Podcasts by What’s Your GFI

Back to school - Group fitness at a college or university facility? from 2022-09-27T18:50

A quick rundown from an instructor perspective as to whether or not taking group fitness classes or teaching them at a college or university recreation facility is an option for you. I’m of course ...

Guess Who’s Back? Becoming a YMCA Instructor again after 10 years! from 2022-09-25T17:36:40

Let’s say this is part one of a series where I discuss different places that you can (a) as an instructor teach at and (b) as a participant find group fitness classes. Inspired by the recent closur...

Who are you Enneaway - Taking the RHETI v2.5 Personality Test from 2022-09-03T13:33:36

As part of the L.E.A.D. program through The Women in Fitness Association (WIFA), the Enneagram or Personality Test is just the first step in creating your "WHY". The assessment was so spot on, and ...

Conclusion from 2021-11-30T15:35

Talking about my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to get and keep your re...

Creating a Plan, Nutrition Basics from 2021-11-23T15:34

Talking about my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to get and keep your re...

Chapter 13 - Nutrition Basics from 2021-11-19T18:04:28

Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports ...

Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam - Practice Quizzes FTW🙌🏾 from 2021-11-16T03:10:51

So I went over my study notes in the last few episodes and here I am talking through some practice quizzes. A lot of quizzes. Complied into one monster episode to listen to during work. What is you...

Chapter 3 - Assessing Your Health from 2021-11-10T09:19

Talking about my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to get and keep your re...

What’s Out There and Determining Your Fitness Personality from 2021-11-09T10:02

Talking about my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to get and keep your re...

SMART Goals from 2021-11-02T08:51

Talking about my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to get and keep your re...

Determining Your Why from 2021-10-30T20:08

Talking about my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to get and keep your re...

Integrated Fitness - Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam from 2021-10-27T08:21

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling ...

Environmental Concerns and Professional Conduct - Last Chapters (Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam) from 2021-10-26T08:26

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling ...

Teaching a Class - Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam from 2021-10-25T08:26

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling ...

Chronic Conditions - Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam from 2021-10-25T08:22

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling ...

Human Movement - Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam from 2021-10-25T08:18

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling ...

Nutritional Concepts - Studying for the AFAA-GFI Exam from 2021-10-24T08:23

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling ...

Studying for the AFAA-GFI Certification - The Exam Blueprint from 2021-10-20T09:00

Wanted to update my group fitness certification with a different organization and I love the credibility of certifications through NASM - National Academy of Sports Medicine. This is me rambling my...

Stages of Change from 2021-07-24T13:16:06

Chapter One of my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life Let’s Talk About It! www.livewellwithmichelle.org...

How to be Fit For Life - The Introduction from 2021-07-24T13:06:11

Talking about the introduction to my book - How to be Fit For Life: Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results and Living the Fitness Life THE plan that you will stick to ...

On Screen Burnout from 2021-07-24T12:56:27

Not much to say except I have some really big anxiety about returning to the gym for the first time in almost half a year I wanted to talk about it LOL.

Making Friends in the Fitness Industry - Meet Jane of Momentum by Jane! from 2021-03-30T12:45:13

This episode I have my own personal WIFA (The Women in Fitness Association) Meet Up with fellow Canadian fitpro, Toronto-based NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Pre/Post Natal and Group Fitness I...

Connection Pre-Pandemic - How WIFA Saved Me! from 2021-02-04T20:01:22

I got a gift today from the CEO of WIFA and it kickstarted me to make the first of many episodes about this fantastic organization. Probably will be a series ?! Use my code MICHELLE for $20USD off ...

Energy Work/Reiki and How it Can Improve Your Fitness from 2021-01-24T22:48:20

Behind the Scenes at a brainstorming session for Optimal Balance Holistic Wellness & Fitness new year promotion of one of their core services, Energy Work/Reiki.  This is a snippet of a 1.5 hour pr...

