Mariana Santos – Transforming Lives through Dance

In this energetic 100th episode of the You World Order Showcase podcast, host Jill welcomes Mariana Santos, the co-founder of BrazilyFitness, a Brazilian dance-based fitness program that aims to transform lives. This is by boosting confidence through the magic of Brazilian dance, fitness, music, and lifestyle.

Get in touch with Mariana via email

Discover more about Braziyfitness!

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Transcript

Transcript

00:00:00

Hi and welcome to the You World Order Showcase podcast.

00:00:04

Today we have Mariana Santos with us.

00:00:07

Is that how you say your name?

00:00:09

Is it?

00:00:10

Mariana or Mariana?

00:00:12

I answer to both.

00:00:14

Ohh good Mariana is a Brazilian.

00:00:19

Brazilian fit.

00:00:21

Dance coach. OK, so you.

00:00:23

Have to say the name because I'm butchering it, obviously.

00:00:28

That Brazilian dance.

00:00:30

Which is kind of so cool.

00:00:32

So tell us how you got started to tell us the name again.

00:00:35

Welcome to the show.

00:00:36

We're so glad you're here.

00:00:38

Thanks so much for having me.

00:00:39

I'm excited to be here and yeah, so I'm the founder of Brazily Fitness.

00:00:43

So our main goal is to transform lives by boosting confidence from the inside out using the magic of Brazilian dance,

00:00:52

fitness, music and lifestyle so like you were talking about our dance program?

00:00:56

That's our first certification program.

00:00:58

So it's called Brazily-dance, and it uses the hottest Brazilian music and moves.

00:01:02

And it's all about you learning to love the skin you're in and boosting your confidence so that you can chase your dreams.

00:01:09

In and out.

00:01:09

Of the gym.

00:01:11

That is so fun.

00:01:12

I just was.

00:01:13

Over on your website and I just wanted to get.

00:01:15

Up and dance? Yes.

00:01:18

Mission accomplished, then yes.

00:01:20

OK, so how did you get started in this?

00:01:25

So let's rewind to like when I was a teenager.

00:01:28

So my parents are Brazilian, but I was born and raised here in Canada, so I didn't really, you know, speak Portuguese at home, you know, was like that kid that, you know, my parents would speak to me in Portuguese, but I would only answer in English.

00:01:41

So when I was 14, my dad got a job in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

00:01:45

So we have to move there and as you can imagine, as a teenager, I wasn't very happy with that decision, right?

00:01:52

I was also very self-conscious, a little overweight. I was very shy. I hated physical activity because I thought physical activity was just sports, because that's what I learned in gym class.

00:02:03

at school and I did not like sports, so when I moved to Brazil it was a huge culture shock.

00:02:09

You know, first, you know, had to learn the language, pass high school, meet new friends and then I got introduced to Brazilian music and dance and fitness in general.

00:02:20

And just it made me feel so alive.

00:02:22

And it was like, wow.

00:02:23

Like there are other ways that I can move my body and take care of my health that don't require me throwing a ball and so it just like really spoke to me and made such a big difference in my life

00:02:33

So it propelled me into my fitness career.

00:02:35

So I came back to Canada, went to college, started working as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and I've been doing that for the past 19 years.

00:02:44

But when I was 25.

00:02:45

So about 8-9 years into my career.

00:02:48

I was like, you know what?

00:02:49

I really missed Brazil.

00:02:51

So I ended up going back by myself this time and got, you know, a deeper dive into the culture and the music and the dance.

00:02:59

And I actually met my husband taking his dance class in Rio.

00:03:03

So we really connected through that.

00:03:06

And because we're both so in love with music and the styles, we decided that, you know, this is something that we can share with the world.

00:03:14

So we've been working on this for the.

00:03:15

Past year or so.

00:03:18

Yeah, that sounds like so.

00:03:21

It's a great story, but just the.

00:03:24

It's kind of romantic, right?

00:03:26

Yeah, I think so.

00:03:29

So you do it with your husband.

00:03:31

Yeah. Is it?

00:03:32

Is the dance itself tell us about?

00:03:34

The dance itself? What?

00:03:36

Like I envision salsa.

00:03:38

Cause you know that.

00:03:39

OK.

00:03:40

So normally salsa isn't Brazilian, but normally what people think about when it comes to Brazilian music and dance is samba.

