Erika Maxie has a passion for fitness. Her mission is to inspire people to “live fit!” As a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist, Maxie has implemented a fitness program called CORE Fitness; it is a lifestyle. Now that the holidays are behind us, the No. 1 resolution most strive for is eating healthy and getting fit. The first step is always the hardest, and that requires a mindset change. Rolling out asked Maxie a few questions about how we can get motivated and strive to live a healthier lifestyle.
How did you determine your career path?
Growing up, I gravitated toward health and fitness, which led me toward choosing a health education major in college. I also read a book years ago called The Next Trillion, which defined distinctive differences between the sickness and wellness industries. After further experience and research, I knew that I wanted to continue my work and education in fitness.
Define innovative methods you apply to your business and personal life.
I apply mindset matters to my business and personal life. With a focus that gaining better overall health comes from within, I strive to treat my staff and members with a consistent service of excellence. This key component helps to establish trust based on how you make them feel. As a result, the authentic connections made inspire others to keep consistent with their exercise. What I’ve learned in building both personal and professional relationships is that people generally don’t know how much you know until they know how much you care.
What are three things people should give up to live a healthier life?
Unforgiveness. Fear. Self-pity.
How do you set goals? How do you evaluate your success?
My goal setting methods for motivation are customized by how each person prefers to be engaged and inspired. The best way to determine this is by asking questions. I evaluate my success by evaluating: intensity (of effort), consistency (in practice), and overall attitude. Along with the right exercise plan, success is inevitable.
What cookbooks and stores do you favor for healthy eating?
I love checking out recipes by wellness blogs such as Well + Good and my favorite spot to visit is Arden’s Garden. I feel all warm and fuzzy just by the overall experience of doing something to benefit my health.
Who do you consider to be your peers in your field and a few that are great resources to get support and best practices?
Peer relationships are important and since so much of my career to date has been spent traveling, I have developed great online resources. By joining professional organizations like IDEA Health and Fitness Organization, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with others in my industry all over the country. This has been a huge motivator.
What advice would you give people who believe that eating healthy and fitness training is only for the wealthy?
Health is your first wealth! I learned this as a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. To do what you love in life, one must have the ability to get out of bed and function well in mind and body throughout the day.
What inspires you to show up to work every day?
The opportunity to help enhance others’ lives through exercise
How do diet and exercise play a role for clients wanting to adopt healthier lifestyles?
Diet and exercise are interdependent of each other and should be practiced in unison.
Describe the voice of success that you hear in your head.
I only see victory and all challenges are merely an opportunity to overcome. When things try to make me feel defeated, I’ve learned how to speak what I want and not to focus on the negative. In fact, the practice of keeping focused during exercise is an art in itself!
Success based on what you do in the community means what to you? How do you give back to the community?
We all should consistently give back to our communities. [For example,] this past Christmas, I organized specialty classes for the Pretty Brown Girl Doll Drive Fundraiser.
What is perceived as innocent, but has an unhealthy impact on our lives?
The mindset is important. If one believes that exercise is a punishment of what they ate versus a celebration of what their body can do, it cannot only negatively impact their quality of life overall but also how well their body responds to exercise, too.
What behavior change do you suggest to most clients?
Drink more water.
Define your personal culture.
I relate my culture back to my alma mater Clark Atlanta University’s motto: “Culture for Service. Find a Way or Make One.” Remembering this has directed my personal path in a dynamic way.
Describe your favorite vacation spot.
I enjoy most anything that relaxes the body and mind. The most inspired trip I’ve taken was with my husband to Bali, Indonesia. It’s called the Morning of the World and I took pictures of the sunrise to remember how much peace I felt while I was there.
Names three books that changed how you saw life and those that you would recommend to others?
- The Next Trillion, Paul Zane Pilzer
- Your Best Life Now, Joel Osteen (book and journal)
- Perfectly Imperfect, Baron Baptiste
If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
For others to demonstrate many more examples of unconditional love.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I love who I am because life is a gift. As I learn to walk in love, my focus is on how to consistently live in the present without judgment, fear, or ego.
