Becky Pickels is on a mission to help others live the healthy and enjoyable lives they deserve. From competitive swimming and cross-country to being a Division-I athlete in college, health and fitness have always played a central role in Becky’s life. After she graduated from The Ohio State University with a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, Becky began training herself for marathons to help overcome some personal challenges she was experiencing. “I knew I could get through anything if I could mentally and physically train and complete a marathon, Becky explains. “It served as my therapy!”
After working as an Acute Care Occupational Therapist for over sixteen years, Becky was motivated by her family’s struggles with autoimmune diseases to return to school to become an Elite Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, and Health Coach. After much success healing her husband, their youngest daughter, and herself, she knew she needed to share their journey with others. Becky recently spoke with Midlothian Lifestyle about her EmpowHER Project, hoping to inspire not only local women, but women around the world.
JOANNA: WHAT IS THE EMPOWHER PROJECT?
BECKY: I designed the EmpowHER Project specifically for women in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. These women have specific needs to rebalance their hormones and increase their metabolism to achieve and sustain the desired results. Instead of depriving their bodies of nutrition and spending hours in the gym, I teach women how to feed and fuel their bodies to work for them, not against them, as well as teach them how to exercise more efficiently in a less amount of time.
JOANNA: WHY IS THE PROJECT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
BECKY: The most important aspect of the EmpowHER project is that it genuinely helps participants develop the skills to be mentally tough in all aspects of life. It helps women learn how to be confident again in who they are. They love who they see in the mirror again and are proud of themselves.
JOANNA: HOW DO YOUR COACHING SESSIONS WORK?
BECKY: All my coaching sessions are one-on-one over the phone or via zoom for 30 minutes. We start by celebrating achievements for the week, then dig into any challenges or struggles. We discuss nutrition, exercise, and mindset.
JOANNA: DO YOU CREATE MEAL PLANS?
BECKY: Yes! But only some people want or need it. Some do well with guidelines and information, while others require more specific, detailed plans. I do what is best for each client to help them reach their goals!
JOANNA: HOW IS A PERSONAL TRAINER DIFFERENT THAN A HEALTH COACH?
BECKY: A personal trainer focuses on your physical fitness and provides you with a workout or exercise plan; however, improving your overall health and wellness is much more than just working out and exercising. A Health Coach will address nutrition, fitness, and mindset. A health coach will be able to manage any of the challenges that come up while you are on your journey. And no two people's journeys are the same. It's important to trust the process and embrace the journey.
JOANNA: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE MOST PEOPLE TO SEE A CHANGE IN WEIGHT, STRESS LEVELS, AND MINDSET?
BECKY: If participants follow the instructions and make just one simple change of what we call our CORE 5, they will notice positive results within the first week! Weight is sometimes the last thing to change, though. People will see decreased stress levels, improved sleep, better digestion, and even lose inches off their bodies before the scale changes.
JOANNA: DO YOU FOCUS ON ANY SPECIALTY AREAS OF HEALTH AND FITNESS?
BECKY: Yes! Nutrition and Functional Fitness are my favorites. I combine these to help people with weight management and obtain sustainable weight loss by rebalancing their hormones and increasing their metabolism. It’s important to note that it’s NOT a diet; it’s a lifestyle!
JOANNA: WHO ARE YOU WHEN YOU AREN'T BECKY PICKELS, THE PERSONAL HEALTH COACH?
BECKY: I am the wife of fourteen years to my wonderful and supportive husband, Logan. I am a momma to our two beautiful, intelligent, and funny girls, Kenzie and Lexie, and our doggie, Auggie. Nothing will keep me from playing every role I can to my husband and girls. I cherish every moment, from school drop-offs to swim lessons and homework. I want to be there for every moment, good or bad.
To learn more about health coaching from Becky Pickels, go to: empowherproject.com
