Meet Victoria Faling | Movement Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Faling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Victoria, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
How little fitness professionals actually know and how easy it is to get certified. You would think this may have become more evident these days with the rise of social media fitness influencers, but instead many of these people are looked at like heroes when in reality they have no certifications or business training clients. I think it’s really important to look at the health and fitness industry with a critical eye. When looking for a trainer or health coach, don’t be afraid to ask about their certifications, education, and experience. Many personal trainers learn the basics in terms of how to program rudimentary plans for typical goals, but they aren’t taught about how to work with specialized populations, unique situations, or taught anything about nutrition or mental health. I wish trainers also understood how much of an influence they truly have on others and put more effort into learning, advancing their education, and working on speciality certifications.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a winding road that is continually evolving. I didn’t know I’d end up exactly where I am today, but in large part it’s been because of my own health struggles which have also added to the challenge of running a business. Starting my own business was both exciting and anxiety provoking. I knew I needed something flexible so I could continue to manage my own health, but taking on your own business can be equally intimidating and a lot of work. I didn’t want my health to hold me back though and I knew I just had to dive in and work out the details as I went along. I’ve learned, again and again, how important it is to put my own health first so that I have the energy to give to others. I’ve learned how important setting boundaries are both with my clients and around my time (hello, work/life balance!). All of this has taken time and trial and error. I’m so proud of what I’ve created- a community, lasting friendships, and a place where people can get science backed information and support. I love serving the specialized niche I do and being able to fill a gap in healthcare. I bridge the gap between medical care and personal trainers, so that people can get the long term support they need to continue healing. It’s so important for me to raise awareness around chronic illness and let the world know that people with health issues or disabilities have so much to contribute as long as they are respected, supported properly, and listened to.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friend was in town, we’d have to do some of the “traditional” activities like go to Red Rocks and for a hike. Denver has a lovely botanical garden so I’d definitely take them there. As a huge foodie, exploring the best local restaurants would be a must. I have several food allergies, but we have amazing options here like Against the Grain bakery and Debby’s Gluten Free. I love Linger, Acova, and Quiero Arepas in the Highlands area. South Broadway has tons of cute stores and delicious food, as well, like The Hornet and La Chiva.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The entire chronic illness community! This community inspired me to do the work I do. Having battled health issues myself and been apart of this community for almost a decade now, I’m aware of how much suffering is out there and how little support there is for complex chronic illnesses. These individuals fight everyday for their lives while supporting others and I knew I wanted to be able to give back and help this population with my expertise.

Website: www.theinfluencehealth.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theinfluencehealth

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinfluencehealth

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCciK87ihkPdO3irvUtPpV8A

Image Credits
Anything in the pink shirt was taken by Anne-Marie Jacobs