00:03:48

Samba is like the most well known for carnival and things like that, but actually like part of my mission is to show all the other styles too, because Samba is just really.

00:03:58

The tip of.

00:03:58

The iceberg when it comes to Brazilian music.

00:04:00

So now we're starting to get more of Brazilian funk is starting to be more recognized through tik

00:04:07

tok and Instagram.

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There are a lot of people sharing certain songs.

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There's also a Brazilian artist named Anita who is starting to like, you know, collaborate with international artists.

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And she's become, you know, really building a name for her herself outside of Brazil.

00:04:23

So people are starting to know what Brazilian funk is.

00:04:25

But besides Brazilian funk, there's.

00:04:28

Sertanejo which is like similar to like a country style but like a little bit different and then we have some.

00:04:32

Thing called Forró which actually like the name comes in.

00:04:36

It's supposed to mean for all, and it's really like a great way to for social connection and it's like a great like party type vibe.

00:04:45

And then there's so many other styles, so our class like we use a little bit of all the different styles, so and they're all just like energetic, upbeat.

00:04:54

And they just make you feel happy.

00:04:56

And that's, I think what it is the secret sauce.

00:05:00

Yeah, because you.

00:05:02

Know who can be sad when you're dancing, right?

00:05:04

I agree, I agree.

00:05:06

It is so much better.

00:05:08

Than you know, working out.

00:05:10

The whole working out thing.

00:05:12

I mean you could do that while you're like standing there cooking or burning the vacuum even.

00:05:18

Yes. Yeah, that's what I.

00:05:20

Do actually I have a an almost 3 year old and she's always loved dancing with us.

00:05:26

You know, she's been dancing since she was in my belly.

00:05:29

But she's always danced.

00:05:32

She's going through this phase right now where, like, only she can dance to her songs, but we can't dance.

00:05:38

Like it's like.

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It's like if I'm dancing, I'm not paying all my attention to her.

00:05:42

So now it's like if I'm in the kitchen sometimes I'm making a snack for her something and I'm trying to work on choreography and she sees.

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Me like from.

00:05:48

Far away. She's.

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Like no dancing, mommy.

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And I'm like, OK.

00:05:53

The dance Nazi.

00:05:54

Yeah. So it's like I.

00:05:56

Hope this phase passes by quickly because I missed like just having her dance with us and stuff.

00:06:02

It's always so much fun and I need those moments to practice my choreography, and sometimes that's the only time I have.

00:06:11

Kids. What do you do?

00:06:11

OK, it's yeah.

00:06:11

Gonna do well.

00:06:14

I hope she grows out of that phase.

00:06:20

So you offer dance.

00:06:22

Classes for individuals and you do it online.

00:06:25

Is there like some way that?

00:06:26

Yeah, I do some online.

00:06:28

Mostly we're doing in person here in Ottawa.

00:06:31

I think just because, you know, after COVID, I think we're all kind of like zoomed out with, you know, virtual classes.

00:06:39

So and I think because I've always, you know, taught to like groups of people like I miss that, that vibe, right?

00:06:46

Like that social connection.

00:06:48

Of just being in a room full of people, so I'm focusing more on that.

00:06:52

I do a couple of classes online, but it's not my main focus, right now

00:06:57

Are you doing it through workshops or just, like in a studio?

00:07:01

So we so we have, we have a studio like a home studio that we teach out of.

00:07:05

We also partner with gyms in the area.

00:07:08

We just connected with.

00:07:11

It's a it's an organization called Mommy Connection.

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So they organized really fun events for new moms.

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So we're, you know, partnering with them and teaching.

00:07:19

A few classes.

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To you know, their moms.

00:07:22

And that's been super fun.

00:07:23

We do a lot of festivals and events.

00:07:26

We present at conventions.

00:07:28

So we're going to be presenting actually this month at Can Fit Pro

00:07:31

It's the Can Fit Pro global conference.

00:07:35

So it's like the biggest conference here in Canada.

00:07:37

So we're very excited.

00:07:39

To do that.

00:07:40

In just a few weeks, actually.

00:07:41

So we try to get out as much as possible just to have people experience our class as much as they can.

00:07:49

That sounds really fun.

00:07:52

It's like dance and fun.

00:07:54

Just go together to me, yes.

00:07:56

And where what are?

00:07:57

Where do you live?

00:07:59

I live in Idaho.

00:08:00

OK.

