Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethanne Weiss.
Hi Bethanne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In my early years, I was more likely to tattoo a skull on my assets than to move mine or anyone else’s assets! With a hairdo(n’t) that resembled the Statue of Liberty’s spikes but in purple, white, and black, I didn’t exactly fit in with most of the business majors at the State University (SUNY) at New Paltz, where I attended to get my degree in accounting. I was not exactly caring for my soul’s container (aka managing my health and wellness) at that time and had lots of physical issues as well as excessive junk in my trunk and all over my person. I signed up for an elective called “Conditioning and Weight Control for Women” with the amazingly hysterical and profundity of quotable Coach Joe Owens. At the time, I had no idea that this man would not only change my life but would be the motivation behind my first book (at 50ish years young), Move Your Assets: From the Chair, Not the Bank! We reunited at my 30th college reunion, where we presented the Keynote. By the way, I graduated in 1987 with a marketing/exercise science degree.
For half my life, I struggled with chronic dizziness, pain, and fatigue and was on a mission to cure myself, but I still kept going, no matter how difficult it was. I went to dozens of doctors, alternative doctors, tests, pills, potions, concoctions, yada, yada, yada, and thousands of dollars later, no one helped me but me! I applied my knowledge of muscle function, nutrition, and my incredible intuition in the form of (my now famous) Tiny Tweaks to my eats, moves, and life and became the Queen of More JOY and Less OY that I am today. I’ve helped thousands of others who are willing to believe, trust, and buy into their incredible selves, to move, feel, and look (even more) amazing as they age. I do this through my book(s) classes, events, and speaking engagements.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Having chronic pain, dizziness, and a balance disorder has been a lifelong struggle, especially for a fitness and wellness professional. I finally got things running smoothly for quite a few years. In my late 40s, both of my parents experienced significant physical and mental decline rather quickly. I spent 6 years of my life as their primary caregiver. This was more of a struggle than any previous physical pain that I experienced. I learned the importance (even moreso) of caring for our soul’s container so we can be (physically, emotionally, & spiritually) fit to help others. This became my life’s mantra when both my parents passed in 2017. I vowed that I would care for my wellness and age healthfully, fitfully, and JOYfully in my place of choosing so someone or something else isn’t forced to care of me and in a place not of my choosing. My upcoming series of books, “More JOY Less OY,” will help anyone who wants to commit to believing and trusting in that one person who will be with them for life. Can you guess who that is?
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
People tell me that I am a connector. Not only do I connect people with others, but I connect people to themselves. I introduce my students, clients, conference attendees, friends, and family members to “parts of them they didn’t know existed.” Even strangers walk up to me in Publix, on the trail, and in other places to let me know that they learned one (or more) of my Tiny Tweaks from a FB post, an acquaintance who knows me, attended a lunch I spoke at, or read my book. My Tiny Tweaks, such as “pinky toe down,” “eyes and girls front,” and “swap sauces for spices,” have transformed postures, prevented falls, and dramatically improved health and wellness as well as dramatically reduced “the jiggly areas.” This is one of the quotes I borrowed from the incredible Coach Joe Owens.
People tell me I am the best fitness instructor ever because I teach Tiny Tweaks throughout the class, and they can apply it in everything they do. I don’t shut up, lol. But I’m also super entertaining, and no one has ever been bored or regretted moving their assets with me
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Hmmm, I’ve never been competitive. I dreaded color war at camp because I didn’t enjoy the crazy competition. I loved the singing of parodies, though! I never wanted to run a marathon, jump from a plane, ski, or scuba dive. It’s not a fear; it’s just that I have no interest whatsoever! But, I believe in stepping out of your comfort zone by taking Tiny Tweaks daily. I fear nothing. I look at everything as an opportunity. The most anxious, fearful, depressed people I know are the ones who stay inside the tall cardboard box and can see the sky but refuse to cut a small hole in one side to get out. I am full of JOY because I’ve taken many risks. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t keep cutting a hole in the wall. You have to commit to path A or B and stick to it no matter how many times you fail and fall or how many people (you may) offend on the way. I learned this metaphor that “you can’t chase two squirrels at once” from my rescue greyhound Butch who was eyeing one on each end of the yard and ended up letting them both go.
Rescuing Butch and foster failing then adopting him was one of the “risks” I took because I wasn’t sure I’d have the time, patience, and “stick to it ness” for a dog. Almost four years later, it’s been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done thus far. Stick to being authentic. Forgive others who don’t think the way you do. Being kind is lovely, but being kind to yourself is the key to a JOYful life. Butch is one of the most kind beings I’ve ever encountered, so I hang out with him most of the time, and my husband Jeffrey is cool with that!
Contact Info:
- Website: BethanneWellness.com
- Instagram: BethanneWellness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bethanne%20wellness
Image Credits
Diane Vivian, graphic designer, blinged up my headshot and made the teal background
