Fitness Enthusiast Builds Empire

During the March 2020 lockdown, fitness influencer Courtney Black began home workout routines, aiming to stay healthy.

She is now famously recognized as the "home workout queen," having made a significant impact in the fitness industry by motivating countless followers with her energetic health and fitness approach.

With 826K followers on Instagram and 130.4K on TikTok, Courtney has established a strong community advocating for self-love, body positivity, and balanced nutrition.

In an interview with City Times, Courtney discusses her evolution from a social media fitness trainer to a successful entrepreneur, overcoming personal challenges with eating disorders, and her belief in making fitness accessible to all.

She also shares her perspective on achieving optimal health and happiness through fitness, promoting a positive relationship with food, and what participants can anticipate from her invigorating workout session at the Dubai Active Show.

Courtney will headline the Dubai Active Show, from October 25 to 27 at Expo City, marking the commencement of the Dubai Fitness Challenge. Here are highlights from the interview:

You've gained the title 'home workout queen.' What prompted you to focus on home workouts, and how did you build a dedicated following around it?

My home workouts originated during the March 2020 lockdown in the UK. With everyone confined indoors and minimal equipment available, it was a challenging and uncertain period.

I've always been passionate about health and fitness, having invested all my savings in launching a gym-based fitness app weeks before the lockdown.

Having never engaged in home workouts before, I needed motivation to keep fit.

I began doing daily live workouts on Instagram, which quickly gained popularity, culminating in reaching 30,000 live viewers one day.

We shared a common goal of staying fit and managing our mental health during those trying times.

For about six months, I offered these sessions for free until we adapted my app to focus on home workouts. My app is inclusive of all ages and abilities, supporting those who are busy or beginners.

Our community thrives on making fitness accessible, empowering everyone to achieve their healthiest and happiest selves.

What's your approach to creating the healthiest and happiest version of oneself through fitness?

Consistency and self-commitment are key. Fitness offers more than physical benefits; it significantly enhances mental well-being, reduces stress, and promotes self-care, making us feel incredible from the inside out.

You don't need a fancy gym membership or equipment to be healthy. A workout mat, a bit of space, and our supportive community are all you need.

Your story of overcoming eating disorders has inspired many. How did you find balance in your relationship with food, and what advice would you give to those struggling?

Balance is essential. I once believed that being healthy meant consuming the lowest-calorie foods at all times, but that's not true. A sustainable diet requires balance, allowing for socializing, dining out, and taking rest days.

What principles do you follow to maintain balanced nutrition without restrictive habits?

Restricting leads to stronger cravings. I maintain a balanced diet, enjoying the foods I love in moderation. If I'm in a calorie deficit, I ensure that I include my favorite foods.

I avoid cheat days and focus on balance, nourishing my body with healthy foods throughout the week.

How has self-love and body positivity transformed your approach to health and fitness?

I no longer view exercise as punishment. I celebrate my body's capabilities, enjoying dynamic workouts that make me feel fit and strong.

What practices or mindset shifts would you suggest for improving body image and confidence?

Confidence stems from self-treatment and inner dialogue. Negative self-talk prevents happiness.

Daily effort and practice in self-love are crucial. Nourish your body as fuel for goals, not by scale numbers. Surround yourself with uplifting people and remove negative influences, even online.

Remember, being yourself is your superpower.

You've transitioned from trainer to multimillionaire with a successful fitness app. What pivotal moments led to creating the Courtney Black app?

A turning point came when I embraced authenticity alongside coaching. Genuine self-representation resonated with audiences, fostering trust and success.

What challenges have you faced scaling your brand, and how did you overcome them?

Plans don't always work out. I've wasted resources on advertising and new projects, but each attempt is a learning experience.

What can attendees expect from your workout session at the Dubai Active Show, and how will you engage with them?

Expect fun, high-energy, and intense workouts. I challenge attendees beyond their comfort zones, ensuring they leave feeling accomplished with HIIT, full-body combos, and a Pilates finisher.

What excites you about participating in the Dubai Active Show, and what message do you want to impart?

Community is central to my work. I cherish meeting like-minded individuals globally, sharing journeys, and fostering positivity. I hope attendees leave believing they can achieve anything.

Source: khaleejtimes

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.