Globally, health coaching is becoming more and more popular, but in places like South Africa, it is still relatively new. If anything, though, health coaches who were able to shift their services online consider the COVID outbreak a gift in disguise. One such health coach who was heavily involved in the CrossFit community is Esté Bell. She now provides online and in-person coaching. She was able to expand her clientele internationally and get visibility because more individuals are using social media.
Born and reared in South Africa’s Gauteng area, Esté excelled in athletics from an early age and had a passion for sports. She joined the South African Army after graduating from high school and served a year at the South African Army Women’s College (SAAWCOL) as a volunteer. After that, she continued her studies at Tshwane University of Technology, where she focused on veterinary technology.
Esté’s Path to Personal and Professional Fulfillment
Esté committed herself to her career as a Veterinary Technologist at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory in Onderstepoort for the ensuing ten years. She also achieved personal milestones during this time, getting married to her longtime partner and giving birth to twin girls via infertility.
Later, Esté decided to leave the laboratory and start her own business with her spouse in an effort to find a balance between her personal and professional lives. She assumed responsibility for running their company’s administrative operations while continuing to pursue her passion for spinning and aerobics.
With an insatiable curiosity, Esté sought several nutrition qualifications, progressively turning her attention to holistic health. Simultaneously, she learned about the advantages of CrossFit and its effect on muscular growth, especially for women who were getting close to middle age.
Esté persevered and remained dedicated to her wellbeing in spite of enduring personal difficulties, such as going through the perimenopausal stage and managing a failing marriage to an alcoholic. Her present outlook on life and work was shaped by these events, which highlighted the significance of giving sleep, stress management, and recuperation first priority.
Esté’s journey now serves as evidence of her tenacity, flexibility, and commitment to self-improvement. She never stops inspiring others with her all-encompassing approach to fitness and wellness, which emphasizes the connection between mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
A Journey to Sustainable Wellness
From her late teens well into her thirties, Esté struggled with problematic eating behaviors. This struggle was made worse by an early twenties diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Despite her dedication to exercise, she has found it more difficult over time to maintain her body weight, which has exacerbated her already tense connection with food and negatively impacted her general health.
Seeking solutions, Esté immersed herself in research, devouring countless articles, magazines, and books on weight loss. However, she soon realized that much of the information she encountered offered similar advice and recommendations regarding dietary choices. Intrigued by this realization, she delved into the realm of nutrition certifications, embarking on a journey of self-coaching that would ultimately lead to a remarkable transformation in her health and physique.
Through her arduous journey, Esté gleaned a profound insight: that success in achieving health and fitness goals is fundamentally rooted in habit formation. Armed with this understanding, she diligently cultivated and reinforced positive habits, gradually steering herself towards a complete transformation of her health and body.
For Esté, this transformative experience underscored the pivotal role of habit formation in achieving sustainable results. Recognizing the overwhelming abundance of information available online, she endeavors to empower her clients with knowledge, motivation, and inspiration to cultivate healthier habits for long-term success.
Her method is based on the ideas of holistic health, which acknowledges the connection between the body, mind, and spirit. Esté hopes to help her clients achieve long-lasting change by promoting a holistic approach to wellbeing and empowering them to confidently and clearly navigate the difficult worlds of nutrition and health.
Harmonizing Professional Excellence and Personal Fulfillment
When juggling the responsibilities of her career and her personal life, Esté takes a stance that is quite similar to the values she instills in her clients. She offers a number of tactics that, based on her personal experiences, have been crucial in preserving a healthy balance:
- Establishing Clear Boundaries: Esté highlights how important it is to draw boundaries between her work obligations and personal time so that each receives the time and attention it requires.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Recognizing the significance of self-care, she prioritizes regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and mindfulness practices, understanding that nurturing her well-being is essential for both personal fulfillment and professional success.
- Embracing Flexibility: Leveraging the inherent flexibility of her profession, Esté organizes her schedule in a manner that accommodates the ebb and flow of her personal life, allowing for adjustments as circumstances dictate.
