Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Chante.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been in the fitness industry for almost 11 years. I’m a mom of three living at the beach in San Diego, CA.
I AM a celebrity personal trainer (yes, I once trained a celebrity), but I am NOT your perfect cover model from a Fitness Magazine. I am not a crazy, tough-love coach from a reality TV show. I have stretch marks. I’ve been pregnant or nursing babies for most of the last ten years. I routinely feel overwhelmed as a mom. I grew up eating tons of junk food (Little Debbie Swiss Rolls for breakfast, anyone?) and it took me years to wean off of Mocha Lattes from Starbucks. I believe in balance, not restriction. I believe in science but I also believe in common sense. I believe in challenging yourself to be better, but I also believe in forgiveness. I believe in having fun and enjoying life. My laundry is always clean but never folded and put away.
So how on Earth did I end up HERE, helping OTHER PEOPLE overcome their obstacles to a happy, fit and healthy life?
In my youth, I wanted to be a professional dancer more than anything in the world. I trained in New York City weekly and auditioned for everything ranging from Broadway shows and cruise ships to the Radio City Rockettes. It was an incredible time in my life – But I got injured and couldn’t carry on. I decided to study Exercise Science for my Master’s degree because I wanted to heal and strengthen myself so I could go back to dancing. Instead, I found my new career path! I earned my Master’s degree and also became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS – National Strength and Conditioning Association).
After having my first baby, I found myself with baby weight to lose. I had never had to try losing weight before. I quickly figured out that my exercise habits were fine but I needed to change how I ate. At first, I made every mistake in the book – I tried fad diets, tried cutting out whole food groups and more.
I felt terrible! And the scale wasn’t budging.
At the same time, I was totally overwhelmed by life as a new mom (so crazy how that first child feels SO hard!)… So I felt uncomfortable in my skin AND uncomfortable in my new life. It SUCKED!!!! So, I decided to take a nutrition certification. During that process, I learned exactly how much I was doing wrong with my nutrition! And I also found a career focus that helped pull me out of my mom-fog.
Fast forward to baby number two – I was having a hard time staying in shape, again.
My nutrition was doing pretty good, but I was struggling to find the time to workout. My two kids were SO busy and my husband was away for an extended military training. I had to become an expert in problem-solving for busy moms, or I was going to find myself on a slow train to weight gain.
I stayed committed to finding a solution and becoming an amazing, fit mom… and I realized mom-life required a whole different skillset from the tools I used as a personal trainer BEFORE I became a mom.
Now that I’m a mom of 3, I’ve really got this fit-mom thing down to a science! And I love sharing it with other moms… nutrition and fitness are the main course, but they’re always served with a side of empathy and compassion.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think I shared many of my struggles in the last question! Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate.
As for advice for other women… you must believe that you and your dreams are worth “it,” whatever “it” is. When you believe in your own worth and the worth of your dreams/purpose, you’ll find the fire you need to overcome all the obstacles life will throw at you.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My master’s degree is in Exercise Science, which means I’ve been specially trained to use scientific evidence from peer reviewed journals to evaluate the best practices in health and fitness. Basically, if you’re confused by all the different diets and workout programs out there… I can help you decipher what works and what doesn’t work based on real science.
I’m especially known for my online course “Your Daily Journal,” which is a short and sweet course that teaches women to break-up with confusing diet trends and find what truly works for your unique body and life, using the power of wellness journaling.
I’m proud of serving my audience really well, by listening to what they need and delivering solutions that no one else in the fitness space is delivering.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
For me, it’s the crazy cost of childcare in San Diego. It’s hard for women to build something for themselves when the cost of finding adequate care for their kids eats up their paycheck. Ultimately, that’s why I got into business for myself. Women shouldn’t be held back from leading because they choose to have families.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.laurenchante.com/
- Email: lauren@laurenchante.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/laurenchanteofficial
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/laurenchanteofficial
- Other: http://www.pinterest.com/laurenchanteofficial
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