00:08:01

Well, hopefully we'll make it out to Idaho and you'll be able to come to.

00:08:04

A class.

00:08:06

Would be better if you could make it to Utah because I could get to Salt Lake faster than I could get to.

00:08:10

Maybe Boise or Portland.

00:08:12

Oh, OK.

00:08:13

Good to know.

00:08:14

Good to know.

00:08:16

I'm just barely in Idaho.

00:08:18

OK.

00:08:21

So, so now you're teaching people how to teach others how to do this, which I think is just a fantastic way to get the message out.

00:08:30

So tell us about how that looks.

00:08:33

So we have an online course to teach instructors how to use our method to help more people right through the magic of dance.

00:08:42

So it teaches everything like all the choreography, how to embody the different styles

00:08:47

Cueing that you need because we do use vocal cueing that you know some other programs don't use.

00:08:53

So just to use our program as a way to just impact more lives.

00:08:57

So we have that course going and to me like it's that's so important because I never felt like when I started to feel like that calling in my heart like even like Brazily-fitness

00:09:07

This, like the name, just came to me like and I was sitting on that, you know, like, dream for a few years, actually, until I had the courage to like, like, OK, I'm doing it.

00:09:17

And ever since I started having this calling, right.

00:09:20

Like, I feel like this is my purpose.

00:09:23

It never felt like it was just about me, right?

00:09:25

Like it never felt like Brazily-fitness is just Mariana and Andre, my husband.

00:09:30

It felt bigger than that, right?

00:09:32

And I feel like we have something incredible that we can share with the world.

00:09:37

But the best way to do that is to have a dream team working with us who embrace the vision.

00:09:43

And are, you know, on the same mission as us where they, you know, they want to impact lives, they want to help more.

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People and just to help us, like, have a snowball effect because right now people need us more than ever, right?

00:09:55

People are craving social connection.

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They're craving more joy in their lives.

00:09:58

They're craving more meaning and I think that the best way we can do that is if we work together because it is a very big mission, right?

00:10:06

So that's what the course is all about is to.

00:10:09

Empower instructors and also showcase them right, because a lot of instructors don't feel recognized for the work that they do behind the scenes, right?

00:10:17

Because when you go to teach a class, there's a lot of prep work you have to do right to learn your choreography and all.

00:10:23

The stuff that gyms don't typically pay you for, right?

00:10:26

So it's it sometimes is a little bit frustrating as an instructor to do all that work and not feel valued, so we want to have, you know, our team grow with us.

00:10:36

So as we expand around the world, we want to open new positions like so that people can showcase their talents by teaching.

00:10:43

Other instructors hosting practices presenting at conventions, choreographing tracks that all the instructors will learn together.

00:10:50

So just giving opportunities for them to elevate their career right and just showcase their unique your unique talents.

00:11:00

Ah, this sounds.

00:11:02

Just like so much fun.

00:11:03

You're saying that it?

00:11:05

Was just like.

00:11:07

It's dance and it's.

00:11:08

I keep thinking about, you know, I know yoga instructors often work with gyms, but dance is such a unique way of getting fit.

00:11:17

And you know, it's really powerful because you use a lot of muscles.

00:11:20

And you're not even really aware.

00:11:22

Of the muscles that you're using.

00:11:25

Probably the next day.

00:11:26

But yes.

00:11:30

For me, the most important benefit of dance is the confidence boosting aspect, right?

00:11:36

Because you know, most people like you, you don't like some people, okay.

00:11:41

They're not naturally, you know, born dancers, right?

00:11:43

They can follow the beat.

00:11:44

And like they get every move down right away.

00:11:47

But I mean, that's rare.

00:11:48

Like for the most part, when you're trying a new dance class and you're learning a new style like there's some work involved, right?

00:11:54

Like you have to think a little bit, you have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone.

00:11:58

You need to, like, make some mistakes and just laugh through the process and keep going.

00:12:02

Right.

00:12:03

And I think that that's the best way to boost confidence.

00:12:05

Confidence is to do hard things right is to prove to yourself that you can do hard things.

00:12:10

And just because it was hard the first time, it doesn't mean that it'll be hard forever, right?

00:12:14

All you have to do is keep practicing.

00:12:16

And I think that that's what's so important and that's what transfers into your life, right?

00:12:20

Like that ripple effect that can happen in your life.

00:12:22

Is what's so important right?

