Admired: Andrea Leda

One of my favorite clients introduced me to Andrea after joining Aleda Fitness, Andrea’s gym. She had a hunch that Andrea and I would have much to talk about based on our similar missions and as soon as we met, it was clear she was right. We immediately connected on the importance of self awareness and empowering each other as women and while I continue to learn more about Andrea, she has grown into someone I truly admire. Having gone through her own transformation regarding her body and self-esteem, Andrea created an incredible resource for the women of Portland by designing a new kind of experience around working out and achieving lasting results with confidence, commitment and self love!

How did you decide to become a confidence coach?
It chose me, really. I was always meant to do this work – being a listener and a ‘way-finder’ of sorts. Being a life coach, or Confidence Coach, came later. After my own journey to my healthiest and happiest self I thought, “Yes, I want to be on this journey forever and I want to stand beside other women who are where I was once.” Now my journey is my own and I never ask a client to move through my trajectory. Rather we will find her own path together.

What inspired you to start the gym?
I actually can’t stand gyms. Our gym experience was much like other women – we wanted a place that helped us accomplish our goals and what we got was a place we felt judged and isolated. We ended up training in our cold and dusty garage because it was more comfortable and we thought there had to be a better way. We opened Aleda to be that place where you have the built-in support to accomplish your goals and a community of like-minded people that help you feel great every time you’re there.

What are your top 3 tips to starting the day with confidence?
#1 Start your day for YOU and find that morning ritual that truly gives back to you. If this means getting up 15 minutes earlier than do that. If it means laying in bed before the sun rises listing your gratitudes for the day, than do that. #2 Wear clothes that make you feel like a rock star, seriously. #3 Eat breakfast ladies! And I don’t mean half a piece of toast and some black coffee. Really eat something that makes you feel great. A whole food smoothie, oatmeal, eggs, or yogurt and berries. This will change how you eat the rest of the day.

How do you stay motivated on a day you’re just not feelin’ it?
I remind myself that it’s not about me. I know that I am living out a calling. A gift that I can’t explain. If I allow not feelin’ it to keep me from showing up for my clients than I harm much more than myself. Plus we can only guarantee our present moment. It’s worth keeping in perspective.

With so many people relying on you for positive reinforcement, what are some ways you make sure to take care of your own psyche?
I have built in rituals everyday and every week that keep me recharged. I wake up at 6am every day. This is the most renewing time for me. To start your day on your own terms is a gift. I drink my coffee and write, read, and dream. Bubble baths at least twice a week. They are a must. And of course my workout days are crucial for my mindset. Strength training changed my life and still does.

What are your most effective affirmations or “self-loving” words and how do they help you?
‘I am enough,’ ‘I am worth it,’ ‘I am on purpose,’ ‘I am able;’ These are a few of mine. I use them to pull me along when small seeds of doubt are planted. We miss so much of the life we want because we stand in our own way. I use affirmations to move my ego aside so that my most purposeful self can shine.

How does posture relate to confidence?
When I sit across from a woman and her shoulders are slumped over or she has a hard time keeping eye contact it tells me a story. I always check in on this story but often it means 1) She is uncomfortable in her body, 2) She doesn’t trust herself. We think if we sit in a corner, fold our arms, or look down we won’t be seen. The person you are really hiding from is yourself. Sitting up straight won’t change your story but it is a start. Sitting up straight will change your energy. It will change your breathing pattern. And it will change how you speak.

On a typical day, what are you wearing?
Cotton! I love soft and flow-y knits. My coaching space is inside a gym but I keep my gym clothes for my workouts. My favorite combination includes dark denim, a layered tank, a cozy sweater, and a bold piece of jewelry.

Can what we wear to workout in change our workouts?
Yes! A new client will typically wear clothes to her workouts that are baggy and hide her away. I know a new client is starting to feel more sure of herself because her workout clothes get tighter. I promise that if you feel sexy in your workout clothes you will feel more empowered during your workouts. An empowered workout feels different. You will push yourself more because you feel confident you can. When you join a gym give yourself the gift of workout clothes you look forward to putting on.

Where do you go for style inspiration?
Blogs and Pinterest. I have my staple reads that inspire not just style, but creativity. My favorite blog is A Beautiful Mess. These ladies have grown so much and have shared in that process. Plus they are darling!

What is your most valued item in your closet?
My jewelry collection. I have a diverse collection of statement necklaces, delicate pieces, rings, and bowls of bracelets. I am never without some fun jewelry. It’s so easy to add and it’s like playing dress up.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?
Really good chocolate. A glass of deep red wine. TV shows about business women. But I don’t feel ‘guilty’ about them at all!

The New Year is a time of reflection and to refresh. In past years, I’ve created some really lofty goals about taking better care of myself and then not been successful. How can we design goals that are attainable?
Do set goals because the New Year is naturally a time of renewal and hope. I encourage you to use this energy! But when setting goals be honest with yourself about their purpose. What are you actually trying to achieve? Do you have the resources you need to accomplish them? We don’t follow through on our goals when they look like this, “I will lose 30 lbs. this year..” and then we continue doing what we’ve always done. Goals have layers – your desired outcome, a time-frame, support, and daily habit changes. Real change and big accomplishments take time. So much time that it doesn’t feel like you’re achieving anything. If you want to lose 30 lbs. one of your new daily habits might be drinking 1-2 more glasses of water than usual. This won’t feel like ‘change’. Keep WHY you’re focused on your goal in mind. It will keep you going.

What are your most gratifying accomplishments of 2013?
I loved last year. It was full of exploration. My most gratifying accomplishments were building relationships with other women in our community like Scarlet and Skylor of Sprout Health, writing and launching my Body Confidential Program, and launching our jewelry line that supports Girls Inc. of NW Oregon, My Confident Heart.

Girls Inc. is an incredible organization making a huge impact empowering teens. I worked with them years back in conjunction with another non-profit. So happy you are working with them! And so what are your goals for the new year?
2014 is the year of growth. My goals include developing and growing all 3 businesses, growing our team, and reaching a tribe of women. Within that I have 1-day and 3-day life coaching retreats I am planning, a new online membership we’re working on, and we are expanding our My Confident Heart collection. All very exciting!