Mindful Meditation - Exercise for the Mind from 2021-01-04T08:27:27

Everyone knows about the divine trinity of holistic fitness - mind, body and soul or spirit - but does anyone even do it? And if they do, do they do it right? This was an awesome talk with my frien...

New Years Resolutions: Yay or Nay? from 2021-01-04T08:27

By definition a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. You've made the decision to do something (exercise more) or not do something (eat junk food) but you can't stop there and...

50 Things I've done in 2020 ... Because I turned 50 this year!! Part 26 - 50 from 2021-01-04T08:26:21

This is me taking a shot at narrating one of my blog posts  - audio book style lol. I totally added stuff to it so if you want the Readers Digest Version, check out the blog - https://www.livewellw...

50 Things I've done in 2020 ... Because I turned 50 this year!! Part 1 - 25 from 2021-01-04T08:25:49

This is me taking a shot at narrating one of my blog posts  - audio book style lol.  I totally added stuff to it so if you want the Readers Digest Version, check out the blog - https://www.livewell...

How YOU Doin’? Pandemic 2020 and the FitPro from 2020-12-29T10:11:43

Has your purpose shifted during this Pandemic? What things have you done differently for personal and professional development during this time? I ask you a ton of questions about how you’re doing ...

When your favourite instructor opens their own studio ?! from 2020-09-17T22:57:41

A great episode for both instructors and participants! Listen for great business and program tips on location, music, and branding. Also listen for an f-bomb or two because the business of fitness ...

How did COVID - 19 affect your fitness - From a training client/class participant's point of view from 2020-08-13T16:16:26

Although Lisa is an instructor too, our chat was more directed at how quarantine and shutdown affected her personal workouts and training. She gave some awesome perspective as a participant as to h...

How did COVID - 19 affect your fitness - From an instructor's point of view from 2020-08-13T16:14:59

Chatted with my good friend Lola Braimoh of Lola B Fit about how quarantine and shutdown affected her classes, her family and her personal health & wellness. With our collective almost 50 years in ...

Motivational Moment - Glass Half Full from 2020-06-01T11:40:34

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated - Maya Angelou All of the changes in the group fitness industry over the last 30 years could definitely be enough to send some people over ...

Motivational Moment - Mindset is EVERYTHING! from 2020-05-18T11:38:11

Whether you think you can or think you can’t; you’re right. ~ Henry Ford. Fitness instructors and participants can totally relate to this famous quote. But things aren’t always as black and white, ...

She's a Bad Mama Jama - Mother's Day Dish with my West Coast Sistah, Kendall! from 2020-05-10T15:54:11

I miss talking to this girl regularly at work so this was a great catch up for me and of course fantastic insight for you the listeners when it comes to being a fitness mom! Enjoy and of course HAP...

I love it when you call me Mitchella - Put your hands in the air, if you're a true player! from 2020-05-06T00:14:27

So you need to read the title in your best Notorious BIG voice. Fun, right? Just like this premiere episode of Season 2 baby BABAY!  Join me as I talk to Juan Marin THE ZUMBA KING about ballroom, c...

I Wrote a Book Y’all?!! from 2020-05-01T12:40:18

What better way to end my first season of the podcast with another huge achievement! I’m currently sharing my journey to writing my first book - How to be Fit for Life - on LinkedIn. Would be honou...

THANK YOU!! Episode 49?WOOHOO from 2020-05-01T12:24:28

Could go on for hours thanking everyone for their support for my brand and this podcast but I want to keep you as listeners so I won’t ?! So this a short but sweet few minutes of my gratitude and a...

Motivational Moment - E=Group Fitness Squared? from 2020-04-27T12:38:52

Albert Einstein’s Quote - “Creativity is Intelligence having FUN!” - has got me circling back to the age old group fitness debate of freestyle or per-choreographed classes. Which one motivates you?

