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Calling her a fitness coach seems like an understatement, India Bailey’s approach to fitness is closer to life coaching and management than anything else.
For India (@India_Bailey), fitness has been the key to self-discovery and shaped her person, and she strives to bring this to others through coaching. India is a powerfully caring individual, so we are delighted to share our discussion with her for you to read below.
How did you get into fitness and decide to make it your career?
I have always been ingrained in fitness and sports since I was young — it has played a major role in my upbringing and my development as a woman.
During High School, I played basketball, track & field, soccer and field hockey teams which really helped solidify a strong team-work mentality. On a more individual level, I was a competitive downhill ski racer which challenged my personal motivation and helped me get to know myself and my limits very well. Therefore, a great foundation which involved a mix of team sports and individual physical and mental pursuits was established.
When I moved to London, I was on a mission to become a spin instructor, which is where I fell upon Core Collective. In this place, I garnered not only a new career and passion but also a family of inspirational and trail-blazing individuals. During this time in a new city and new direction, I learnt to say “YES” to fears and not let my ego get in the way. I learnt to be vulnerable and enjoy the ride. This journey opened up the doors for other class types, consistent challenges and infinite rewards. The rewards being: seeing your clients achieve their goals and experience victory and self-belief on the daily.
What motivates you most about your profession as a fitness coach?
What motivates me is knowing I have a responsibility to show up for those that show up for themselves, but also to experience true determination and accomplishment from those around me. It’s something we get to experience together, and no day is ever the same, there are always surprises which makes things exciting.
What would you say are your strengths as both a fitness coach and a person?
I would say I have a strength of being empathetic and energetic. I know what it feels like to be in that back row, or walk into a studio for the very first time. I know what it feels like to be uncertain and apprehensive, and want to support those that showed up regardless of those feelings — and that’s half the battle! I give everything to my classes when it comes to energy and parts of myself even which I feel vulnerable at times sharing, but that brings us closer together, and it makes us show as coaches that we are human!
Aches and pains are inherent in your fitness focused lifestyle. How do you manage them?
I think it’s all about respecting and listening to your body. Sometimes we believe we are invincible because “it hasn’t happened to me”, but working out is only half of the journey to achieving physical and mental well-being. We have to do the upkeep; we have to take those extra 10-15 minutes to breathe, to stretch or even to reflect and write down the feelings we had during the day.
Sometimes it’s time to slow down, not speed up. And there’s power and reward in that.
What is your diet like?
How much are you going to hate me if I say balance? But it’s true! I work hard, I play, and I enjoy peanut butter and sourdough…. a lot!
When it comes to my diet I play with time — I always have a big breakfast and most of my carbs in the morning, substantial lunch and light dinners as it makes me less stressed during the evenings. And my nights of sleep are my everything! In essence, I do intermittent fasting, which I find works for me. However, everyone is different, but different timings work in relation to this. So, if intermittent fasting is something you are keen to try, then play with a few different times and see how your body responds.
I personally do the 16:8, which means you fast for 16 hours and eat within a window of times, which is 8 hours. For me, sleep is a time machine to breakfast, so I stop meals late afternoon.
How do you stay positive and productive?
I like to let go of things I can’t control every night before bed using my journal, and start every day on a new page with a fresh perspective and positivity. I remind myself that all I have control over are my own actions and that I can affect or inspire in my own way, so I try hard not to compare myself! It’s important never to underestimate how powerful your personal energy is. It might not be for everyone, but you have to try to stay in line with your truth and your lane.
Oh yeah, and 8 hours sleep.
If you had one single advice for people reading this interview, what would it be?
Walk right into your fear. The best things in life are waiting for you, right on the other side. Believe in the power of saying “yes”, and the rest will fall right into place.