Hidden Gems: Meet Leigh Sterrett of Red Bird Vitality

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Sterrett

Hi Leigh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my journey in the health and wellness industry in 2002 as a personal trainer. Although I enjoyed a successful and fulfilling 21 year career, I felt like there was something else I was supposed to be doing. Physical movement and some form of resistance training is imperative for your health so my thoughts on the importance of that have in no way changed! I just felt a nudge to expand into something other aspect of helping others live a healthy and vibrant life. I just wasn’t sure what that something was.

Covid hit and not only did it take a toll on our physical health, but also on our mental health. Seeing the decline in mental health among all age groups, especially our young people is what inspired me to transition my business from one of physical fitness to mental fitness. In addition, I started my own meditation practice a couple of years ago and found it to be life changing! This is coming from someone who never had interest in meditation! I thought it was woo woo and wasn’t going to waste my time with it. However, I knew it played a role in stress management, so decided to develop a more open mind and explore it. This was one of my better decisions in life! Meditation has helped me tremendously when it comes to handling stress and viewing the world through a different set of lens.

I pursued a couple of certifications in order to improve my skill set with regards to becoming a meditation instructor and stress management coach. One of those being through the HeartMath Institute. I also use my knowledge from my personal training days to help others deal with stress and guide them on their journey to internal peace and happiness. This has led me to my current role as a guided meditation and stress management coach.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! It is an ongoing challenge, but I strongly feel it is much needed in todays world. I have found the challenge of people thinking they can’t meditate because they can’t not think is one of the biggest struggles. There are other misconceptions about meditation as well, but the consistent story I hear is that people are intimidated by it because they think they can’t do it and it won’t work for them. However, I am that voice that says you can do it! I used to have that same mindset and if I can flip the switch, anyone can!

Another obstacle around stress is that I have found there is a misconception that this is just the way life is, stressful! Yes, there are stressful events, but we are not supposed to live in a state of chronic stress. Stress is the root cause of disease! It throws our bodies out of balance and if we don’t learn how to bring ourselves back into a state of homeostasis, it will make us sick!

We’ve been impressed with Red Bird Vitality, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I chose the name Red Bird because of the red bird’s association with life force, passion and vitality of the soul. The red bird also represents confidence, strength and loyalty. It is a bird that does not migrate and stays present all 12 months reminding us that we can stay present all 12 months as well; therefore, renewing our physical and mental health, offering hope, at any time throughout the year.

I started Red Bird Vitality in 2017 first as a personal training and health coaching studio. However, due to the rise in mental health issues and seeing how lives were being negatively impacted by stress, anxiety and depression, I made the decision to transition my business and the studio into a place where people could come to help build resilience with regards to mental health.

Red Bird Vitality specializes in stress management and guided meditation. Stress cannot be avoided and we all have it! It’s about learning how to respond and handle stress as opposed to reacting to it and allowing it to handle you! We do this by offering guided meditation classes, stress management coaching for individuals and groups, and transformational workshops. Our goal is to help you manage your thoughts and emotions, build resilience and live more fully in the present moment. We offer a serene and welcoming environment dedicated to soothing the mind and providing a sanctuary for individuals seeking respite from daily stresses. Just like the red cardinal is said to bring messages of hope and renewal, Red Bird Vitality strives to empower individuals to live their best lives and unlock their full potential.

In addition to working with individuals, Red Bird Vitality also offers services within organizations and corporations. We are glad to work on site to assist with work related stress management issues through programs designed to manage stress which in turn makes for more efficient, productive and happier employees. Research has shown that happier, less stressed employees have a direct impact on company morale and provides a more positive work environment.

We are dedicated to helping individuals deal with stress. That is our one and only focus! Stress related services can be found at other clinics and studios, but it’s usually an accessory to their primary business. We pride ourselves in making this our primary and only business. Their are no lengthy forms or insurance related requirements to slow down the process in assisting you with your mental fitness needs!

Regardless of whether we are working with individuals in or out of the studio, our mission is to provide stress management solutions that help cultivate a deeper sense of healing, purpose, peace and joy from within themselves.

Pricing:

• Varies depending on needs. Please visit website.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redbirdvitality.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redbirdvitality
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064812739317