SISTER PROFILE: HEIDI AXELROD

Health and Vigor of Body: An Alumna’s Journey to Wellness

Heidi Axelrod, Delta Xi-Arizona State University, built a career helping women find wellness. Her nearly two decades as a fitness professional, include operating her own business—Over 40 Personal Training—inspired by her health struggles.

“I know what it feels like to not be comfortable in your own skin,” Heidi said. “I feel drawn to helping others find out what it feels like to feel good about yourself again.”

Heidi began what she refers to as her “second life” shortly after turning 40. Flipping through pictures from her birthday celebration, Heidi didn’t like what she saw. However, what prompted her to take action was not her appearance; it was the physical discomfort she felt while sitting on the floor with her son during a one-hour speech therapy appointment.

“The fact that I was having trouble doing that was very eye-opening to me,” Heidi said. “I wanted to be able to be on the floor and play with my son.”

Heidi began with small changes. She started with a regular yoga practice, which then inspired her to pursue certification as a yoga instructor. During training, Heidi met a woman who managed her own boot camp program and encouraged Heidi to expand her practice beyond yoga. Although Heidi had never participated in an exercise program that involved pushups and weights, in the spirit of her newly adopted mindset of embrancing change she decided to give it a try. The program proved to be a profound source of community and motivation for her.

“Working with others really helped me to build accountability,” Heidi said. “I wasn’t just showing up for myself.”

With her newfound support, Heidi grew stronger—physically and mentally. Bolstered by her developing self-confidence, Heidi embraced opportunity again two years later. She became a certified strength trainer and, after co-leading the boot camp program for seven years, opened her own strength training business. Heidi now helps women at different phases of their lives—from their 40s to 80s—find the strength and support they need to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

“I know the work it takes, but I also have perspective from being on the other side and seeing how my life has changed and opened up,” Heidi said. “I enjoy helping others to experience what it feels like to feel good about yourself again.”

Heidi encourages her clients to start small: pick one or two lifestyle changes to focus on. Micro-goals help make overall change more manageable, she explains. Asking for help is also critical. That’s where Heidi and other fitness and lifestyle coaches come in.

“We sometimes think of trainers as luxuries, but really it’s no different than hiring an accountant to do your taxes,” she said. “We need professionals to help get us started. Some clients I have seen consistently for 17 years, but others I have just helped give the tools they need to learn about nutrition and exercising safely, and I’ve sent them on their way.”

Whether it’s starting an exercise program or simply setting the goal of walking to the mailbox and back, the point is to get started.

“No matter your age, set the goal just to move a little more each day because movement and energy begets energy,” she said. “When we feel like nothing is left in our tank, it’s probably because we are not moving enough. Keeping moving and those repetitive movements will build a foundation for health that you will reap benefits from 20 years from now.

Learn more about Heidi’s story and how to make a healthy lifestyle change at heidiaxelrod.com

By Beth Harnett Jager, Delta Tau–Chapman University

Beth is a writer and scholar living in Southern California. She is the proud mom of two and serves on the board of the Orange County Alumnae Chapter.