In conversation with Ellen Quinn, founder of the body positive gym BarbELLE Health. Ellen shares her motivation and journey of setting up own gym, alongside her philosophy of lift, laugh, eat, repeat.  We talk about the importance of redefining health and how we can achieve fitness goals without the need to look a certain way. Ellen emphasises how additional training for personal trainers would deepen their understanding of the significant impact of body image and disordered eating on people's fitness journeys. She highlights the importance of compassion in fitness and finding the middle ground in fitness and self-care for sustainable, long lasting results. The conversation explores the importance of enjoying exercise and finding a form of exercise that aligns with one's values, goals, calendar and time of life. Ellen highlights the need for strength training and its benefits for long-term health and quality of life, especially for women. The episode also touches on the role of discipline and willpower in maintaining a consistent exercise routine, and the importance of connecting with your why. The conversation delves into the challenges of running a business and the importance of seeking support and being vulnerable. It concludes with advice for aspiring personal trainers on finding their niche and collaborating with others in the industry.

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Key Takeaways: 

• Setting up a body positive gym provides a space for people who want to become stronger and live well without the pressure to look a certain way.

  
  



• Addressing body image and disordered eating requires additional training in the fitness industry.

  
  



• Compassion and finding a middle ground in fitness and self-care are crucial for long-term success.

  
  



• Planning, flexibility, and self-compassion are key in maintaining healthy habits during busy times.

  
  



• The all-or-nothing approach to fitness is not sustainable, and finding a balance leads to better results. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and aligns with your values and goals.

  
  



• Strength training is important for long-term health and quality of life.

  
  



• Understanding your motivations and values can help you stay consistent with exercise.

  
  



• Seek support and be vulnerable when running a business.

  
  



• Avoid comparing yourself to others in the industry and focus on collaboration.

  
  



• Find your niche and stay true to your own philosophies.

  
  

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Recipes for Success

00:59 Ellen Quinn and BarbELLE Health

06:25 Redefining Health and Fitness

08:20 The Grey Area of Body Positivity

09:16 Understanding Personal Motivation

10:14 Motivational Interviewing and Behavior Change

13:05 Taking a No Quick Fixes Approach

14:25 Embracing Individual Nuances

23:32 The Power of Compassion in Fitness

25:19 Switching from All or Nothing to All or Something

27:30 The Importance of Strength Training

30:48 Aligning Goals with Personal Values

34:06 Navigating the Challenges of Running a Business

37:10 Collaboration Over Competition

41:39 Defining Your Niche and Philosophy

44:17 Embracing the Journey and Having No Regrets

46:09 The Importance of Continuous Learning

48:02 Closing Remarks and Discount Code

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If you have enjoyed this episode of Recipes for Success, please feel free to support me by buying me a coffee!  ⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Hthompson⁠⁠

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Follow the host, Heather Thompson, on social media where she is known as "The Success Coach", a strategic career coach and business mentor for women.

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/successcoachheather⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersthompson/⁠⁠

Check out my website: ⁠⁠www.thesuccesscoach.ie⁠

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Connect with Ellen, Barbelle Health

Website: www.barbellehealth.ie  (Here you can sign up to our Waitlist, Newsletter and free resources)

Blog: https://barbellehealth.ie/blog/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/barbelle.health

Facebook: www.facebook.com/barbelle.health 

Email: hello@barbellehealth.ie 

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Useful links from this conversation:

Discount code HEATHER10 for listeners against the first month of any available Barbelle Service. 

Bean + Goose Chocolate Podcast Ep: https://spoti.fi/4cqXJ9F

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