- Nurturing Relationships: Having learned valuable lessons from past experiences, particularly her previous marriage, Esté emphasizes the importance of investing time and effort into fostering meaningful connections with loved ones. She and her partner prioritize mutual support, respect, and understanding, recognizing the profound impact of maintaining healthy relationships on overall well-being.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning: Ever the advocate for personal and professional growth, Esté remains actively engaged in staying abreast of advancements in her field. By embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, she ensures that her practice remains dynamic and relevant, thus enriching her ability to serve her clients effectively.
- Reflection and Adaptation: Regularly engaging in introspection, Esté reflects on her work-life balance and proactively adjusts her approach as needed. She acknowledges that evolving needs and priorities necessitate a flexible and responsive balance strategy.
- Seeking Support: Understanding the value of external guidance, Esté underscores the importance of seeking support from a coach or mentor. Whether within her professional domain or from a different vantage point, having a supportive network offers invaluable insights and perspectives for navigating life’s challenges.
Above all, Esté emphasizes that creating an atmosphere that fosters advancement and fulfillment in both areas of life—rather than aiming for perfection—is the key to striking a balance between professional goals and personal fulfillment.
Empowering Holistic Health
Driven by an unwavering passion for promoting holistic well-being, Esté’s business transcends the realm of mere service provision, advocating instead for a lifestyle that integrates physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are the key pillars that underscore her approach to business:
- Passion for Well-being: At the heart of Esté’s business is a genuine passion for comprehensive well-being. Rather than simply offering services, she champions a holistic lifestyle that encompasses all facets of health.
- Client-Centered Approach: Esté prioritizes a personalized approach to each client, recognizing that the journey to optimal health is unique for every individual. By tailoring her services to meet the specific needs and preferences of each client, she sets herself apart in the industry.
- Educational Empowerment: Central to Esté’s business philosophy is the belief in empowering clients through education. By providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their health, she cultivates loyalty and generates word-of-mouth referrals.
- Innovative Services: Committed to staying at the forefront of her field, Esté continuously evolves her services to incorporate the latest holistic practices and tools. This dedication to innovation ensures that her offerings remain relevant and effective for her clients.
- Sustainable Growth: Esté’s business model is built on sustainable growth, emphasizing the importance of nurturing long-term client relationships and fostering a sense of community around her brand.
- Diverse Revenue Streams: Esté diversifies her income by offering a range of services, including one-on-one coaching, both in-person and online, as well as creating blogs, articles, and digital content. This multifaceted approach not only provides a variety of services but also expands her reach and impact.
- Strategic Networking: Recognizing the power of collaboration, Esté actively cultivates a network of professionals and clients who share her values. This supportive community not only bolsters her business but also contributes to a collective mission of promoting holistic health.
- Marketing with Integrity: Esté’s marketing strategies are rooted in authenticity and integrity. Rather than resorting to deceptive tactics, she shares genuine stories and facts that resonate with her audience and align with the ethical standards of her profession. Honesty and transparency are the cornerstones of her marketing approach.
The Journey of a Middle-Aged Holistic Health Coach
As a female middle-aged holistic health and nutrition coach, Esté’s passion is a fusion of personal triumphs, professional dedication, and a commitment to empowering others. Her journey is marked by a series of challenges she has confronted and conquered, including disordered eating, PCOS, fertility treatments, a partial hysterectomy, chronic back spasms leading to functional scoliosis, and the emotional turmoil of divorce from an alcoholic spouse. Yet, amidst these trials, Esté emerged victorious, undergoing a remarkable transformation that culminated in her earning the overall Ms. Bikini Fitness title at her first competition at the age of 50. These experiences serve as the bedrock of her fervent desire to guide others on their wellness journeys.
Central to Esté’s coaching philosophy is the belief in addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach forms the cornerstone of her coaching practice, ensuring that her clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual needs and circumstances. Her passion for education drives her to equip her clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their nutrition and lifestyle. Witnessing the positive impact of her coaching on her clients’ lives fuels her determination to continue her mission.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to foster a sense of community and support, Esté endeavors to create a nurturing environment where healthy living is not just encouraged but celebrated. As a coach in her middle age, she is particularly attuned to the unique health concerns and challenges faced by clients in a similar stage of life. Her ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for her clients, empowering them to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives fueled by holistic wellness principles. Through her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment, Esté embodies the transformative power of holistic health coaching, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys toward well-being and vitality.
