Gymnastics Lessons: Movement, Resilience, and Career Reinvention with Mia Lazarewicz

Gymnastics Lessons: Movement, Resilience, and Career Reinvention with Mia Lazarewicz

Discover Mia Lazarewicz's inspiring journey from childhood gymnastics to becoming a competitor on American Ninja Warrior and a passionate personal trainer. In this episode, Mia shares candid insights on training, certifications, the nuances of gymnastics and ninja, and keys to effective communication in coaching.

Key Topics

The story behind Mia's diverse athletic background, including gymnastics and Ninja Warrior

The meaning and story behind Mia's playful certification "Certified F***ing Badass" (CFB)

Insights into the crossover skills between gymnastics, ninja, parkour, and climbing

Practical advice for incorporating weight training, kettlebells in particular, for gymnasts and young athletes

The importance of effective communication in coaching kids and adults

Debunking myths around weightlifting and muscle bulk in youth training

The beauty and challenge of mastering skills like vaults, dismounts, and the mental blocks in gymnastics

Mia's experiences on American Ninja Warrior and what it teaches about mindset and living in the moment

Recommendations for expanding your knowledge with books on neurology and the body-mind connection

Timestamps

00:00 - The correct pronunciation of Lazarevich and Mia's diverse athletic background

02:14 - The story behind Mia's unconventional certification "CFB" and its significance

05:42 - Discussions on the real value of certifications versus actual ability

08:15 - How Mia got into gymnastics and her accidental journey into personal training

12:41 - The repeated comebacks in gymnastics and what drives persistent passion

20:23 - Insights from Mia's seasons on American Ninja Warrior and the thrill of the competition

23:56 - Comparing Ninja obstacles with gymnastics skills and cross-training tips

28:22 - Starting strength training for gymnasts—why kettlebells are a smart choice

32:45 - The critical role of movement patterns and how to teach proper hip hinging

36:21 - The transferability of kettlebell swings to gymnastics and athletic power

40:32 - Myths about muscle bulk from weightlifting and the truth about building strength

42:50 - Review of Mia's book and key takeaways on communication and client interaction

47:44 - How to handle coaching kids versus adults with patience and clarity

55:23 - Gender stereotypes in childhood sports and the importance of encouragement

58:56 - Mia's recent shift in perspective on walking as a vital form of exercise

61:52 - Recommended books on neurology, neuroplasticity, and the mind-body connection

66:50 - The fascinating neural phenomena of phantom limbs and brain maps

69:48 - How athletic observation and gymnastics aid in understanding human movement

73:30 - The need for better gymnastics commentary to educate viewers

74:24 - Ways to connect with Mia and her resources for fitness and coaching

Resources & Links

TrainWithMia.com

Instagram: @thebossiraptor

Becoming a Personal Trainer (Book)