Practice makes Happy - Incorporating Yoga practice into your life from 2020-04-25T00:27:38

Notice I didn't say "Practice makes Perfect"?  Because it's not about being perfect but about being happy. Like when you get older and have been teaching for a long time and your body and soul are ...

Don't Call it a Comeback - Occupational Therapy and the Group Fitness Instructor from 2020-04-19T18:27:51

When I had my surgery on my knee never in 1 million years did I think to ask for occupational therapy to go along with physio. The irony was that my job at the time was 95% physical and in group fi...

Say What? Communication Tips for the Group Fitness Instructor from 2020-04-19T18:08:35

Diana, Communications Expert and long time Group fitness instructor and I talk in what will definitely be a regular series about best practices for leading classes. Today we talked about pre-record...

Like a Phoenix Rising - Is there life after teaching? from 2020-04-17T12:29:30

For years, group fitness and personal training have been silos of the industry and neither the two were to meet ... at least on purpose.  Flash forward and now it's more than common and in most cas...

Lyndsey and Ricky from 2020-04-16T12:52:02

When your international #fitinspos have their own fangirl and wardrobe malfunction moments during class you know everything is gonna be alright!  Lyndsey and Ricky from the UK on the podcast is lik...

Teaching Abroad - Resorts, Retreats, OH YEAH! from 2020-04-14T17:57:08

You could look at this episode in a glass half full half empty kind of away. Right now we’re not able to travel so that could make you sad. But knowing that this will pass and you will be able...

Motivational Moment - You Ought To Know from 2020-04-13T12:04:16

Some people live by the “body is a temple” analogy and that it should be worshiped and adorned. I feel that. Others think the “body is a machine” and it needs to be fueled. I definitely feel that. ...

Jarvis and Kerrianne from 2020-04-12T12:33:54

Jarvis and Kerrianne met at the gym, he proposed at the gym, if there wasn't a class going on in the studio they probably would've gotten married at the gym too LOL. Love these two!

Julie and Emmett from 2020-04-12T12:31:42

What happens when you call your partner, who has been teaching way longer than you have, your "lovely" assistant? Oh yeah, he did THAT lol. Not grounds for divorce but 30 participants giving you th...

Fitness Pre-Class Scripting - Your Opening Monologue from 2020-04-10T13:10:32

Even after 30 years I still struggle sometimes with the perfect balance of personality and necessary information to start some of my fitness classes; and now it's even harder with virtual online an...

Erica and Erin from 2020-04-10T12:08:28

What do you get when you mix padded bras with a music malfunction? You'll just have to listen to find out LOL. Oh man do I love these two - serious sister goals.  Marking this episode clean althoug...

Surgery and The Fitness Instructor - Preparation and Patience FTW from 2020-04-08T20:02:13

Optimal recovery depends on the right combination of expert care, physical therapy and probably the most important factor, the patient’s determination to get better. I talk to my good friend Rhonda...

Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) - Benefits for the Fitness Professional from 2020-04-08T19:52:29

It’s time to get some deeper insights from my expert guest for this episode; pun totally intended;). Stretch Health Canada's, Rui Saraiva, FST, RMT talks about moving better and achieving optimal s...

Creating Impact vs Influence - Back to Basics for the Fitness Entrepreneur from 2020-04-04T11:00

Ok you need to get your pen and paper ready to take ALL the notes because this episode is full of information about the evolution of the fitness industry and how to be successful right now from a f...

Motivational Moment - Age is nothing but a number from 2020-03-30T11:45:24

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ~ C.S. Lewis oh yeah this quote really spoke to me as I head into my 50th year on this earth LOL. But I really do feel like 50 is t...

Owning Your Own Gym - What, Is It Hard or Something? from 2020-03-30T10:10:13

Don't even get me started LOL.  Just listen and learn from Cheryl of Positive Image Fitness about the often challenging but always rewarding world of owning your own fitness business.  Instructors:...

