Elisabeth’s work at 13th Flow is informed by her 15 years as a competitive gymnast, five consecutive appearances in the world-wide CrossFit Games (2011-2015), and competing nationally as an Olympic-style Weightlifter. Elisabeth is a Certified Personal Trainer and
Nutrition Coach. She completed her Master’s degree at the University of Chicago School of Social Administration as a McCormick Tribune Fellow in Urban & Community Leadership.

Elisabeth created the On Balance Seminar to share effective training+life philosophies and practices with people around the globe. On Balance Seminars have since been hosted across the US, the Caribbean and Central America.

What inspired you to start your fitness journey?

I was inspired to start my fitness journey really out of necessity. I spent my youth involved in sports and my teen years were a cycle of injuries and surgeries. By the time I reached nineteen years old I had left my college athletic dreams behind, I left school, was no longer participating in sports, I’d had seven knee surgeries, my leg was incredibly weak. I was at a transitional moment and rebuilding my life. The blessing was that through my rehab experiences and the athletic trainer at my college I had been introduced to weight training. I wasn’t quite sure what the path forward would be, but it was very clear to me that getting stronger was a must.

I lived a few blocks from a typical chain gym. I bought a membership and with the little bit of knowledge I had, I started my journey learning more about weight training and fitness. This was a long time ago when there weren’t very many women in the weightroom. Over time I made friends at the gym and learned from those training partners, as well as from books and magazines. I fell in love with the way I was able to improve how my body felt and how I felt in my body through training, and I’ve just never stopped.

How do you make your workouts fun and enjoyable?

I make my workouts fun and enjoyable by including skill development in my training. Working on building the skill and strength to perform more technical or athletic movements (like snatches or handstands) helps me stay engaged and challenged. Working out in a group setting is also a key way that I keep my workouts fun. I also love a good playlist!

What’s your favorite way to unwind and recover after an intense workout?

My favorite way to unwind after an intense workout is a hot shower, cozy clothes, a few sprays of Otella Relax Cooling Body Spray, and a good book or even a nap when I can.

What’s a fitness myth you wish people would stop believing?

A fitness myth I wish people would stop believing is that you can make your body look any way you want if only you have enough discipline. We’re each dealing with our own unique genetics and life circumstances. There’s no catalog to simply choose a body from and we tend to really objectify bodies, “I want her abs,” “I want his calves.” Long lasting, sustainable fitness is built on finding a deeper meaning and connection to what you’re doing, and that includes a compassionate, caring relationship with yourself beyond objectification.

 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their fitness journey?

One piece of advice that I’d give to someone just starting in their fitness journey is to adopt your training practices as part of your life for the long haul. Forever, in fact. Training can be so much fun and so enjoyable, but also sometimes it’s just something that needs to be done, and that’s ok too. There will be many ups and downs as you grow through different phases in your life. Fitness can be part of all those ups and downs, and if you are mindful and intentional you’ll build the skills and self-knowledge to be able to adapt and adjust, not give up.

 Connect with Elisabeth at www.akinwalelifestyle.com or
on Instagram at @eakinwale