Today, we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Parmley.
Hi Nichole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My fitness story started about a decade ago. I had just had my second baby, was obese, suffering from post-partum depression, and trying to figure out how to be happy. Enter CrossFit.
In an effort to avoid medication, I threw myself into fitness, starting with a 3-day per week membership and wondering how on earth people did more than that. Fast forward six months, and I was there six days a week, with some two-a-days thrown in to work on Olympic Lifting and Gymnastics skills. About seven years later, I decided I wanted to coach and gathered four separate certifications, including CrossFit, Olympic Lifting, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
But something was missing. I didn’t like the unhealthy mental and physical behaviors the fitness industry encouraged in women, and I decided to rewrite the story. I decided to create a feminist Fitness program that focuses on measurements that create excitement instead of frustration and elicit body-positive behaviors like resting, eating, and exercising appropriately.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Absolutely not. I grew up in a conservative religion that taught me a woman’s place was pregnant and barefoot in the kitchen. I followed that advice. I married because I thought that if I didn’t, I would be worthless. I had children because my leaders told me it was the only way for a woman to be happy. I wasn’t happy.
It took CrossFit to show me I had my power. From there, I began the exit from my religion, from my unhappy marriage, and dove head first into feminist thoughtwork. For two years now, I have been fighting to make my way in the world as a middle-aged woman who never developed a career because she was doing what others said she should and was raising children.
I’ve been used and abused by both CrossFit and big box gyms who exploit both employees and customers and who engage in unethical behaviors… and I left. I’d rather struggle for myself and something I believe in than keep putting money in the pockets of corporations who make their money on the frustration and self-doubt of women.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
Hygeia Fitness is an online fitness solution specializing in the utilization of biometrics that elicit body positive behaviors in women.
We reject the notion that a woman’s success in the gym is based on how small her numbers can get. Instead, using the data from high-quality wearables, we look at the progress that matters: markers like resting heart rate and power output.
The most important part of what I do is helping women learn that the body they already have is capable of amazing things. And I teach them how to care for it and increase its capabilities. When you’re my client, your body is your ally, not the enemy.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’ve had the support of family, most notably my sister, who has helped with the tech and advertising side, and my parents have been a huge financial support during these lean years.
My partner has also been a huge part in encouraging me to build this business, say what I think, and hit the market as the unique individual I am. He helps me summon my courage in times when everything seems very dark.
Pricing:
- The intro package is $100/mo for three months for the first five women who sign up.
- $300/mo for a fully supported and customized online coaching experience complete with a weekly Facebook Live.
Contact Info:
- Website: hygeiafitness.net
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hygeiafitness
- Facebook: https://tr.ee/jEq_ujUERC
- Other: linktr.ee/hygeiafitness