00:12:24

Because like here I am starting a business that.

00:12:27

By myself, no resources like no money, you know, like sometimes I'm like, Oh my God.

00:12:32

Like I'm crazy.

00:12:33

But like because I've built confidence in myself over the years.

00:12:36

And I've seen what it's done to my life.

00:12:38

And like the people who take my classes like I have, I believe that this is what I'm meant to do, right?

00:12:43

But it wouldn't have been possible if I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone.

00:12:47

Time and time again, right.

00:12:48

And I think that there are so many people out there who have these dreams and they have this value that they're supposed to offer.

00:12:56

The world, and sometimes they don't have the courage to actually go after it because they just don't think they can do it right.

00:13:03

And I think that dance is a tool to help you like, to remind yourself of your potential, because really, you can do anything you want to do as long as you keep going.

00:13:13

When people take these courses from your the.

00:13:19

Not so much the coaches that the classes that the coaches will be teaching is it, like start at the beginner level.

00:13:28

I mean with somebody that doesn't know anything.

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It's for all levels.

00:13:32

Be able to like.

00:13:34

So the way that it's structured is there is a warm up and then we have some songs that are a little bit easier to follow.

00:13:41

And then we have some songs that are purposely a little bit more complex because we want you to think a little bit right and you know, like all the cognitive benefits that come with that too, right, where you have to focus and.

00:13:53

Really be present.

00:13:54

So that's done on purpose, but the instructor always stops to preview.

00:13:58

So like hey, we have this song coming up now the chorus is a little bit more elaborate.

00:14:03

So let's do it together, right? So what that does, it takes away the resistance from the brain, right? Because your brain, like your brain's job, is to protect you, right? So when you're doing something new and scary.

00:14:15

It's going to tell you like Mayday, Mayday, like run away.

00:14:18

Right.

00:14:20

So even though it's something that's good for you, right?

00:14:22

So you have to work with your brain.

00:14:24

So that's why we're like, we're getting rid of like that push play and go where, like a lot of fitness classes.

00:14:29

Like you push play and they're like you never stop to preview anything.

00:14:32

So we purposely take the time to preview.

00:14:35

So the feedback we've had with our.

00:14:39

Participants, people who take our classes is that even though our choreography is more like challenging, more elaborate than some other programs.

00:14:48

They feel like our classes are less intimidating because we take the time to meet them where they're at, we preview, and they see that everyone's learning it together, right?

00:14:57

Like no one is more advanced than the other person, right?

00:15:00

Like everyone's just in it to have fun and to work on themselves.

00:15:03

So that takes away the fear and just lets them enjoy the moment.

00:15:07

Right?

00:15:08

It's been really interesting because to be honest, when I started I was like, you know, like I really.

00:15:12

We want the program to be more choreographed because I believe in the confidence boosting effects of dance, but I was wondering.

00:15:19

I was like, you know what?

00:15:20

Like maybe people think it's too hard, right?

00:15:22

Like, cause they've never heard this music before.

00:15:24

And our feedback has been completely the opposite, like they find that it's easier to follow, it's less intimidating.

00:15:31

And yeah, so.

00:15:32

So it's really interesting.

00:15:35

It kind of reminds me of martial arts that comes to mind where you.

00:15:39

Have specific moves.

00:15:42

That you have to learn and you know everybody starts at the beginning.

00:15:46

Yeah, but they.

00:15:48

You preview it and you practice it, and then it builds on each other.

00:15:53

And so they.

00:15:55

And each class is interesting because you're doing different things, but you're doing the same things because there's like.

00:16:02

Because when you keep coming to the classes, there are certain moves that repeat themselves, like the foundational moves are always going to be there, right?

00:16:09

There's always gonna be something new and interesting here and there, but the foundation will stay pretty similar.

00:16:15

And the more you come like, the more you'll get comfortable with the beat of Brazilian funk, for example.

00:16:20

You'll be more familiar with the song you'll remember like, oh, I listened to the song last week.

00:16:25

Like I really liked it.

00:16:26

And I remember that at this point we switched to the course.

00:16:28

I know a change is happening in the choreography.

00:16:31

Right.

00:16:31

So that kind of stuff, it only happens with time, right?

00:16:34

Like it's never going to happen if you just try one class, right?

00:16:37

So you need to be willing to, you know, like go with the flow, smile and what I tell people have fun, right?

