We were lucky to catch up with Abby Purcell recently and have shared our conversation below.
Abby, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
From a young age, I was constantly encouraged by my peers, mentors, and parents to put myself out there. I feel incredibly fortunate to have received such encouragement throughout my life. If someone believed I could do something, I believed them without a doubt. However, it wasn’t until I faced something completely outside my comfort zone that I realized that, as much as encouragement and support matter when pursuing something big, what truly matters is how you view yourself in moments of doubt.
I would have considered myself confident, but it wasn’t until I ran my first marathon that I truly understood what real confidence and self-esteem meant.
I set an ambitious goal, considering I had only started running a few months before I began preparing for the race. Weeks of discipline, not motivation, and trusting the process led to achieving a goal I never thought I would reach in my lifetime.
When teaching group fitness classes, I often talk about experience-based confidence—the kind that is built through accomplishing goals, big or small, which then leads you to the next. Once you complete something for the first time, you not only know that you can do it again, but you also know how to do it. You have the tools in your toolbox. But first, you have to take that first step.
Taking that step can be scary, but the only way to find out is to move forward. Take risks, live boldly, and share your journey with others. Our experiences aren’t meant to be kept to ourselves, but to be shared and experienced with others. Confidence is built through a combination of experience and encouragement. You can’t have one without the other.
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?
MOVE with Abby aims to create a space where everyone can embrace MOVEment, whether you’re just beginning or looking to elevate your practice.
After teaching reformer pilates for 5 years, and 2700+ classes later, I decided to start MOVE so that I can move with you anytime, from any place. I find myself always looking to adapt how I’m moving and continue to try new things, so I hope you enjoy the plethora of workouts I have in store for each of you. Here’s to moving better, together.
Recently launched in October 2024, MOVE with Abby is your all-in-one fitness platform with classes from mat pilates to reformer pilates & guided lift classes to stretch & recovery. 5-35 minute workouts you can MOVE with right at home with minimal equipment.
Here’s to moving better, together.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Passion. Persistence. People.
The 3 P’s if you will.
Passion is the driving force behind impactful movement. When you feel that you may be at a standstill in whatever life puts in front of you, go back to your passion(s), they will never lead you astray.
Persistence is imperative when pursuing your passion. It is so easy to get caught up in the negatives & “no’s” you may receive but that first “yes” is coming– it just takes time.
People. I cannot stress this enough. Make connections, everywhere! You truly never know who could be the next business partner, friend, mentor, colleague etc. Surround yourself with those who believe in you maybe even more than you believe in yourself. Life is not meant to be lived alone. Find your people.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
I am looking for MOVErs that want to build lifestyle habits to carry with them and generations to come. Spreading the good news of MOVEment and how it can truly change your life.
If you are reading this and are at home thinking hmm I have 30 minutes to kill, let’s MOVE. Check out the link attached to this story and I can’t wait to help you on your movement journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.movewithabby.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/movewithabby__
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbypurcell13
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@movewithabby
Image Credits
Ryan Murphy
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