Serious Self-Care for the Group Fitness Professional from 2020-03-27T12:05:29

I get to chat and catch up with my good friend Lisa (Illuminate Your Soul) and you get a ton of information on how to self-care from a fitness professional perspective.  It's a win-win if you ask m...

Running Programs vs Group Fitness Classes - Which Gets The Better Results? from 2020-03-25T10:54:26

Ok so the episode title is total clickbait because everyone knows that whatever activity you choose where you're consistent and that you enjoy will get you results!  But whatever gets you to listen...

Instructors, Livestream Fitness Classes, Thoughts? from 2020-03-24T14:03:19

Are you providing live stream classes during this time and if you are, how are you doing? It’s definitely different but currently the new normal for now. Let me know what your thoughts are in the c...

Motivational Moment -What a New Day Brings from 2020-03-14T16:38:01

This episode’s quote: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt ?

You Better WORK ... Network that is;) from 2020-01-05T17:29:31

This is my review of the Collab London Fall 2019 Event where I was the keynote speaker. Spoiler Alert? - It was GREAT! I highly recommend fitness professionals look to networking events as well as ...

Ready for Anything - Life Lessons Group Fitness Has Taught Me from 2019-11-13T17:56:10

This episode I share how I prepare for non-fitness speaking engagements ... yeah, it's exactly how I prep for fitness classes lol! 

This is not surprising at all but I thought it wou...

Outside of the Box Networking for the Fitness Professional from 2019-09-30T17:10:39

Going to fitness industry events is a no brainer when it comes to meeting like minded fitness professionals like yourself. Think about it though, how likely are they to collaborate with you due to ...

Cross-Training for the Fitness Professional - Increase your reach! from 2019-09-17T02:05:25

Join me while I chat with my good friend Matthew Morris, a fitness professional who supports people on their fitness and health journey as a personal trainer, team training coach AND fitness instru...

Food Freedom and Mindset for the Fitness Professional from 2019-09-12T19:21:21

Kim Basler, Eating Psychology Coach joins us today to talk about the impact of fitness professionals on ones journey to being healthy. This of course is not a rocket science concept. What IS cri...

Integrated Health & Wellness Approach to Fitness from 2019-08-19T00:12:43

Oh who am I kidding, I’d listen to Dr. Alwyn Wong, DC and I talk integrative medicine, his three top tips for fitness instructors/participants for longevity and health in the industry and I actuall...

Fueling for Fitness from 2019-08-16T20:51:23

In the midst of presenting at canfitpro World Fitness Expo Toronto 2019, Taryn Alexander and I got together to chat quickly about the topic of nutrition for fitness, sport and life! Taryn is a regi...

Training for the Group Fitness Athlete from 2019-08-14T23:50:12

International Fitness Trainer for Les Mills UK, coach and entrepreneur Ricky Long shares why you need to train to teach group fitness, not only physically but mentally as well. 

Fitness Entrepreneurship and How Group Fitness can play a part from 2019-07-16T02:30:02

In this episode, I talk to my good friend Wendy Dodds, Group Fitness Instructor and Wellness Entrepreneur about building your tribe and how you may lose a few on your way ... up. Wendy shares her a...

Interview with Jordan Syatt, Syatt Fitness from 2019-07-15T01:44:07

If you haven’t heard of him, you need to go right now and check him out! Owner, head coach and lead author at Syatt Fitness, Jordan has been featured in CNN, Men’s Fitness etc and perhaps the bigge...

Instructors and the Member Experience from 2019-07-01T15:08:34

Fantastic Paper on group fitness instructor quality that I read from Les Mills UK & Ireland. So I took a crack at reading sections and giving my observations. Instructors, I would LOVE to hear your...

What makes a quality instructor? from 2019-07-01T14:45:37

Fantastic Paper on group fitness instructor quality that I read from Les Mills UK & Ireland. So I took a crack at reading sections and giving my observations. Instructors, I would LOVE to hear your...

