We recently connected with Nikki Steen and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikki, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
I really can’t overstate the value of self-care. It’s a term I use a lot and one that used to confuse me before I understood its value better. Truthfully, I used to think self-care was sort of a woo-woo term for entitlement and an excuse to prioritize the needs of self over the needs of others. Ultimately, I learned that I am actually less able to be of service to others if my self-care routine is not solid. I can’t really make the argument to my clients that they should prioritize self-care if my own exercise program, diet, and lifestyle habits are destructive, neglectful, or non-existent. I am far better able to support and inspire change in others if I remain committed to the changes I need to make for myself. I share honestly with my clients that I also sometimes struggle with inertia, apathy, negative-thinking, and all sorts of obstacles that might prevent me from following through with a healthy self-care routine; but, I have learned that there are some baseline actions I can take that quickly garner more enthusiasm for fitness and health, and they even improve my mood and self-esteem. These include 15-20 minutes of stretching and strength-training exercises five days a week; at least one deeply satisfying, 90-minute, weekly dance class; and a diet that is moderate, fulfilling, and doable long-term. When I uphold these commitments to myself, I feel better and am much better equipped to encourage the same in my clients.
Thanks, so before we move on, could you tell our readers more about what you do and what you feel is most exciting or special about it?
When I first became a fitness trainer in 2003, I had some concerns about the fitness industry, including a lot of harmful attention on vanity, perfectionism, body-shaming, and over-training, which made me wonder if I could really find a place for myself in it. As a dancer and an athlete for many years, I had had my own struggles with this type of harmful thinking, and I had come a long way to modify my approach to fitness to support a healthier outlook and body. I was surprised to discover that a more moderate, positive approach was not just more pleasant, it was actually more effective over the long-term, a lot more. As a result of the changes I made, I finally succeeded in maintaining a healthy body weight indefinitely, along with greater strength and conditioning.
Since I never want to promote an unhealthy or self-punishing outlook to my clients, I share my personal and professional experience training in a manner that can be rigorous and challenging, while remaining supportive, encouraging, and deeply respectful of the body’s capacity at any given time. I am much more interested in facilitating long-term health, fitness, and a well-earned feeling of self-worth than an overly aggressive, quick-fix.
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?
Experience, experience, and experience. The first kind of experience is the personal kind. I believe that a teacher or coach who has first-hand knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work is better-equipped to impart that experience to their client or student. The challenges my clients face are ones I often know intimately, and I’m grateful to share what I’ve learned in overcoming them. The next kind of experience is that which is earned from studying, training, and acquiring advanced education in the field. I knew a lot as a young trainer because I had already trained my own body extensively; but, I had to study and learn more about body mechanics, injury prevention, and issues that impact bodies other than my own. This is crucial in working appropriately with diverse bodies that can have radically different difficulties and aptitudes. The last type of experience is the kind which results from applying acquired knowledge countless times, bearing witness to the results, and passing on that information to others. Because I’ve been applying what I’ve learned, and continue to learn for so long, I have greater facility in trouble-shooting the difficulties my clients sometimes face. Frequently, I already have the benefit of past experience to support someone who wants to make a change but has some difficulties. When I don’t, I humbly seek the experience of those who know more, so that I can pass it on to my clients. I have benefited greatly, for example, from sharing information from medical professionals and physical therapists that have acquired some great exercises, insights, and wisdom about body mechanics. Every time I do this, I make another deposit into my own “experience bank account.”
I would certainly encourage anyone beginning a pursuit in fitness to acquire as much experience as possible in order to best be of service to those who might benefit from it.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who believes in their own worth and feels that attention to self-care matters deeply. To that end, their commitment level is high, so they are able to maintain a consistent program. I don’t mind supporting someone who feels challenged or frustrated by an exercise, or even their own limitations; but, I like working with people who have faith in the benefit of consistent, small efforts towards improvement. I’ve never seen this attitude fail. Everyone makes some improvement when they are consistent, persistent, and positive in their efforts. I absolutely love working with people who understand that, and I also love convincing those who initially don’t but come around to a more positive approach and achieve great improvements as a result.
I also love working with those that have a great sense of humor and lightness that they bring to their program. It’s an added bonus if they love my dogs! I mean, why shouldn’t fitness be fun?! 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Steenfit.me
Image Credits
Some photographs taken by Larry Steen: https://www.flickr.com/photos/larrysteen/
