We recently connected with Leslie Fhima and have shared our conversation below.
Leslie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I grew up as a figure skater. When you skate, you fall—a lot. From the age of seven, I knew that the only way to succeed was to get up and try again. At the time, I had no idea that this simple lesson would stay with me and continue to shape me throughout the years. Skating taught me that resilience isn’t just about getting back up—it’s about pushing forward, no matter how many times you fall.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I wear many hats—I’m a fitness instructor, personal trainer, and choreographer, but at my core, I’m simply someone who loves movement and the energy it brings to life. My background as a figure skater taught me resilience, discipline, and the joy of pushing past limits, and I carry those lessons into everything I do today. Whether I’m leading a fitness class, training a client, or creating choreography, my goal is always to inspire others to stay active, strong, and confident in their bodies.
What excites me most is seeing people realize what they’re capable of—whether it’s nailing a dance move, lifting heavier than they thought possible, or simply feeling better in their skin. Fitness isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about mental resilience and joy.
Beyond my career, I’m also a mother of three and a proud “Glama” to three amazing grandkids. Staying active, healthy, and young at heart isn’t just something I teach—it’s how I live my life. Right now, I’m focused on continuing to do what I love, helping others feel their best, and embracing every challenge and adventure that comes my way.
Every year I lead a fitness retreat in Costa Rica. My next one will be Jan 16th-21st 2026

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?
Resilience – My background as a figure skater taught me early on that falling isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. Whether in fitness, choreography, or life in general, challenges will come, but success is about getting back up and pushing forward. My advice? Learn to embrace setbacks as lessons. The sooner you get comfortable with discomfort, the stronger and more confident you’ll become.
Adaptability – From skating to fitness training to choreography, I’ve had to evolve constantly. Whether it’s adjusting to new fitness trends, working with different age groups, or shifting between snowboarding, surfing, and dance, being adaptable keeps things fresh and exciting. For those starting out, my advice is to stay open to learning. The industry (and life) will change—your ability to grow with it will set you apart.
Passion – I truly love what I do, whether it’s leading a class, teaching kids Hip-Hop, or running fitness retreats in Costa Rica. That passion is what fuels me to stay active, healthy, and young at heart. My advice? Find what excites you and pour yourself into it. When you love what you do, challenges feel like opportunities rather than obstacles.
For those just beginning their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay consistent, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Every expert was once a beginner, and growth comes from showing up, even when it’s hard. Keep moving, stay curious, and most importantly—enjoy the ride!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collab! Anything Fitness, lifestyle, travel or just age appropriate products. After all, I am 66!
[email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soul612.com
- Instagram: lesliefhima
- Facebook: Leslie Paster Fhima
- Other: TikTok LeslieFhima


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