00:16:43

So even if you're not getting the moves down and like you're trying to step in and you're just not getting it like freestyle and that's fine, like no one cares, you know?

00:16:51

Maybe that move?

00:16:51

Just isn't for you today.

00:16:52

Maybe you'll get it next week, right?

00:16:54

So just like taking that pressure off, right?

00:16:56

Like, I think that a lot of times like as adults like we think that we have to be good at things right away.

00:17:03

And that's just not realistic, right?

00:17:05

Like we just need to show ourselves some grace and just have fun with the process.

00:17:09

And yeah, just go with the flow.

00:17:11

I think.

00:17:12

Being present I think is really important in these kinds of situations and you know, just being open to you are who you are and everybody's going to look silly at some point

00:17:24

Yeah. So

00:17:24

Yeah, yeah.

00:17:26

And The thing is too is like, manage your expectations, right.

00:17:29

Because sometimes people tell me like, Oh my, like you dance.

00:17:32

Like so, naturally, I'm like yes, but like I've been teaching for 19 years.

00:17:37

Like, and I, you know, when I started, I did not dance naturally.

00:17:41

Like, I didn't grow up like most Brazilian kids, you know, dancing.

00:17:45

Samba like, since they're in diapers, right?

00:17:46

Like that wasn't me like that.

00:17:48

Like, I remember going to Brazilian dance classes in Brazil and I would try some moves and I just wouldn't get them in the class.

00:17:54

I would go home and practice in front of the mirror until I got it and I'd be so excited to go back to the next class and try again.

00:18:01

Right.

00:18:02

So it's just like that perseverance, right?

00:18:04

That makes a difference.

00:18:05

And sometimes, like, even to this day, like I said, I've been teaching for 19 years.

00:18:09

But if I'm putting a new song into my class, I practice that song over and over and over and over before I feel comfortable enough to teach it. So if I have to practice the song like 20-30 times.

00:18:23

And to feel comfortable teaching it, why should you expect to get it the first time you've listened to?

00:18:28

The song.

00:18:29

The first time you're trying it right?

00:18:31

It's just not realistic, right?

00:18:33

So just I think changing your perspective of I think sometimes people don't realize the work that happens behind the.

00:18:40

scenes as a dance fitness instructor and a group fitness instructor.

00:18:43

There's a lot of prep work, so when they're making it look easy, it's because they've practiced a lot.

00:18:50

So who would be

00:18:51

The kind of person that you would.

00:18:53

Want to come and be a coach with you or want to come and take your course

00:18:58

Honestly, people who really, you know, embody our values right, which is that of helping people and just adding more joy to people's lives and also people who are team players, right?

00:19:10

We don't want people to come in and.

00:19:12

Be like I'm.

00:19:13

The star.

00:19:14

It's like I think that we all have something unique to offer.

00:19:17

And I think that we need to work together like I think that there's strength and unity.

00:19:23

So just people who are willing to grow together.

00:19:26

Right.

00:19:26

So like if you have a class that you're running and you tried out a strategy and it's working really well, like maybe to for retention or to bring new members in the door share that right, like we want to learn from each other.

00:19:39

Because that's how we'll grow.

00:19:42

So just people who love to dance, people who you know, really feel connected to the music because that's a big thing too, right?

00:19:48

Like, because it is all Brazilian music.

00:19:52

People who are high vibes like us, so.

00:19:57

I think from what you're saying, you're.

00:20:01

Training people to do this coaching program, but it's not like.

00:20:07

A three month training program and then you're out the door on your own.

00:20:11

You're an independent contractor.

00:20:12

It's like, no, you become part of our family and we're all gonna work together to build this movement of Brazilian dance.

00:20:18

Yes, I love that.

00:20:20

How you said that.

00:20:21

That's how I see it.

00:20:22

It's a movement.

00:20:24

Yep, exactly that.

00:20:25

That is.

00:20:27

Yeah, and like what I've been doing for the past year too is I've been networking connecting with so many people in the fitness industry, experts in different areas

00:20:34

because you know my area of expertise is the Brazilian dances for the programming side of things.

00:20:40

But I'm not necessarily an expert in marketing and sales and like the business side, right, but I know that we all need that right to grow our businesses.

00:20:49

So I'm making connections with people who will be able to offer support on those.

00:20:55

Areas, right?

00:20:56

So people who come.

00:20:56

In and give talks on.

