getting my 200 hour yoga teacher training, and I decided to also get a personal training certification so I could work 1:1 with clients. I then took a pelvic floor corrective exercise course and opened My Vagina Coach, a personal training business where I help women with pelvic floor problems. I know just how bad and psychologically damaging it is to have such an issue and I really wanted to help other women just like me! I have had several women since starting 6 months ago who are really finding some relief and support with my business. I have many clients, and even the ones I don’t specifically see for pelvic floor have notice improvements on issues like pain with sex, bladder control, and pelvic pain/discomfort.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I help Gen X women feel confident to be able to exercise without judging themselves so they can improve pelvic floor functioning through movement. I also give talks about pelvic floor. Currently I’m teaching yoga at a yoga studio twice a week, I have a second studio I’m starting at twice a week, both are for pelvic floor yoga. I’m accepting new clients for personal training, in which I give a very thorough evaluation both of a verbal history and several movement assessments, then develop a custom treatment plan for the client. I then take them through 12 weeks of personal training (or more if necessary) to improve not only pelvic floor functioning, but also strengthen the rest of the body to support the pelvic floor. Lots of education happens both in my classes and in 1:1 sessions.
I am also hosting a holiday party for women entrepreneurs in my area, because brining women together and talking about tough and important things is very important to me.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Experience Empathy
Drive
If you want to do it, and you have the resources to do it, then do it! Don’t be scared to spend money or go into debt for your business, that’s ok!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
My own mindset. It’s hard to start a business, even if it’s something you love, you can still get tired of it or burned out. Taking time away, time for myself, even if it seems like a lot, it’s ok. Rome wasn’t built in a day either!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myvaginacoach.com
- Instagram: Myvaginacoach
- Facebook: MVC personal training and coaching
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@pmb152?si=jZCO21jCNeeEAHOl
Image Credits
Shannon Claire
