The Strong & Funny Coach

For our readers who don’t know you yet, tell us a little bit about yourself, where you’re from and what got you here? 

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A little more than six years ago, I was standing in front of 26 teenagers as a high school teacher. It was then I understood, that I had to do something else with my life, because it didn’t seem natural being in a bad mood all the time while working my job. Also, don’t forget the poor kids. And when the whole Balboa movement started in 2014, I was in the right place at the right time.  At first, it was only a small bunch of coaches, including me. But it expanded so rapidly, that I finally made the decision to quit my job. So I basically freed myself and my former students from my role as a grumpy teacher. 
 
Since then I truly appreciate my job. And at this stage, I am not only a trainer at Balboa but I also became self-employed. So I work a lot and I work hard. But I also work with compassion. And last but not least it feels “damn” good to be rewarded for all the efforts you had to - but also wanted to - put up with. 

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Your work ethic is incredible – You’re the queen of Balboa and you’re busy training clients as a personal trainer (+ you’re running the funniest IG-Meme account 🤣✌🏽). How do you manage it all?

 

If I do something I love, I automatically feel the flow of energy and don't mind working at all. But to start with I didn’t distinguish between free time and working time, for me it was simply “time”. So I overdid myself sometimes, I was tired a lot. Growing older, I do realize that leisure time is very important and you do need a work-life-balance. Otherwise you won't make it until 100. And that’s obviously my aim. Actually, let’s make it 101.

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What is something about your work that people don’t know or that surprises them?

 

I would understand if people think coaching is always fun and easy. But coaching also means that you have to be attentive and present at all time. Funnily enough, it sometimes is comparable with teaching teens at high school (with the clear difference that people come to see you on a voluntary basis and more important they are happy to see you). So you can't just go and get yourself a coffee or do a little break. And if you have 6-8 trainings a day, some of them at different places so you have to ride your bike from A to B, it can be pretty exhausting. I could imagine that people would be surprised if they hear that I have to nap every afternoon to get through the day.

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What’s a mistake you see get made all the time, even by very smart people? What have you learned from that to handle it the right way? 

 

I see coaches who work without any concept or vision. They stay where they are and possibly never reach their goals.

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What do we have to do to look like you 🤣? No but honestly, can you walk us through your routine, how often do you work-out, how important is a healthy diet and do you ever eat cake??

 

First of all, I was raised with an extremely healthy diet, so part of the credit goes to my Mum and Dad. Obviously, I soon found out that chocolate and cookies are pretty delicious indeed and yes, I still love to eat things like that. But again, a good balance is important. In addition I always did a lot of sports, therefore my body never really got the chance to be “out of shape”. So that helped too.
 
My advice is to train regularly (3-5 times a week strength training, little cardio), eat clean 80/20, drink enough water and try to stay away from alcohol. Plus don’t forget to sleep 7-8h a night and control your stress management. That is pretty much it.

 

What’s one thing you’ve done in your career that helped you succeed, and that very few other people do?

 

You have to be convinced with what you want to do and combine that with a positive mindset. If you wake up and can’t wait to get to work, you're doing something right.  

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What do you want to be when you grow up?

 

I always wanted to be an astronaut to be able to fly to the moon.

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Quick Questions
 

Zodiac sign: Virgo 

Favorite Quote: I do have a few quotes I like. But at the moment and in context with the current situation I think my favorite one is: YOLO😁 (I always thought this quote is a bit goofy or childish but as I get older the more I think it's accurate). You only have one life so try to do what you want - if you have the luxury to do so. You are the main character of your story that is being written, so try to make that story a good one.

Currently listening to: Always a bit of everything: Techno, Hip Hop and German Trap/Rap.

How to unwind after a long day at work: Cooking/eating/wearing my pijamas/chilling with my cat/ being creative 

Ultimate happy fix? Usually it’s travelling around the world (like everybody else loves to do), but now I am also happy with less exotic things like training/eating/taking naps/going outside for a walk (Üetliberg)/painting/meeting friends/skiing

Cinnamon Rolls or Brownies? Chocolate and cheese cake please!

Most used emojis: 😂😍🙈😅

Most overrated word: Salad

Perfect food day; where and what would you eat: I would eat at my place, cook by myself and eat a lot of protein, enough carbs, little fat and no sugar. Drink enough water/tee and one cup of coffee.
Here some things I like and eat the most at the moment: Broccoli, leek, carrots, spinach, (sweet)potatoes, rice, oatmeal, eggs, cottage cheese, chicken, lentils, chickpeas, protein bars, coconut milk!