00:20:58

You know how to improve your social media marketing and how to do e-mail marketing.

00:21:01

Do all these things because those are parts of the equation that are important.

00:21:05

But if fitness instructors don't necessarily like thinking about.

00:21:10

Because we're so.

00:21:11

Focused on like I want to help people.

00:21:12

I want to help people, but we forget that to help more people, people need to know we exist, right?

00:21:17

Which means that we need.

00:21:18

To market.

00:21:19

Better, right?

00:21:20

So and making these partnerships with people strategically because I know that it's a piece of the puzzle that's really important to help.

00:21:29

Spread our message.

00:21:31

Yeah, it's the whole coaching dilemma when you decide to become a coach.

00:21:36

What, no matter what kind of coach you decide you're gonna become, you get certified and you're just, like, waiting for your clients to show up.

00:21:43

I'm certified and that never happens.

00:21:46

And suddenly they're entrepreneurs and it's like, no.

00:21:50

And that's The thing is like a lot of instructors, they aren't very entrepreneurial, right?

00:21:57

Some of them are.

00:21:58

But I think for the most part, they're happy just, you know, going to the gym.

00:22:02

Getting hired to teach a few classes a week and getting paid that fixed rate, but if.

00:22:07

They kind of.

00:22:09

Stop to analyze right, like if they rent their own space and build their own following, they're going to help so many more people.

00:22:16

And they're also.

00:22:16

Going to be paid more fairly, right?

00:22:19

Because the gym is only going to pay you a flat rate.

00:22:21

You know, regardless of if you have five people in the class or.

00:22:24

If you have 30 people in the class, right?

00:22:27

But of course that involves risk, and that that involves planning and marketing, right?

00:22:31

So it can be tough at first, but it's so worth it right in the end.

00:22:36

And I think that the best way to do that is, you know, working together with the team, people who are going through the same struggles and sharing, you know, wins and like struggles too.

00:22:46

Because you know, it's like, say, like, OK, she's struggling with that too.

00:22:50

OK.

00:22:50

It's not just me.

00:22:51

Right.

00:22:51

So it makes you feel less alone in the process.

00:22:55

And also because it's.

00:22:56

It really isn't an online thing, and it's a more local thing as your as your network grows, you're.

00:23:04

Able to like.

00:23:05

Help each other because some people you know people move.

00:23:11

They have different connections in different areas.

00:23:14

I might have friends in your neighborhood and you might have friends in mine.

00:23:18

Not likely, but it's possible you can.

00:23:20

Yeah, yeah. You never know.

00:23:22

Small world.

00:23:23

Let the.

00:23:25

It is a really.

00:23:26

Small world.

00:23:26

I have stories about that.

00:23:30

In fact, one of the guests that I had on this podcast not that long ago, her dad and my dad know each other in a very small community in Pebble Creek, Arizona, and we didn't know each other and we didn't know about them knowing each other.

00:23:46

Just met on the podcast, so that was like what small

00:23:51

So never say never.

00:23:53

Anyway, it just helps in the whole networking process if you have.

00:23:58

Cohesiveness among the people that you're training to do this, and so your message can get out and just kind of snowball.

00:24:06

Out around you.

00:24:07

It's just like.

00:24:10

And I I'm a firm believer too that you know, like we're all like, especially as fitness instructors, there are certain people who are out there.

00:24:18

Felt they're waiting for you to step out, right?

00:24:21

They're waiting for you specifically.

00:24:23

Like, even if you're teaching the same program as someone down the street, they need you.

00:24:26

Right.

00:24:27

And so like you have to be willing to step up, right.

00:24:31

And so and like when you think of it that way like and then it start, you start to realize like I'm not really competing with anyone, right?

00:24:39

Like I'm building my tribe, my.

00:24:41

My vibe is going to.

00:24:42

Attract my tribe, right?

00:24:43

So I'm not.

00:24:45

Like getting rid of that like.

00:24:46

Scarcity like, oh, there aren't enough clients for everyone, right?

00:24:49

Because it's just not true.

00:24:50

Right.

00:24:51

And I think that the more you show up as you, the more the your soulmate clients will show up, right?

00:24:58

I think that that's so important.

00:25:00

Like, that's why I say like it's so important to have that, like, teamwork, like thought process because if you come into a our team and you think like oh, like I'm competing with it, you know, a new instructor who just got certified in my city, then, you know, it's not, that's not really the vibe that we're looking for.

