About the YSYL Team

Cara

Hi, I’m Cara. Not unlike most of you, I have spent most of my adult life trying to figure out the best way to be healthy and fit. I have spent thousands of dollars on a variety of workout programs, eating regimens, trying the rainbow assortment of supplements and so-called “quick fixes”.

For many years I thought exercise was the key.  I trained for a half marathon (I ran 3 of them in a month), I worked out 6 days a week, I tried well-known programs but saw little change in my physical appearance.  Though I was incredibly active, I was not changing the fuel I was giving my body. I realized then, the saying “abs are made in the kitchen” was a truth for me.

This journey will be one that continues to ebb and flow. I have found that living with balance is what is most important for my shape and most importantly my life.  I am constantly striving to find the best ways to feel my best and live with purpose. I wouldn’t call myself an expert in all things with diet, nutrition and exercise, but I am definitely a case study and love sharing the best of what is learned in the process.

Danielle

Hi, I am Danielle, a fitness enthusiast, and mother of two. I grew up in a large and close-knit family. My childhood memories are filled with laughter and play. I wish to offer the same magical experience to my (and all) children, and I see a healthy lifestyle as the cornerstone for that.

My career entails a busy schedule with challenging tasks. Since I work in management, there are always people depending on me to be on my A-game. However, this is not easy. Now, coming home to my children, I also want to offer them my best self. Leading a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and plenty of exercise has helped me decrease stress, stay healthy and emotionally stable.

It is never too soon to start living healthy. By familiarizing our children with the concepts and practices of a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle, we make their life journey easier. However, it is best to keep things easy and fun; you wouldn’t want them to associate this with homework. I plan games and other fun activities with my kids that are somehow linked to a healthy lifestyle or sustainable living. One day it can be related to nutrition, the next day to fitness, then recycling, and so on. There are plenty of topics to keep busy.

Jessica

Hi there, my name is Jessica, and I am a professional fitness trainer. This was not my first or only career choice, but I somehow drifted into fitness. I started in hospitality as a waitress at some of the top hotel chains. Although I could afford a comfortable life for myself, the hours and workload were too much for me in the long run. I had no time or energy to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Therefore, I decided to switch careers and try to follow my passion for fitness. I signed up for courses, and soon I got hired. Slowly this became more than just another job, it turned into a lifestyle. Now I am happy on and off work, and I am eager to guide others towards their path. Sometimes we need to stay open to change and new opportunities.

I believe that my years in hospitality help me have an in-depth understanding of nutrition and client service. What and how we eat is an essential part of fitness. We must ensure that our body receives the right nutrients to manage the exercise routine. I offer my clients a personalized workout program and nutrition tips to make the most of their experience. I am always happy to share my knowledge and experience with anyone interested in bettering their self and body.

James

My name is James, and I am a chef who is passionate about creating delicious healthy food. As a child of a medium to a low-income family, I did not always have access to healthy food. I started to develop a keen interest for cooking and nutrition and turned this into my career. As an adult, I wanted to help make healthy food more accessible, affordable, and delicious. A good diet should not only be reserved for the elites, everybody should have direct access to it.

Over the years, I have worked with numerous NGOs to help disadvantaged communities across the US. While they have in-depth knowledge of the system and infrastructure, I bring my expertise of the food industry. Through my personal experience, I have learned that healthy meals do not have to be expensive or time-consuming.

I love to get creative when preparing dishes and find new ways to combine ingredients for a budget-friendly and finger-licking good meal. It brings me additional joy to teach others how to prepare savory home-cooked dishes that are good for the body and the soul. I offer simple instructions sprinkled with easy tips and tricks that make learning fun and easy.

Troy

Hello, I am Troy, a tech and fitness enthusiast. Ever since I was a child, I had a deep curiosity about how devices work. I often broke down house appliances only to reassemble them. To my parents’ frustration, I was not always successful in my endeavors. However, as time passed, my success rate also grew.

I decided to get an education in the domain. During my studies, I received a scholarship to study a year abroad in Beijing. Being immersed in a different culture was an enlightening experience. During my semester away, I really got into jogging. Naturally, I started to explore apps and devices that could enhance the experience for me. This is how I started focusing on sports technology.

These tools can truly elevate your training, regardless of your domain of activity, by offering valuable information on your body and performance. You can use the data to adjust your current training course, to compare past and future performances, and so much more. Currently, I offer consultancy services for companies in designing products that can revolutionize the fitness industry. Also, I closely follow product launches, and I eagerly test and review the latest that sports technology has to offer.