Turning a Passion for Wellness into a Fitness Career – Farel Bischoff Hruska

Posted: August 6th, 2010 | 2 Comments »

Please meet our V-Inspiring woman, Farel Bischoff Hruska.

As the National Fitness Director of Stroller Strides, a fitness program for moms, Farel Bischoff Hruska inspires women every day. Farel works with new moms all over the country to get moving and fit with their new babes in strollers! Inspiring moms to reach their potential – physically and emotionally – Farel walks the talk. With her own business, three girls and a husband to keep her busy, Farel works to help her family, the women around her and the Stroller Strides community to achieve fitness on all levels. And she shares her secrets on how to keep motivated and committed to our new year’s resolutions to keep fit!

Age: 39

Family situation: Married almost 11 years with 3 daughters (9.5, 8 and 5.5 years old)

How do you make sure you feel good everyday? I workout and surround myself with uplifting, motivational, inspiring messages, music and people. I have learned that motivation and inspiration aren’t just created in you, you must seek it out everyday. Be proactive about your health and happiness.

What inspires you to do the work that you do? I am beyond passionate about helping moms feel healthy and strong. Motherhood is an incredible time in a woman’s life and even though it is the greatest gift, it can also be the hardest thing a women can do, both emotionally and physically. I have seen transformations in body and spirit that has literally saved lives and I cannot be blessed more to be a part of that!

What’s your approach to nutrition? Eat close to the source, meaning eat food in it’s most natural state. I always tell my clients and other trainers to shop the grocery store at its perimeter because you find the freshest foods there. Once you go up, down and between the aisles, you get stuck in the processed stuff (“non-foods”). Food is fuel, and your choices directly affect mood, energy level and whether your health goals are attainable.

How do you stay inspired when difficult challenges arise? Be proactive. Let’s face it, life can be difficult but those moments won’t last. Give yourself a time-out, feed yourself with something that moves you (book, music, meditation, prayer…whatever it is for you) and then move through the challenge. I try not to make drastic decisions or changes in time of struggle, wait it out then decide the next move to make. I also consistently take the time to look at what isn’t wrong in my life right now and I quickly find the perspective I need to handle the tough stuff.

What do you do to stay in balance? In a nutshell, it is about making my health and well-being a priority. I think as moms, we look at doing things for ourselves as selfish. When in reality, when we don’t care for ourselves, we quickly lose energy, health and patience for those who need us. If you aren’t there for your children, how can you be a good mom? I also believe we are setting a very important example for our kids that mommy is important and that healthy living starts with mom. You wouldn’t your children to neglect their health/fitness, so why do so many of us neglect ours? Set the example and take care of yourselves!

What’s your ultimate indulgence? Getting a massage!!! Love them and don’t do it enough : )

What advice do you have for women aiming to have it all? Schedule your time. Be sure that when you are scheduled to work, you work. Don’t answer your personal phone, don’t do the laundry, don’t handle anything else. When you are scheduled to be mom, be present and engaged with your kids. I think we try to do everything all the time and end up feeling like we aren’t doing anything well.

What advice can you share for women committing to their resolutions of getting or staying fit for the new year? Make your goals attainable and realistic. Then, schedule out your workouts. If they aren’t a commitment you are serious about, you won’t do them. Think of your workouts as appointments you have set with someone very important (because they are!)!! YOU are too important to flake out on! Finally, just get out the door and make it happen. Don’t think about it, get your shoes on and just start moving! Energy begets energy, and soon you will be moving and feeling great!