00:25:17

Like, I think that.

00:25:18

There's room for everyone.

00:25:21

I like the 'coopertition'.

00:25:23

Where everybody is just pushing each other up and you're going to go up to just because you know, the more you get the message out there, the more everybody else knows about it and they can find.

00:25:37

Find you it's.

00:25:38

Just for letting your light shine and people will find you and yeah, it doesn't matter if there's like we have I think 3 or 4 yoga coaches.

00:25:50

In our town, and I know I.

00:25:51

Keep talking about yoga, but.

00:25:53

We have, I think we have ballroom dancing.

00:25:55

Here, too, and we're a little town.

00:25:56

OK.

00:25:57

Like you know, 5000 people or something, so.

00:25:58

OK, OK.

00:26:01

But the yoga instructors, they all know each other and a lot of them have been trained by one person or, you know, fit.

00:26:08

Zoning is another thing that's really popular around here, but it's the whole idea that.

00:26:14

There's a lot of people to serve.

00:26:16

Not everybody is going to be drawn to the one person who's certified because.

00:26:24

You know, you may not be giving your classes at a time that's convenient for the person that really wants to do this.

00:26:29

So the more people that you have that are certified and able to help, the better, everybody does really.

00:26:36

And honestly, like, right now, we're living in a very scary situation in the world.

00:26:41

Like people are more unhealthy than ever, you know, obesity is on the on the rise.

00:26:47

Heart disease is on the rise.

00:26:48

Like everyone's just getting sicker.

00:26:50

And sicker, like there are.

00:26:52

So many people who need us right now, like there are so many studies that show that right now, gyms.

00:26:57

They're all targeting the same 20% of the population that are all already active. They're already taking care of your their health, right?

00:27:05

What about that 80% of the people who aren't doing anything like, that's a lot of people that were, like, failing right now. We're not getting them moving. We're not exciting them about fitness and we need to change that.

00:27:17

Like we need to get together and improve our messaging and meet people where they're at and understand that like sometimes like they're, you know, like I'm a personal trainer.

00:27:27

So I know all the benefits of strength training.

00:27:29

I know that it's so important, especially as we age, especially as we.

00:27:32

As women, but there are so many trainers out there, they're like you must do strength training and like and that's your priority.

00:27:38

It's like I get that, but if someone who has been sitting on a couch for years and years.

00:27:44

It finally feels motivated to go to the gym and they can't stand the thought of going into a weight room.

00:27:49

Like maybe that's not the first thing they should start.

00:27:51

With right like.

00:27:52

Get them in the door first, like, get them excited.

00:27:55

Help them build community at the gym.

00:27:57

You know, like you find some, make some friends and feel like safer.

00:28:01

And then over time start, you know, talking to them and like, hey, let's try adding some strength trying because of these reasons.

00:28:07

Right.

00:28:08

Like meet people where they're at.

00:28:09

And I think that a lot of fitness, a lot of personal trainers, forget that, right?

00:28:14

Because they've been active for so long and they just.

00:28:16

Think oh it's.

00:28:17

So amazing, why doesn't everyone know how amazing it is?

00:28:20

And it's.

00:28:20

Like, well, not everyone.

00:28:22

Is where you are right and that's the first mistake is to think that they are so.

00:28:27

I think that there's so many things that we could improve as an industry.

00:28:31

To understand where people are actually at and help them get started, but also sustain their results, right?

00:28:38

Because so many people join and then you know, they get too excited and they jump in and do too much all at once.

00:28:44

And then after a couple of weeks, they're done right and that's the wrong way of doing it.

00:28:48

So how do we cost them?

00:28:49

Get injured.

00:28:50

Yeah, they get injured.

00:28:52

And then it becomes like unsustainable, right?

00:28:55

Because, like we were talking about, like, the brains job is to keep you safe, right?

00:28:58

So if you are overloading it with new things, it's going to shut off on you.

00:29:03

So they've done studies about how like you know, the best way actually when you're joining a gym and if you haven't done it for a while.

00:29:09

Well, is to tie your shoelaces, get dressed, and walk into the gym and walk out for do that for a few weeks.

00:29:17

Like, don't even exercise like, just build the routine of going to the gym and leaving, you know, a few times a week because it's just, that's what it's about.

00:29:26

It's like building that routine into your lifestyle, and if you can make it.

