Kim Musikant

Before I ever became a personal trainer, I hired one myself. Before we launched our business, we worked with a business coach. Why? Because investing in ourselves has been the best decision we’ve ever made. Hiring experts has been worth every penny — not because they did the work for us, but because they helped guide us while we did the work. We had to quiet the inner critic, silence the self-doubt, and choose to believe that our passion for helping others was stronger than our fear of failing. If I let the noise in my head — the "head trash" — lead the way, I wouldn’t be living as my authentic self. Here’s what I’ve learned: The difference between people who take bold action and those who stay stuck isn’t fear — it’s what they do with the fear. Everyone has an inner critic. Some listen and obey it. Some hear it and choose not to believe it. And some feel the fear and move forward anyway. We all have doubts. The question is: Are you letting your doubts make decisions f...

Have you ever been so lost in what you were doing that you completely lost track of time? You felt fully alive, deeply connected — and you didn’t want it to end. That feeling? It holds clues to something powerful: your WHY. Your WHY is the reason you do what you do — the inner drive that fuels your passion, your energy, and your purpose in life. And it's always in service to others. Inspired by the work of author and leadership expert Simon Sinek, this blog post is an invitation to uncover your 'why,' write it down, and begin living in alignment with it — especially in midlife, when many of us are asking: Is this all there is? What Is Your WHY, Really? Your WHY isn’t your job title, your goals, or even your talents. It’s deeper than that. It’s your personal mission — the why behind everything you do. When you understand and own your WHY, life becomes more intentional. You feel more connected, more fulfilled, and more motivated to make a difference. It becomes the lens throu...

Some may say it’s selfish. I say it’s anything but . Prioritizing your health isn’t about vanity or indulgence. It’s about sustainability— for your life, your energy, and your ability to show up for others . When you move your body regularly, get enough rest, and nourish yourself well, you don’t just feel better—you function better. Your mood improves, your energy increases, and yes, your self-confidence starts to rise. And from that place of strength, you have more to give —to your family, your career, your community, and yourself. Yes, the Demands Are Real Let’s acknowledge something up front: life is busy, and the demands are real. Many of us are balancing full-time work, caregiving responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. When time feels scarce, it’s easy—and even understandable—to put your needs last. After all, taking care of others is often a core value.  However, there’s a cost to constantly running on empty, and eventually, it catches up to your health, energy,...

My desire to help others become strong and fit started as a member of The Westfield Area Y. I wanted other people to experience what had happened to me - my body becoming fitter was helping my mind become stronger and my self-confidence to soar. The Y also gave me a sense of belonging. I loved the people there, and I felt valued.  As I became more comfortable in the classes and the weight room, I got to know the Fitness Director, Jean White, pictured here. A petite woman with a huge heart and an even bigger smile. She saw something in me and encouraged me to get certified. I laughed it off but did enjoy the attention - I was flattered.  The laughing turned into kicking and screaming when I realized that my desire to be in the fitness world was stronger than my fear of getting up in front of a crowd (hence the kicking and screaming). I had to do this - not for her, but for me. Jean  planted a seed in my heart that grew and pulled me straight into the world of fitness....

Studies show that when people journal their food intake, they are more likely to succeed with fat loss goals. When it comes to keeping a food log, though, most people are not sold. So, what's holding you back?   When we ask clients to share their journals with us, we don't care whether or not you have been "perfect".  Our job is to help, not judge. W e don't go home at night, and then entertain ourselves reading about the 26.2 cookies you ate last week. Helping you is our life's work, and we want you to succeed.   People tend to think they should hand in an exemplary journal with pristine line items of strictly portioned meals. Yes, we want to see the good, but we also want to see the bad and the ugly. No perfect people allowed! Together we can make little changes that add up to big successes. I recently had a conversation with an ALF member who confessed to attacking a bag of trail mix the night before. I told her that she can still attack the trail mix but m...

The Siblings Who Refused to Go to Bed: Leptin and Ghrelin Leptin and Ghrelin are hormones. These cute little guys are from the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is the system in our bodies responsible for controlling our appetites! That is worth repeating. The neuroendocrine system is responsible for managing our appetites. (Ever notice that when you are sleep deprived, you crave carbs? Read on...) Leptin tells our brain, "Ok, I am good to go. I am full. I don't need any more food right now." Leptin tells us when we are satisfied - commonly called the satiety factor. However, when we are sleep deprived, Leptin is decreased. In short, less sleep equals a decrease in food being able to satisfy us, which leads to overeating and weight gain. Ghrelin signals our caloric needs. Ghrelin tells us when to eat and how much to eat. Lack of sleep increases Ghrelin, thereby increasing the need to eat more. Decreases in Leptin and increases in Ghrelin, caused by sleep lo...

Why So Many Women Quit Exercising in Midlife—And How to Turn It Around According to BMC Women's Health , nearly half of women reduce or stop regular exercise during the midlife period . Add in the natural decline in metabolism and muscle mass that comes with age, and it’s no wonder so many women struggle with unwanted weight gain, low energy, and increased risk of chronic conditions. But here’s the good news: you can reverse this trend—and feel better than ever. A landmark 2014 study,  "Factors Influencing Adherence to Regular Exercise in Middle-Aged Women ," identified three key motivators that increase the likelihood that  women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond will stick with an exercise routine. These insights are even more relevant today. 1. A Consistent Daily Structure That Includes Exercise By midlife, most women are juggling a lot —careers, aging parents, kids (or adult kids!), relationships, and community commitments. With so many competing demands, movement of...