Meet Elise Newsom | Health & Fitness Coach

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

Hi Elise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The simple answer? I wanted to RISE to my potential.

With over 10 years in the health and fitness industry, my coaching journey began about 7 years ago. The majority of my time coaching was for the fastest growing fitness company in the world. I became a face of this company and a regional leader for my hometown of Austin, TX. I developed a large following and took on a leadership role that should have given me a sense of fulfillment. I felt successful on the outside but having reached my peak with the company, I started to realize there was no way to continue moving up. My routine became mundane and the lack of challenge and opportunity for growth left me wanting more.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing because it was in this moment of feeling burnt out, overworked, underpaid, and uninspired that I got clear on what it would actually take to feel like I was living a lifestyle of freedom, abundance, alignment, and impact. I wanted to work hard and make a difference by being the best version of myself I can possibly be. Working day in and day out to evolve and grow someone else’s dream felt like I would be settling for “good enough”,
happy enough…
successful enough…
fulfilled enough…

I felt the freedom to create my dreams seemed just beyond reach, and with some hard work and shift in my beliefs I might be able to grasp them.

The part of me that craves change also craves action.

The first step to realizing this goal was letting go of what I had worked so hard to create. Saying goodbye to my community and stepping down from my leadership role was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my adult life. I felt guilty abandoning the people who I had connected with and nurtured through their goals. I felt ashamed of relinquishing my responsibilities to my peers, and I was scared. I had no idea what was on the other side of this step forward, but I knew I had to go for it. In this moment of truth, I was reminded of the same words that I shared with my community on a daily basis, “if you do what you did yesterday, you’ll be as good as you were yesterday.” So, I decided to listen and trust myself.

This life changing decision couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. Not a week later the world experienced a transition of its own and suddenly I found myself with time to plan and space to create. When the lockdowns occurred and gyms were shut down, the fitness industry adapted almost immediately. Inspired by communities coming together virtually and the developing market of online fitness, I decided the time to start my own program was now. People from my community reached out and suddenly there was a real demand for what I had to offer.

The first month of lockdown I made more money working from home than I had throwing myself into a 60 hour work week. My beliefs about what was possible quickly shifted. My previous subconscious belief that “I can’t make great money doing what I love” transformed into “I work hard to be successful.” My motivation became my values: freedom, travel, health, family, happiness, love, autonomy, and adventure.

I started to experience my independence in an entirely different way. Not only was I taking care of myself, I was really taking care of others. For the first time in my life I caught a glimpse of the true meaning of fulfillment. I started to feel alive in my work and I was committed to seeing just how far out of my comfort zone I could go.

The greatly anticipated new year of 2021 was extra meaningful to me because it marked the start date of my virtual membership program, RISE. This program would allow my growing online community to interact, motivate, connect, and level up together. Merging my love for coaching with the incredible power of community, RISE took form. To say this process was effortless would be a lie, there’s always a learning curve, but it came together naturally as if destined to be.

The thought process behind starting my own business? I wanted to feel fulfillment in every way, every day, and know that my 100% is working towards my dream. Living with purpose, gratitude, humility, and a thirst for life is how I plan to spend my future 9-5’s.

Thank you for the opportunity to share and hopefully inspire someone currently considering taking that brave step forward.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
If you know me, you know that leading dynamic communities that support and motivate each other is what inspired me to become a coach. My passion for fitness is rooted in the belief that true health starts from within, and the key to a fulfilled and happy life starts with living a fit life. Fitness is a tool for my freedom. It is a vehicle that makes life accessible to me. I use it as a means to drive adventure. Staying active and dedicated to my health is one of the most important ways to ensure I can experience the adventures this life has to offer.

Being a health coach allows me to go beyond physical training and dive deeper into the patterns, habits, nutrition, and mindset that is often the biggest obstacle between my clients and their wellness goals. Having studied the science behind exercise, weight loss, and health promotion, I use these tools to help my clients physically, mentally, and emotionally take control of their lives. Every client is different and every client is capable. My goal is to help them unlock their true potential so that they can live their life to the fullest!

Fitness has become this intimidating world. There’s a disconnect in our mindsets to think of our bodies in only an ornamental way. You will never have motivation to stick with it if your goals are based solely on physical aesthetics. “When I lose weight/have abs/have a booty/have my dream beach body…I’ll be happy,” but your health and happiness are so much more than that.