The Evolution of Health Coaching in the Digital Age
While health coaching is gradually gaining traction in South Africa, it remains a relatively unfamiliar concept to many. The term “Health Coach” is often associated with weight loss and fitness training, and there is limited recognition of holistic health within the broader population.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, it brought about unprecedented changes and challenges, including a heightened awareness of health and well-being. As a health coach actively engaged in the CrossFit community, Esté experienced a surge in inquiries regarding weight management and nutrition as lockdown measures were extended. This shift in focus prompted her to adapt her coaching approach, transitioning from in-person sessions to online platforms seamlessly.
In hindsight, the pandemic presented an unexpected opportunity for health coaches who were able to pivot their services online. With individuals spending more time on social media platforms and seeking virtual solutions to their health concerns, coaches like Esté were able to expand their reach beyond geographical boundaries. This increased visibility not only allowed for greater access to local clients but also opened doors to potential international clientele.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, it served as a catalyst for innovation and growth within the health coaching industry. By leveraging digital platforms and embracing new opportunities for outreach, health coaches have been able to connect with individuals seeking support for their holistic health journey, transcending the limitations of traditional borders and barriers.
Esté’s Journey of Growth and Transformation
Esté’s journey is marked by a unique fusion of strengths and qualities cultivated through continuous growth and self-improvement:
Her fervent passion for well-being and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on others’ lives serve as the driving force behind her endeavors. This enthusiasm imbues her interactions with clients, motivating and inspiring them to pursue their health goals.
Esté’s extraordinary capacity for empathetic and clear communication is at the heart of her strategy. When she shares information or offers support, she makes an effort to make sure that her comments strike a deep chord and inspire positive change.
With a profound understanding of clients’ emotions, challenges, and aspirations, Esté adeptly tailors her guidance to meet their individual needs. Her empathetic nature fosters a supportive environment conducive to holistic growth.
Adopting a comprehensive viewpoint, Esté acknowledges that health comprises not just physical wellness but also mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Her clients’ lives undergo significant adjustments thanks to this all-encompassing strategy.
Continual support is a cornerstone of Esté’s coaching philosophy. Through regular check-ins, progress assessments, and unwavering encouragement, she empowers her clients to maintain their commitment to positive change.
She is strong, but she also has a weakness: perfectionism. Even though it was only recently recognized as a flaw, Esté’s obsession with perfection is really a result of a chronic lack of self-assurance. Although aiming for perfection can lead to feelings of approval, it can also cause long-term stress, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, and ultimately burnout.
Averse to conflict, Esté’s inclination toward people-pleasing exacerbates the challenges posed by perfectionism. This dynamic, when coupled with her personal and professional pursuits, has at times strained her relationships and well-being.
Nevertheless, Esté underscores the paramount importance of cultivating self-acceptance and self-worth. By embracing her vulnerabilities as opportunities for growth and learning, she transforms her experiences into invaluable lessons that inform her journey of guiding and serving others.
Esté’s Journey to Wellness and Victory
In 2021, Esté had the privilege of serving as an official sponsor of the prestigious Mrs. South Africa Beauty Pageant, where she had the honor of coaching the reigning queen, the esteemed Thenjiwe Mdluli. Despite being initially unfamiliar with the pageant and fashion industry, Esté observed with admiration how the contestants skillfully balanced their businesses, family responsibilities, and the demands of the pageant within their limited time. This experience underscored the significance of holistic health—mind, body, and spirit—as she recognized that true well-being cannot be achieved if any aspect is neglected.
Esté was named an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, a renowned international digital publication that specializes in articles and exclusive interviews on personal development, leadership, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship, in addition to her engagement with the Mrs. South Africa Beauty Pageant. In addition, she writes a column for Expert Profile magazine, a prestigious international journal where professionals in the field discuss a variety of subjects from business and well-being to health, fitness, and lifestyle.
