Erika Luren MA, MS, NP is making waves in the realm of anti-aging and wellness with her innovative approach and extensive expertise. With a rich background spanning 14 years in dermatology and aesthetics, Erika is well-equipped to tackle a myriad of skin issues and reverse the signs of aging while also focusing on hormone balance to promote a vibrant, youthful, and energetic lifestyle.

As a mother, entrepreneur, and influential figure in the anti-aging community, Erika is dedicated to "Bringing Sexy Back" through a comprehensive, holistic, and medically-driven approach to looking and feeling one's best. Drawing on her depth of experience and training as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in dermatology, she embarked on a visionary journey to establish her own business, The Parasol Companies.

Recognizing the surging demand for hormone optimization clinics, Erika seized the opportunity to create a conglomerate of businesses under The Parasol Companies umbrella. These entities cater to various aspects of wellness, anti-aging medicine, aesthetic treatments, skincare solutions, telemedicine, urgent care, and professional training in aesthetics.

In addition to their comprehensive in-clinic services, The Parasol Companies also provides an accessible solution for maintaining youthful skin or addressing texture and tone concerns through their high-potency yet affordable anti-aging skincare line available at parasolderm.com.

Erika's personal journey, marked by life struggles and courageous decisions to take control of her life, serves as an inspiring narrative that resonates with individuals seeking to elevate their own lives. Whether you're an aging athlete striving to maintain peak performance or simply someone yearning to feel your best, Erika Luren and The Parasol Companies offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap to achieving optimal well-being.

Growing up, the clang of weight plates and the steady rhythm of a treadmill weren't just background noise—they were the heartbeat of my home. It's that same familial passion for fitness that fuels today's conversation with Adam, as we uncover the roots of our gym obsessions and the powerful influence of our childhood idols. From the bench press memories with his father to the pulsing energy of a packed gym floor, Adam and I swap tales of transformation, coaching dynamics, and the emotional investment that forges iron-willed athletes and unwavering coaches. This episode is a tapestry of personal triumphs and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. We celebrate the resilience of a former athlete turned bodybuilder, reflecting on the hurdles of health setbacks and weight struggles, and how they sculpted their path to success. Nutrition's pivotal role takes center stage as we join forces with dietitians to map out the road to the competitive spotlight. And in the age of the digital coach, we offer a peek behind the curtain of "See You Later, Leaner," where virtual coaching teams are revolutionizing the way we achieve our leanest selves, whether for the stage or life's milestones. As we wrap up, the raw intensity of competition comes into sharp focus. We share the behind-the-scenes strategies that shape champions in the drug-free bodybuilding realm and the meticulous dance of hormones and health management. The episode also strips back the layers on the emotional rollercoasters faced by clients, particularly women, as they navigate the highs and lows of hormone therapies. It’s here, in these stories of managing expectations and fostering deep connections, that we find the true strength of the client-coach relationship—a force that propels us beyond the gym walls and into the very essence of what it means to conquer not just the body, but the spirit. Join us for a powerful exploration of the human element in the relentless pursuit of fitness perfection. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:00) - Fitness Journey With Giovanni and Adam (0:05:13) - From Athlete to Bodybuilder (0:09:35) - Fitness Journey and Nutritional Coaching (0:15:32) - Bikini Competition Coaching and Strategies (0:29:19) - Success in Drug-Free Bodybuilding Competitions (0:40:07) - Optimizing Training and Health Through Cardio (0:47:24) - Managing Dosages and Emotional Rollercoasters (0:54:38) - Client Relationships and Coaching Strategies (0:59:08) - Coaching and Competition in Bodybuilding

Real Prep Meal Prep: https://realprepmealprep.net/ When Sara first dipped her toes into the world of competitive swimming, little did she know that the challenges of Achilles tendon issues would forge the path to her becoming a fitness trailblazer. As a beacon of hope for mothers balancing personal health with the demands of parenthood, Sara's journey from an overweight young mom to a fitness enthusiast is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Her story, detailed in our latest podcast episode, is a celebration of persistence and adaptation, and it's sure to resonate with anyone who's faced their own set of hurdles on the road to wellbeing. Transformative journeys often spark the brightest of ideas, and my own path from injury to the competitive bodybuilding stage led to the birth of Serotonin Athletics. But starting a business is more than just a leap of faith; it's about the gritty details of meal prep, nutrition coaching, and the balancing act of providing affordable yet quality health food. This episode peels back the curtain on how a single mom turned a side hustle into a thriving enterprise, all while juggling the roles of entrepreneur, mentor, and parent. Listen in for a behind-the-scenes taste of our menu creation process, protein selection, and how we cater to various dietary needs without breaking the bank. Rounding out our heartfelt exchange, we zoom in on the strategies that help a family business flourish. It’s a candid look at the importance of involving family, particularly how my young son is learning the ropes and making strides in our family venture. We also tackle the nuances of effective marketing and networking within the health and wellness community, sharing lessons learned from entrepreneurship and personal growth. By the end of our discussion, not only will you be armed with actionable insights, but you'll also be invigorated to pursue your passions, whether that's in fitness, business, or both. --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0:00:01) - Fitness Journey of Sara (0:11:58) - Facing Challenges and Creating Success (0:20:22) - From Trainer to Meal Prepper (0:30:15) - Menu Sampling and Protein Selection (0:40:55) - Real Prep Meal Prep Niche Focus (0:53:36) - Starting a Meal Prep Business (1:04:02) - Leading by Example in Family Business (1:08:39) - Business Networking and Meal Prep Marketing (1:20:58) - Empowering Single Moms Through Passion