I like to keep it simple and I’ve learned to stay humble. The more time you put in the more it pays off, it is that simple – but we all know some of the simplest concepts require the most determination. Behavioral activation challenges the idea that we have to have motivation to start things. When really, ACTION = Motivation = Results + more Action! No one has motivation every day, it is discipline that will take you places where motivation can’t. People hire a coach thinking it’s my job to get them results, when really, they are the ones in charge of their behavior. The hard truth? No one cares about your body except for you. No one is going to take care of your body except for you, and your quality of life depends on it.

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.
First off – I get a whole week with my best friend in town and we don’t have to work?! YES.

We’ll start every day with a workout (I know, lame, but it’s what I do). Maybe a yoga class or run around the beautiful Town Lake trail in Austin, Texas.

She’s definitely visiting in the summertime because most Texas activities are based around hot summer days. So during the day we’ll cut the heat with some ice cold plunges into my favorite Hill Country swimming holes like Jacob’s Well, Krause Springs, and Pedernales Falls. The names of the best kept secret swimming spots will stick with me, but any of y’all are more than welcome to come visit and I can take you then! A paddle board day on Town Lake (newcomers will call it Ladybird Lake) is a must. I might even be able to convince her to get out to Reimers Ranch with me for some sport climbing for the day. We’ll get our bikes out to explore the city, stroll Congress Avenue for some funky shopping at all the best vintage stores and make our way to Cosmic Coffee for a boozy coffee and food trucks every way we look.

Our food game will be strong and most likely guide our activities. Breakfast on Congress Avenue at Guero’s Taco Bar with my family’s favorite tradition of migas and the bottomless salsa bar. Too many other yummy breakfast taco places to count. When the weather is 100+ degrees we’re definitely going to Fresa’s for $1 margaritas on the patio. Sake social hour at Uchi. Barbecue at Black’s or Valentina’s. Pizza and craft beer we’ll get out to Jesterking Brewery or Meanwhile Brewing. Late afternoon cocktails at Mattie’s on the Green and Clark’s Oyster bar for happy hour martinis and oysters, obviously.

Nightlife we can’t miss the music scene in Austin, it’s anywhere and everywhere if your ears are open. Thursday evening we’re Salsa dancing the night away at Tamale House or pulling our boots on and two stepping at The Broken Spoke with someone who can dance better than they can walk. We’ll listen to some jazz music at the Continental Club or Elephant Room. We’ll make sure we get an evening picnic in at Zilker Park to enjoy the cooler summer evenings and city views. Dinner and drinks at the Line hotel with an unbeatable sunset view over the Congress bridge to watch the millions of bats fly out from beneath it. Either before or after we’re going to my favorite Mezcal bar hidden upstairs above an unsuspecting restaurant for some refreshing drinks. I will tell you the name of it if you shoot me a message! Cap City Comedy will finally be reopened so we’ll grab some tickets to see someone we’ve never heard of and end up with sore cheeks from laughing so hard.

We’ll finish the weekend at home, firing up the grill and spending some chill time in the backyard with friends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, Linda, will always hold the number 1 spot as my biggest supporter and inspiration. My entire life she has set an example for me to see how hard work pays off. Even through the tough times she instilled in me the belief that no matter what, everything will always end up ok. I’ve seen her bounce back from everything life has thrown at her, over and over again, and still end up with a smile on her face and love in her heart to help anyone she can. Any mistake I’ve made she reminds me is just a lesson to make more informed decisions next time. She has always told me that when I get 100% clear on what I want and put it out to the world it will come back to me. She has taught me that you have to be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams, and that there is no obstacle I can’t overcome.

My best friend, Sarah, has always been there every step of the way. She is the person I know will always answer the phone. She is the person who listens, checks me, and keeps it real with me when I’m on the rollercoaster of self doubt. It is unbelievably special to have people in your life who care about you and your future and want to help you succeed.

My boyfriend, Kris, who came into my life right at the crux of this transitional point, has always grounded me in my pursuits. He helps me bring my darkness to light, provides unconditional love, and always offers to help in any way he can. His unwavering support provides a solid base to jump from when chasing my dreams and I feel so lucky every day to have him.

Website: www.eliseyfit.com

Instagram: @elisey.fit

Other: eliseyfit@gmail.com

Image Credits
Kris Voorhees Keith Trigaci