The Philly Happening Women Series is a reoccurring feature that highlights inspirational female personalities, entrepreneurs, and women making a difference in the City of Brotherly Love!
When a traditional business career didn’t bring Melissa Weinberg fulfillment, she took a chance and pursued her passion for movement.
Melissa Weinberg has always loved to move. From the time she was young she loved gymnastics and dance and even competed at the Junior Olympics in rhythmic gymnastics. In college, the West Chester native competed, choreographing, and coached for the University of Pennsylvania Club Gymnastics Team. Weinberg graduated from UPenn with a degree in anthropology in 2005. Though she knew that she had a passion for fitness and nutrition, she felt pressure to pursue a “traditional” business carer. She was offered a job in global market research consulting and worked in that industry for nearly 10 years.
“During that time, I was successful in my career, but I never felt truly fulfilled. Seeking fulfillment, I took a hiatus to live and work in Italy, started teaching group fitness classes, and worked as Director of Operations for a fitness company; but then I found myself right back where I started in the “safety zone” of the consulting world,” Weinberg says. ” I began to realize that the problem wasn’t consulting, it was me. I needed to pursue my passion for movement! In June 2015, when I finally took the leap and left consulting, Motion Melissa was born!”
Through Motion Melissa Weinberg provides customized personal training, yoga, barre, Pilates, & health coaching for individuals and small groups. “My philosophy is that everybody and every BODY is different,” Weinberg says. ” It is so important to me to get to know my clients, understand their bodies, movement patterns, any imbalances or injuries, and then design their sessions in a way that addresses their unique concerns, goals, and preferences to help them “find their motion.” Or, in other words, help them discover a comprehensive mind-body fitness and wellness program that is ideal for their lifestyle.”
Philly Happening recently caught up with Weinberg to discuss what inspires her, her best advice for entrepreneurs, and how it’s important to schedule time for yourself.
Where do you live now? Rittenhouse Square
Pets: I just adopted a Pekingese mix dog from PAWS named Lilah.
Education and degrees: BA University of Pennsylvania (2005), ACE Certified Personal Trainer, ACE Certified Health Coach, Certified Yoga Teacher (200-RYT), Certified Barre Instructor
What is it like working for yourself?
Working for yourself sounds great from the outside, and it definitely has its benefits, but it comes with a lot of responsibility and sacrifice. For me, it’s absolutely worth it because I am doing what I love every single day … and I mean, every single day!
What is your best advice for entrepreneurs?
Your peers are your allies, not your enemies! Yes, there is a lot of competition out there, sure, but that’s no reason not to be friendly and build relationships. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Network, be kind, open yourself up to opportunities and friendships, and who knows what will come out of it. If nothing else, it sure feels better to have good vibes among your community rather than animosity.
How do you keep your balance?
One of the things I found key in helping me keep my balance is giving my personal appointments the same respect as my work ones. If I don’t schedule in my own personal time for workouts, yoga, meditation, lunches, etc., I’ve learned that my default is to give that time away to others. I’ve found my clients and my business are much better served when I schedule in the extra time for some self-care.
I also encourage my clients (and anyone else who wants to make fitness a priority) to think about their time in this way. Treat your workouts with the same respect as you do a work meeting. Put your workout on your calendar. Protect this time that you’ve carved out in your day for yourself and your health and happiness. It’s not optional!
What inspires you?
My clients are my biggest source of inspiration. Their unique stories, backgrounds, and goals inspire me to continue creating new, effective, workouts and learning more about fitness and anatomy every day. I love when they have a lot of questions or want to try a new combination of modalities during a session (e.g., strength training + Pilates + meditation). It challenges me and keeps the creative juices flowing.
What’s new with your business this year?
I’m so excited to partner with P.S. & Co. by offering the Mind & Body Reboot, a new weekly organic meal plan + fitness program. It’s the perfect way to reset the body and mind, increase energy, and kick bad habits! Details here: http://motionmelissa.com/blog/mind-body-reboot
What are your personal goals for 2017?
One of my personal goals for 2017 is to disconnect to be more connected. I don’t want to have my head hanging down in my phone when I could be connecting with people in-person. And, I’d much rather be giving the people I care about my attention when I’m with them rather than giving my phone more love.
What songs are on your playlist right now?
I am constantly updating my Spotify playlists for sessions and classes, so most of the music I’m listening to at any given moment has a good workout tempo or a relaxing yoga vibe.
What is the last book you read?
I recently took a weekend trip to Kripalu, a yoga retreat center, and I took the opportunity to re-read the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I first read it during my yoga teacher training and found it very inspiring. As I re-read it this time around I discovered new ways to apply the agreements to this stage of my life. It’s a great book to have on hand and check in with every now and then.
What are your favorite places to go/things to do in Philly?
No surprise, I love to be active! When I’m not working myself out, I enjoy taking yoga and group fitness classes with friends, especially at Focus Barre & Yoga and Freehouse Fitness (I teach at both studios!). When the weather is warm, hikes through the Wissahickon, bikes along the Schuylkill River Trail, or runs to Penn Park are a nice change.
For more information about Motion Melissa visit: http://www.motionmelissa.com/
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