How I became the type of person who can stick with challenges through all the inevitable ups and downs — The other day, my friend gave me one of the biggest compliments of my life: “Krista, you’re one of the grittiest people I know.” My friend, who also happens to be a psychologist, knows a thing or two about grit, the term coined by Angela Duckworth that means passion and…

There may be more to rest and relaxation than you realize — “Honestly, I’m burnt out. I know I need to take more time off,” I grumbled to my therapist on a recent Zoom appointment, “but I don’t like to rest. It feels like a waste of time.” Before he could get a word in, I proceeded to spout off a list…

If your social media feed is anything like mine, it’s filled with advice for weathering out times of uncertainty. Everyone I know seems to be going through something right now, whether they’re questioning their career, relationship, or general life direction. …

I’ve been a fitness industry professional for over a decade, and I see this pattern happen again and again. It breaks my heart every time for one main reason: it just doesn’t have to be this way. — I see it happen every year: an influx of new members arrive at the gym on January 1st, only to disappear again by the end of the month. Maybe it’s even happened to you: you start the year full of motivation, determined that this is the year you’re finally going…

“A certain naïveté is prerequisite to all learning. A certain optimism is prerequisite to all action.” — George Leonard Beginning a new learning journey can be exciting. Beginnings are full of hope and possibilities. Starting something new can give us a glimpse of what could be if we stick with…

The other day, after jiu-jitsu class, one of the instructors sat us down in a circle for a post-class discussion. It was a hot, humid day in Los Angeles, and there wasn’t a dry gi, the term for the standard jiu-jitsu uniform, in the room. “I know you’re all eager…

The other day, I posted a screenshot of my Oura ring data on social media. I do this sometimes to be transparent and show that as a fitness coach, I follow my own advice. I’d had a reasonably active day, skateboarding, playing basketball, and running sprints, not to mention taking…

I “discovered” fitness after college. I’m grateful that I did because I’m not sure I’d be here to write this today if I hadn’t. I was a depressed and chronically anxious kid, and fitness gave me an outlet to deal with my rocky emotions. Working out gave me something to…

I woke up in a bad mood every day last week. That’s not normal for me — I love mornings and usually can’t wait to start my day. But every few months, like clockwork, I become a little less enthusiastic about getting out of bed in the morning. Even as…