On a personal note, Esté has achieved remarkable milestones in her fitness journey over the past five years. Despite initial hesitation, she surprised herself by ranking thirteenth on the South African CrossFit rankings after participating in her first CrossFit Open at the age of 45. This achievement served as a testament to her dedication and determination in pursuing her fitness goals.
In celebration of her fiftieth birthday, Esté entered her first bikini competition and made her foray into the world of bodybuilding. She was shocked to learn that she was the overall Ms. Bikini winner. This achievement represented more than just winning a tournament; it also represented a personal victory over common preconceptions about menopause. Esté’s path to the stage demonstrated the possibilities for change and empowerment during menopause by demonstrating that women may reach their ideal physique and gain muscular mass even during this transitional era of life. Motivated by her steadfast dedication to health and well-being, Esté’s path inspires others by showing that menopause can be welcomed as a time of growth and vitality if the correct attitude and strategy are applied.
The Journey of a Middle-Aged Holistic Coach
When Esté looks back on her path, she sees the qualities that have fueled her success and had a big influence on her as a coach. She has developed a special set of attributes with age and experience that will make her an inspiration in 2024:
- Experience and Wisdom: Esté’s extensive years of experience have endowed her with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, making her a trusted guide in navigating the path to healthier lifestyles.
- Holistic Approach: In an era where individuals seek comprehensive solutions to their well-being, Esté’s holistic approach to health and nutrition has never been more relevant. By addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health, she provides a holistic framework for sustainable wellness.
- Adaptability: As a seasoned coach, Esté understands the importance of adaptability in leadership. She demonstrates the ability to pivot and evolve her coaching strategies to meet the evolving needs and circumstances of her clients.
- Empathy and Connection: Esté’s strong empathetic skills enable her to forge deep connections with her clients on a personal level. This capacity to understand and relate to others fosters meaningful relationships and impactful coaching experiences.
- Commitment to Service: Esté’s unwavering dedication to helping others achieve their health goals reflects her profound commitment to service. Her altruistic endeavors positively impact not only her clients but also the broader community she serves.
- Influence and Inspiration: Through her work and personal example, Esté serves as a beacon of inspiration, motivating others to embark on their journey toward positive change. Her influence extends beyond her immediate clients, as she advocates for holistic health practices within the community.
- Lifelong Learning: Embodying the principle of lifelong learning, Esté continually seeks opportunities for self-improvement and growth. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge equips her with the tools and insights needed to better serve her community and foster continuous personal development.
In summary, Esté’s attributes as a middle-aged holistic coach exemplify her commitment to empowering others and promoting holistic well-being in 2024 and beyond. Through her experience, empathy, and dedication to service, she continues to inspire positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of those she touches.
Este’s Journey to Nourish, Nurture, and Flourish
According to Esté, the maxim “Nourish the body, nurture the mind, and flourish in spirit” embodies the core ideas of holistic health and stands for an all-encompassing strategy for progress on both a personal and professional level. Her coaching work is guided by this motto, which highlights the significance of whole well-being.
- Nourishing the Body: Esté is committed to encouraging the best possible health by highlighting the value of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and restful sleeping habits. By enabling her customers to make knowledgeable decisions about their food and way of life, she promotes inner energy and wellness.
- Nurturing the Mind: Understanding the critical role that mentality plays in bringing about long-lasting change, Esté integrates stress-reduction tactics, positive affirmations, and mindfulness practices into her coaching approach. She supports her clients’ acceptance of personal growth and helps them overcome challenges by developing a resilient and optimistic mindset.
- Flourishing in Spirit: Esté encourages her clients to investigate spiritual practices, such as meditation, spending time in nature, or participating in contemplative exercises, that align with their values and beliefs. She helps her clients find a greater sense of purpose and deeper relationships in life by fostering the spiritual aspect of well-being.
This motto highlights the connection between the body, mind, and spirit and represents Esté’s holistic approach to health and wellness. It emphasizes her dedication to leading her customers on a life-changing path toward holistic well-being, encouraging development, and providing fulfillment on all fronts.