Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Rakowitz.
Cindy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up with next to nothing in Queens, New York, I made it my business to excel academically. During the seventies
and eighties, a decent college education along with speedy and accurate “typing” skills guaranteed entry level jobs.
Always attracted to the advertising industry, I landed my first job at WOR-TV’s sales department. Having no fear, I told the
TV station’s General Manager that I wanted to transition to the Public Relations department–and my wish was granted.
This was the beginning of my entertainment industry journey, where I ultimately became the Vice President of Public
Relations and Promotion for Playboy Enterprises. I worked closely with both Hugh M. Hefner and Christie Hefner. The
company moved me from New York City to Los Angeles.
After 30 years in the industry, I partnered with my best friend Diane Blackman forming BR Public Relations where I mostly
handled crisis mitigation. This led to the publication of my book : Emergency Public Relations in a 3.0 World which is still
used in business schools today. During this time, I began working off stress through cardio-kickboxing and I REALLY got
into it! After receiving my initial certification as a group fitness instructor, I founded a non-profit organization called Fit 4
The Cause. Its mission: providing diverse fitness programs for disparaged communities–70 percent of which were low-
income. This is my proudest accomplishment as it still runs today under new leadership. Although I recently moved to
the research triangle area, I now teach Fit 4 The Cause classes via Zoom.
The loss of my husband and co-pilot to pancreatic cancer prompted my move to the triangle area since my daughter and
son-in-law live in Durham.
Loving fitness, I auditioned at 02 Fitness and Jewish Community Center and have been working at each gym for 2 years.
I’ve also launched Brain, Body & Business Health where I train personal clients. In 2023, I completed an in-depth course
training from American Council on Exercise in Senior Functional Fitness and Brain Health Training. This certification along
with Therapeutic Exercise, Yoga, Zumba, Zumba Gold and Zumba Kids provides the credentials necessary to work with
all-inclusive populations. It keeps me very busy in the research triangle area.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Corporate life was very stressful. After three decades, I knew I had to start thinking about a “retirement career”. I love the
playing the role of the passionate senior fitness poster lady. Also, founding and building a nonprofit organization was
stressful. It mirrored my corporate years. With a very low salary, I ran the board of directors, created programs, promoted,
fund-raised, managed part-time employees, motivated volunteers and submitted hundreds of grant applications. The pay
off was more opportunities to teach. I LOVE TEACHING!
It was also a challenge transitioning from California business (where I knew everyone) to North Carolina business where
I’m still building communities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I couldn’t pick just one since my career covered each category.
My long-term corporate experience is always admired especially with my high visibility.
When people research me online they are blown away by my accomplishments. They know I’m the “real deal”.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Whereas AI is a threat to many jobs, there will still be a strong need for personal trainers and group fitness instructors.
A trainer needs to personally engage with their clients and correct form for improvement and risk mitigation.
In group fitness, people come in person to engage with other participants. During the pandemic, when all groups went
digital, people missed the mass endorphin fests at the gym.
With populations living longer, there will always be a need for licensed senior fitness and brain health trainers.
Pricing:
- Personal Training is $100 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brainbodybizhealth.com
- Instagram: @passionate_fitness_coach, @brainbodybizhealth
- Facebook: Cindy Rakowitz; Fit 4 The Cause, Brain Body Biz Health
- LinkedIn: Cindy Rakowitz
- Youtube: Fit4theCause611
