Meet Alayna Brenchley | Fitness + Wellness Coach

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

Hi Alayna, how do you think about risk?
Risks are not easy and can often be painful, but you learn invaluable lessons and you see what you’re capable of. Risks also teach you the power and importance of community. Location and career risks have flooded my entire adult life–everything from moving halfway across the world at 18 to pursue a career in ballet, to moving to a new city and career in my late 20s when an injury ended my ballet career, and now, in my early 30s to expanding my reach to more people by running a fully online fitness + wellness coaching business. When I risk, I pour myself all the way in and don’t look back.

As we know, risks can cause a lot of anxiety. The unknowns are never-ending. BUT I’m a firm believer we can risk more strategically by taking the time to gather a supportive community to walk with us through new ventures.
YOU have to choose to take the risk, but you don’t have to walk it out alone. I prioritize supporting my community and receiving their support. This is what keeps me going, even on the toughest of days.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Alayna Marie Wellness was born out of an abundant love for movement, the death of a dream, and the passion to help people realize they don’t have to accept anything less than a sense of thriving in their fitness and wellness.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. I lost a career in ballet because of injuries, and spent years stuck in disordered eating habits that led to some major burnout and hormonal issues. My experience of working with coaches, and how they taught me so much and empowered me is what led me to be a coach today.

What sets me apart as a coach in the fitness and wellness industry is that my primary mantra is “tune in.” I teach my clients to grow in awareness of the cues their body is telling them and let that guide them when to push and when to rest. I teach sustainable habits, not extremes. I also have a background in pilates and GYROTONIC, so I offer my clients strength training routines as well as mindful movement. They get the benefits of weight training, cardio (not too much) AND the benefits of the core and mobility work found in methods like pilates and GYROTONIC.
What also sets me apart is my customized approach to nutrition. I work 1:1 with every client, learning about their history and their goals to create a realistic plan that supports their life and has a sense of abundance, not restriction.

I want everyone to know that their approach to fitness and nutrition CAN be more balanced and can bring peace, not obsessions. You can get results, feel stronger, and nourish yourself better without extremes. Long term results come with consistent, nuanced work. Don’t let your head get turned by the next extreme trend. Tune into yourself and make gentle changes to support your different seasons of life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The city of Austin holds so much sunshine, both literally and figuratively! If you came to visit we would center our time around movement, nature, and good food!

Barton Springs is the heartbeat of the city, a natural spring fed pool with soft grass, shade and sunshine, and refreshing water. I would take you there on a Wednesday afternoon when it is quieter and on a Sunday afternoon when it is popping with more energy. On Sunday we can join the acroyoga jam (an incredibly welcoming group of people) and hear the drum circle happening under the big tree right outside the pool.

We would go to Veracruz one morning (or three) for breakfast tacos (get the migas poblano taco) and Launderette for dinner, enjoying seasonal, local ingredients.

We would go to Meanwhile Brewing to get our work done in the vibrant and well-lit space. If it’s not too hot we’ll also work in the green oasis that is Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden. And if we feel like working in a new location every day we can just reference the google list of 40 coffee shops I’ve saved around Austin!

I’d take you paddle boarding at sunset on Townlake on the south side of the river over by the boardwalk where it is a little quieter, but you still get a clear view of the city. Another night I’d drive you over to Mt. Bonnell and we’d eat a picnic of treats we picked up from the original Whole Foods while we watch the sunset.
We’d splurge and go to Uchi for dinner one night, delighting our tastebuds and eyes on the gorgeous sushi and atmosphere.

We’d take a walk around Townlake and end it by grabbing a smoothie from Juiceland and reading a book over at Deep Eddy Pool. If we stay at Deep Eddy long enough we’ll grab Pool Burger for dinner.

On Thursday I would take you swing dancing at the Tex Fed, and if you’re feeling groovy we would go to Barbarella’s on Saturday and jam out to 80s hits.
Austin is full of joy and opportunities to really be present and enjoy the nature and artistry of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I think about the evolution of my business and how I’ve gotten to where I am now, the first person that comes to mind is my dad, Bryan. He is one of my biggest cheerleaders. He texts and asks me what my sales strategy is for the day, he facetimes me with a creative idea for marketing, and he believes so much in my coaching he is a client himself!
He’s run a business overseas for 20 years and reminds me of the struggles and rewards of entrepreneurship. He’s an example of networking magic, truly caring about every person he meets.

One thing I’ve always been struck by is how he lives out the truth that our worth is not attached to our work. I’ve always known, no matter how my business is doing on a certain day or month or year, he sees me the same.

Most of all, he believes in me on days I don’t believe in myself, and he knows what I am capable of in moments I do not.

Website: www.alaynamarie.me

Instagram: @inspirited_alayna

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaynabrenchley/

Image Credits
Studio pictures on blue mat–Rebecca Marnul Dance studio pic: Rachel Neville