My Interview with a Wellness Influencer

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Hello friends!
I've got another interview lined up for today's post, and I'm super excited about it.

   When I first started my fitness instagram, in an attempt to revamp my health and to hold myself accountable, I found a lot of influencers who used the Sweat App. I actually used a Kelsey Wells program, so I'd see a lot of recommended fitness and wellness accounts. One of the accounts, which I believe Kelsey Wells might've shared on her story, was called @Breaking_Beks. The post was a before-and-after workout photos, featuring her messy space bun hairstyle, and I thought the energy she had seemed so lively and positive.

   I ended up following Beks that day, and have seen her progress and updates as her fitness and wellness journey has continued. And since I've restarted my workouts recently, keeping up with influencers like her has been incredibly motivating and inspiring. Between her workout videos, uplifting captions, and honest instagram stories, I thought she'd be an amazing person to interview for my creative career series. So without further ado, let's proceed with the interview.
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​Grins & Needles: "First off, tell me a bit about yourself! What got you interested in fitness and wellness?"
Beks: "Well, I'm 29 and living in Minneapolis with my sweet pup, Clark. I like to think of myself as an introverted people-person, so I love to connect with others and then come home and wrap up with a good book.

This past year was when I dove head first into my physical wellness. I had a history of working out every once in a while, but nothing consistent (or for the right reasons). At the start of the pandemic, March 2020, I was in a low place. Felt a bit lost and was absolutely burnt out, and I felt like I had given all my energy to others. I also took a step back from my boyfriend at the time to re-evaluate a few things. Movement became therapeutic. It was my medicine. It helped me recognize my worth and value and strength - and when you start to see those things, working out becomes something completely different than an aesthetic goal."

​​G&N: "What inspired you to share your health and fitness experiences online? Are there any misconceptions you face?"
Beks: "I connected with women from a community page in the Sweat App and we made an accountability group. Women in the group ended up creating Instagram accounts and said it was wonderful. So I hopped on the bandwagon! Honestly, it's been such a beautiful community of individuals supporting each other that I haven't had many negative experiences. I think it's common to make assumptions based on a photo, so I try to be real and honest in my posts to convey that everyone has stuff. We are all growing and learning. We all have strengths and insecurities. And IG is only a small sliver of life."
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G&N: "On the other hand, I find that being open online can have perks, like helping with accountability and enhancing motivation. With that said, what are some benefits, in your experience, to being so open with your active lifestyle on Instagram?"
Beks: "So many benefits! I started my fitness account for the support and accountability; I definitely didn't imagine it would turn into what it has. I have had wonderful conversations with women from around the world, met legitimate friends, and have been inspired by so many in return. And it still keeps me accountable when I know I haven't posted a workout in a while :)"

​G&N: ​"I saw that your other Instagram account is based around clean living and aromatherapy. What grew your interest in essential oils and non-toxic products? Tell me more about your mission in The Oil Community!"
Beks: "I'm pretty open about some of my health obstacles. I have narcolepsy and PCOS, and have been on a long journey of figuring out what works well for me. When you open the door to learning about chemicals and toxins that are in various products and how the United States doesn't really regulate them, it can be a tad bit scary. Now I just hope to be informed about what I put into my body and how I care for her beyond workouts.​"
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​G&N: "What are some notions in life that are super crucial for you? What's the best lifestyle advice you've been given?"
Beks: "When I was really young, my dad told me that "one man's ceiling is another man's floor" and it always stuck with me. My best is not going to look the same as someone else's or vice versa. AND THAT'S OKAY. Trying my best paired with a side of self-compassion has done wonders for my spirit."

​G&N: "I've found that working out not only makes me feel physically stronger, but mentally stronger as well. What makes fitness feel super rewarding for you? What is the physical and mental impact that you experience from your workouts?"
Beks: "I used to put so many mental limits on myself. A lot of can'ts would run through my head on a regular basis. Fitness has changed that mindset for me. It doesn't mean that everything comes easy for me, but rather that I'm willing to try and recognize small steps as progress. When those small steps add up (in fitness and in life) it's crazy to look back and see what you can accomplish."
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G&N: "What's a typical day in your life like?"
​Beks: "Ha, this question always makes me giggle because I don't have a great way to describe it. I don't have a usual 9-5 job. I'm in the midst of finalizing a non-profit in South Minneapolis, so every day looks different right now. This is why structure my workouts are incredibly helpful. They provide a routine for me to shape my day around since some days I'm done at 3pm and some days I'm working til 10pm."

G&N: "What types of workouts are your favorites to perform, and why?"
Beks: "I love PWR workouts with Kelsey Wells. I feel empowered, strong, and like a badass."

G&N: "I saw that you participated in a workout challenge called 'The 75'. Tell me a bit about it, What inspired you to try it, and what did you think of the overall experience?"
Beks: "Oh, 75Hard. I actually have not ever finished it. For some, it is a wonderful and transformative experience that helps with accountability and mental toughness. For me, it's a pit of despair haha. It's has an 'all or nothing' feel to it, and that just compounds some of my negative self-talk, so I have tried three times and not completed the Challenge, but I'm okay with it!"
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​G&N: "What are some of your fitness goals? Have these changed throughout your workout journey? And do you have any advice on surpassing goals and breaking down any mental barriers that make our aspirations initially seem daunting?"
Beks: "I recently ran a half marathon, which was one of those goals. It was such a mental toughness exercise for me, as I started training during the Minnesota winter and just loathe running. It was inspiring to watch myself go from struggling to run a mile to running 13.1.

I'm excited to lift heavy. That's new for me. I'd love to be able to squat more than my weight, so we're working on that!

There's this idea from Atomic Habits: 1% better. Just be 1% better every day. Oftentimes when things seem unreachable it's probably because I'm looking too far down the line. Small steps will carry you miles."

G&N: "I saw that you create some delicious-looking dishes! What are your favorite types of meals to make? Do you think food plays an important part in general wellness?"
Beks: ​"I love food. I'm not someone that can just eat anything without it tasting good haha. I'm plant-based, so a lot of beans and veggies are my go-to. Also pasta. Love me some pasta.

Food is such a gift. I've been thinking about that a lot. It's helped me appreciate the food I put in my body and how it serves me on a daily basis. While food does affect general wellness I think our relationship to food is more important to our wellness."
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G&N: "Besides fitness and wellness, what are some of your other passions? And what everyday hobbies bring you joy?"
Beks: "I love to read. I've grown to love hiking and backpacking. I became an aunt recently so spending time with my niece has been a huge source of joy lately. I love to travel and am hoping to take a few trips this next year!"

G&N: "Who are some of your biggest inspirations?"
Beks: "Oh gosh, so many women that I've met on IG. Watching women from all over the world showing up for themselves every day is inspiring. The women who hold full-time jobs, are parents, have "normal" lives and continue to make time and space for themselves. That's the stuff that is inspirational to me.

And I love Kelsey Wells, obviously haha :)"
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G&N: "What are some final takeaways you'd like to leave us with?"
Beks: "I've learned so much through this wellness journey, but I wish I fully understood my worth earlier. I now can look back and see the beauty and worth in myself from my heaviest. I can look back and see the beauty and worth in myself at my most depressed. So wherever you are, you are worthy of love, dignity, and respect. My hope is that you show yourself some today <3"

I'd like to say a huge thank you to Beks for partaking in this interview! It's always so neat to hear more about people's passions and about their journey to bettering themselves. Consider following Beks on instagram here, because her content is always so uplifting and honest.

Keep on grinning!

​Lydia