The Impact of Instructor Quality from 2019-07-01T14:15:49

Fantastic Paper on group fitness instructor quality that I read from Les Mills UK & Ireland. So I took a crack at reading sections and giving my observations. Instructors, I would LOVE to hear your...

The Day is Finally Here - Dynasti Hunt on What's Your GFI ... WOOHOO from 2019-06-24T01:35

Some really great discussion on diversity and inclusion in Group Fitness, the obvious gaps and what can be done to rectify the situation.  Listen and enjoy.  And as usual, thanks for being here - I...

Giving Value - Have you ever tried Blogging? from 2019-06-24T01:33:45

Blogging is a good way to market yourself inexpensively online, position yourself as an subject matter expert and educate/share about health, fitness and wellness. In this episode I share why I sta...

Promoting Group Fitness in the Club and in the Community from 2019-06-14T01:59:16

Chatting with Greggory Whitman, 6 Program Les Mills Instructor, former Group Fitness Manager and Lole Ambassador was so nice, we did it twice?! Technical issues aside, this is a jam packed episode ...

Why Diversity and Inclusion Matter in Group Fitness - Part 1 from 2019-06-02T14:36:32

SO EXCITED?!!! I’m speaking with Dynasti Hunt on my podcast Thursday??!!! Topic: Why diversity and inclusion matter more now than ever in Group Fitness Classes. This is a short precursor t...

The Dynamic World of Group Fitness Certifications from 2019-05-28T21:53:11

How many certifications do you need and do participants care what you have? Should they care? Short but sweet reflection on the subject. Would love your thoughts, instructors and participants alike!

Fitness Over 50 - Myths you shouldn't believe and how to have longevity in the Group Fitness Industry from 2019-05-16T10:38:21

  Patti MacAulay, one of my East Coast Crushes (LOL) was an avid group fitness participant of 20 years when she first became an instructor ... at 48!! From BODYPUMP & CXWORX to BODYVIVE/TONE and on...

The Business of Group Fitness from 2019-05-11T22:02:52

In this episode I share the three “P”’s (Payment, People and Programming) from the instructor, member/participant and company’s perspective. Some hard truths to hear for even the most die hard grou...

What’s your Niche Market? from 2019-04-30T16:59:21

As a group fitness instructor do you need to have a niche market? If you’re looking for more opportunities is it wise to tune into just one population?

Rock Stars of the Fitness World - Protect Your Throats! from 2019-04-26T01:24:26

Accomplished professional musician and educator, Gina Farrugia talks with me about group fitness instruction and vocal health, training etc.

Motivation - It Goes Both Ways from 2019-04-16T23:13:16

Collection of recordings I did looking at motivation from an instructor and participant point view. The last one I got a little heated as I shared one of my instructor pet peeves about ... instruct...

Group Fitness or Team Training: One, the other or both? from 2019-04-11T01:52

My thoughts about different types of group classes from an instructor point of view. I also ponder about what participants think so if you have thoughts on the subject, please leave a message on th...

If 90% of your closet is fitness clothing, you might just be a fitness instructor! from 2019-04-08T18:44:51

Reebok Brand Ambassador, Les Mills Instructor Clothing Exchange Moderator, Megan Fit talks with Michelle about fitness clothing for the group fitness instructor.

Influence on Social Media - Sharing Group Fitness on a grand level from 2019-04-05T17:20:42

Perhaps the top GFI is being present not only in the group fitness studio but online as well. Talking to Vivify Social Media Cassie Vivyurka today about why social media is important in spreading t...

Personal Workout vs Instructing from 2019-04-03T11:37:44

Where I came from, why I’m here and hopefully by the end who you will tune into for reflection, interviews, reviews and more about group fitness as a profession, business and personal means to well...

What’s Your GFI (Trailer) from 2019-04-02T11:37:44