Meet LESLIE CONZEMIUS: RN, Board Certified Health Coach, Fitness Instructor

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

Hi LESLIE, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when I was 13 years old, therefore living with a chronic illness for over 20 years has presented a lot of ups and downs. When I have flare ups or periods of extreme illness, I feel so depleted, hopeless, and lacking what feels like any resemblance of my true self. So, ever since I got out of the hospital when I was first diagnosed, I made a commitment to myself that I would never take my health for granted again. Over the years, I’ve worked really hard to learn how to manage my symptoms and be as healthy as possible. I studied nursing and became a health coach in order to help others who are also feeling that lack-lack of health, vibrance and sense of self. In 2018 I started creating my business, but didn’t have a name yet. It feels so silly and cliche to say this, but while I was on a yoga retreat in Guatemala the word, “abundance” came to me in a meditation. I knew it was perfect! Abundance, meaning focusing on the good through all the struggles, practicing gratitude, and finding resilience through adversity which makes us stronger and grows more and more abundance. Also, abundance has the word “dance” in it; dancing is a huge passion of mine and a big part of how I stay healthy.

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?
Like a lot of health professionals, I started my business because of my own health struggles. Living with Crohn’s Disease for over 20 years, I started my health coaching business with the intention of helping all people with Crohn’s and Colitis. What excites me the most is working with clients to address not only the WHAT, but the HOW. The what is the knowledge- learning what foods/diet is best for you, how to navigate the health care system, what factors trigger symptoms, etc. There is so much information out there right at our finger tips, which is great, However, knowledge DOESN’T translate into making changes or better outcomes. I love the quote by Derek Sivers, “If more information was the answer, then we’d all be billionaires with perfect abs.” As your coach I come in to help with the HOW. We work on building resilience, enhancing mindset, growing in self-efficacy, and overcoming barriers. These things plus the knowledge translates to action, to a better you and to a you that is living the life you want to live.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Note: this is pre-covid itinerary! Day 1: Hike Chitaqua, shop around Pearl street, dinner at the Dushanbae Tea House Day 2: rock climbing in clear creek canyon Day 3: GROOV3 dance class taught by me, concert at Red Rocks Day 4: outdoor events at City park, dinner at Safta Day 5-7: mountain trip to Steamboat or Aspen with hiking, hot springs, and good food

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people and organizations to give love to! To name one, I will shout out to Rachel Gerlach at Nutrition Works of Colorado. I appreciate her for her dedication to supporting our community through coaching and functional medicine, for her faith in me as a coach, and for her continued support!

Website: www.abundanceintegrative.com
Instagram: @abundance_wellnesscoach
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leslieconzemius

Image Credits
Jenny Smiley Photography Claudio Robles