Laura Mak Quist, MS is the embodiment of “wisely fierce”, a term she coined to describe a woman who is in tune with her body, embraces mindful living, open to growth, and always learning. Laura has lived a fitness lifestyle with many chapters of accomplishments for herself and her clients. Growing up her family engaged in more “lifestyle sports” like biking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Once she found her passion for gymnastics, that was where she spent most of her energy. That focus earned her a full-ride athletic scholarship for gymnastics at Michigan State University. She loved it so much at MSU that she earned a graduate assistantship and completed her master’s degree in exercise science.
Her next stop took her to Atlanta, GA and she landed a spot in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympics where she tumbled, stunted, and danced. This launched her competitive fitness career. Within one year she became the NPC National Fitness Champion. This title earned her the coveted IFBB Fitness Pro card, and soon after she moved up into the ranks of top 10 in the world.
While her athletic accomplishments gave her some high accolades, she is also very proud of the outcome of her five-year challenging journey to become pregnant and have children. During that time, she developed Hashimoto’s disease which is an autoimmune disease where the thyroid attacks itself. She was able to achieve hormonal balance and have her first child at 41 and second at 44. She has been an inspiration to others as she shares her story about how she has overcome Hashimoto’s disease by changing her fitness routine, optimizing her nutrition, and incorporating mindful living.
For Laura, fitness has been an evolving lifestyle with distinct chapters of training and grace. “Fitness can be there when you need it most as a constant companion ready to pick you up, calm you down, or challenge you to be a better version of yourself” says Laura. Laura soon discovered a passion for yoga, as it was the first non-competitive exercise that challenged her, brought her joy, and continued to teach her peace on and off the mat.
Today, Laura keeps her workout focus on the types of movement and strength training that leave her feeling refreshed and energized, not depleted and exhausted. “When you compile years of intense athletic training and a series of car accidents, it adds up to a lot of “wear and tear” on the body. I’m hyper aware of form, precision, and alignment during my practice” says Laura. She includes three days a week with yoga and another two days a week with strength training, and the other days she includes walking or biking. This combination has worked the best for her in this current chapter of life. “I allow myself the flexibility (but not excuses) to adjust my workouts depending on how my body is feeling each day and based on the week’s schedule. I was strictly regimented for so many years, that providing myself options in workouts has set me up for success in my present training protocol” says Laura.
As the founder of TheYogaFitLife.com, an online yoga & strength studio, Laura helps women over 40 reset their habits, recharge their body, and renew their mind with wellness coaching. She works privately with clients in small groups or one on one in their homes. She also ignites the stage as a motivational speaker for women’s events and conferences. Recently, Laura was invited to be a co-author of the number one best-selling book "Become Empowered”. Laura has hosted retreats locally in Washington, as well as internationally, teaching yoga, well-being, and mindful living.
Laura and her family have lived in Kirkland, WA for nine years. You may often find her in the Houghton area near the water, hiking trails, or biking with her boys. For more info, visit lauramakfitlife.com or on Instagram at @LauraMakFitLife
“Fitness can be there when you need it most as a constant companion ready to pick you up, calm you down, or challenge you to be a better version of yourself.”