00:29:30

Easier in the beginning.

00:29:32

The odds are you're going to be able to sustain it for much longer.

00:29:37

Yeah, yeah.

00:29:39

And you get comfortable with the idea of walking in the door, and if you could walk in the door and then go to the room where you're going.

00:29:45

To dance for.

00:29:46

A while and then you're just releasing all those happy endorphins because you know who can't listen to happy music and not be happy?

00:29:55

Moving your body so you're, you know, reinforcing that with what you're hearing and you're laughing because.

00:30:02

You know.

00:30:03

Everybody struggles in the beginning.

00:30:06

Everybody, everybody.

00:30:09

So yeah, yeah, I'm loving it.

00:30:13

I'm seeing your vision.

00:30:15

I'm really on.

00:30:15

Yay. Like.

00:30:17

How can I work this into my life schedule?

00:30:23

Well, hopefully we'll have.

00:30:24

Instructors all over the world one day.

00:30:27

Soon and then.

00:30:29

You'll be able to find some classes close to you.

00:30:32

I I'm hoping so.

00:30:34

I think I'm going to hook you up with my.

00:30:37

Some friends of mine that own a.

00:30:38

Gym here locally.

00:30:40

And actually that's what I was.

00:30:40

I'll tell you about that afterwards.

00:30:42

That's what I was going to say.

00:30:44

Because right now like what we're looking to do is to find gym owners and studio owners who are looking to offer something new to their members.

00:30:53

And maybe they have an instructor on their team already who teaches another format.

00:30:56

That would be a good fit for our format.

00:30:59

So in exchange, like we're not going to be charging licensing fees or anything like that to use our brand, but really just like get the program out there, get feedback from members and we have some ideas too.

00:31:11

Like I said to you know, improve retention and just to get people to stay on board longer, right?

00:31:19

So we have some ideas that we want to test out on a greater scale, so any gyms and studio owners right out there, like if you're interested, we're definitely looking for people to partner with us.

00:31:32

So be sure and look at the links in the show.

00:31:35

Notes or.

00:31:37

Reach out to me somewhere and I'll hook you up with Mariana.

00:31:41

So what's the one thing you?

00:31:43

Want people to take away from this conversation today?

00:31:47

I want people to realize that, you know, to always believe in their potential.

00:31:53

Right.

00:31:53

And to believe in themselves and to find a tool to boost your confidence, to remind yourself that just how awesome you.

00:32:00

Bar and that can be through dance, but that can be through any other way, right?

00:32:05

Just find that thing that gets you excited because it's so important to like.

00:32:09

I don't want people like my goal really through the dance program.

00:32:13

It's like, yes, I want people to have fun.

00:32:14

I want that joy.

00:32:15

I want all that happiness.

00:32:16

But what I want really is for people to chase their dreams because I know that that's what leads to fulfillment, right?

00:32:23

It's not like, you know, there's a quote that I love that says.

00:32:26

Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.

00:32:32

And that's exactly what it's all about, right, like people right now we're trying to run away from challenges as much as we can, but at the same time, anxiety is on the rise.

00:32:42

Depression is on the rise.

00:32:43

People are just not happy.

00:32:45

Even though life is technically.

00:32:46

Easier with all technology, right?

00:32:48

So something isn't adding up, right, and the whole thing that we have to remember is that human beings like we're meant to face challenges.

00:32:56

But we're meant to do it in a way that we feel supported and we feel give ourselves grace.

00:33:00

So believe in yourself and always chase your dreams.

00:33:04

Oh, I love that I was getting goosebumps

00:33:08

So how can people get in touch with you?

00:33:11

So on social media, on pretty much every platform, you can find us.

00:33:15

So it's Brazily fitness.

00:33:16

So it's Brazil with a Y at the end fitness all together and our website is like the same thing.

00:33:23

So Brazilyfitness dot

00:33:24

Com and there is a button right at the top that says become a Brazily dance instructor.

00:33:29

So that gives all the information about the online course and how you can become an.

00:33:33

instructor, there's also a calendar link for gyms and studio owners that they could book a time with me and talk about how we can bring Brazily dance to your location and get people moving the Brazily way.

00:33:47

And yeah.

00:33:48

So just connecting on social media would be great or via our website.

00:33:54

That sounds great.

00:33:55

Thanks so much for joining me today.

00:33:57

Anytime I was happy to be here.

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