Podcast Summary: BigDeal Episode - "Kim Kardashian’s Personal Trainer: Take Control of Your Health Before It’s Too Late | Senada Greca"

Introduction

In this compelling episode of BigDeal, host Codie Sanchez welcomes Senada Greca, a renowned personal trainer known for training celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Karlie Kloss. Senada is not just a fitness powerhouse but also a successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses and millions of online followers. The conversation delves deep into Senada's multifaceted life, offering listeners invaluable insights into fitness, mental health, overcoming adversity, and building successful businesses.

Senada’s Fitness Philosophy and Techniques

Senada emphasizes the importance of the mind-muscle connection in achieving effective workouts, particularly focusing on glute activation—a common challenge for many women.

• Mind-Muscle Connection:

  • Senada Greca (03:24): “Mind muscle connection is one of the biggest things that I've always employed […] It basically sends those signals up to the brain that we're working these muscles.”
  • Techniques: Incorporating exercises like squats, lunges, hip hinges, step-ups, abductions, and hip thrusts three times a week to target the glutes comprehensively.

• Intensity and Form:

  • Senada Greca (24:02): “You don't want to compromise form for the weight that you're lifting.”
  • Emphasizes lifting heavy with proper form and maintaining high intensity to maximize muscle growth and longevity.

Overcoming Adversity: Growing Up in Albania

Senada shares her harrowing childhood experiences growing up in a communist Albania, highlighting the struggles of rationed food and civil unrest.

• Life Under Communism:

  • Senada Greca (07:46): “It was tough. It was waiting in line for ration food, placing a water bottle in a very long line of people...”
  • Describes the scarcity and constant fight for basic necessities, including memories of sharing a single can of soda among three sisters.

• Transition to the US:

  • Senada Greca (13:18): “We were fortunate to win the lottery to actually come here legally. So right away we had the green card.”
  • Faced with civil war and economic instability, Senada’s family emigrated, with Senada being the bridge due to her knowledge of English.

Building a Successful Career and Business Ventures

From her early days of training without aiming for celebrity clientele, Senada's commitment and authentic presence online organically attracted high-profile clients.

• Training Celebrities:
  • Senada Greca (27:07): “People found me […] I'm never in the business, if you will, of training celebrities. But the opportunities have come across because I always put my best self out there.”
• Entrepreneurship:
  • We Rise App: A comprehensive platform tailored for women, offering fitness, nutrition, mindset coaching, and more.
    • Senada Greca (16:22): “There is so much information out there… We Rise aims to provide true expertise in one place.”
  • Mindful Warrior: A clothing brand focused on quality and functionality for active women.
    • Senada Greca (36:32): “I wanted something that was fashionable… something that I was proud of, like wearing around the gym.”

Fitness as a Path to Mental Health

Senada candidly discusses her battle with anorexia and depression, attributing her recovery to strength training and physical activity.

• Mental Health Journey:
  • Senada Greca (28:35): “Strength training in particular was my way out of out of all of that.”
  • Highlights the role of exercise as a natural antidepressant and anxiety reducer.
• Advice for Young Women:
  • Senada Greca (33:41): “Try physical activity first. […] consider using medication in conjunction if necessary.”
  • Encourages prioritizing physical activity to manage mood disorders naturally before relying on medication.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Tips

Senada provides actionable nutrition advice, debunking common myths and emphasizing simplicity.

• Protein Intake:

  • Senada Greca (19:25): “Make sure you're eating like 20, 30 grams of protein in the morning…”
  • Advocates for protein-rich breakfasts, such as protein smoothies with blueberries, nuts, and creatine.

• Supplementation:

  • Senada Greca (20:12): “Creatine is pretty important not just in muscle growth, but in brain health as well.”
  • Recommends supplements like creatine for cognitive and physical benefits but advises prioritizing nutrition first.

• Healthy Habits:

  • Emphasizes the importance of sleep, meditation, yoga, and avoiding processed foods and excessive alcohol.
  • Senada Greca (51:12): “You can't out train a bad diet.”

Navigating Social Media and Public Perception

Senada addresses the challenges of maintaining authenticity and dealing with negativity on social media.

• Handling Criticism:

  • Senada Greca (41:25): “Negativity almost kind of makes you stronger because you can take it two ways.”
  • Maintains confidence by recognizing that negative comments reflect the commenter, not herself.

• Authenticity:

  • Senada Greca (63:41): “Start from a place of love. […] even when you're not happy with where you are, start from loving where you are.”

Daily Routine and Work-Life Balance

Senada outlines her disciplined yet flexible daily routine, balancing fitness, business meetings, and personal well-being.

• Morning Routine:

  • Prepares protein smoothies and cacao as caffeine substitutes.
  • Prioritizes sleep, waking up around 6:00-6:30 AM for adequate rest.

• Workday Structure:

  • Engages in meetings, training sessions, gym workouts, content creation, and managing her brands.
  • Senada Greca (35:00): “There’s no day that is exactly the same.”

Advice and Rapid Fire Insights

During a rapid-fire segment, Senada shares quick insights and preferences:

• Animal vs. Plant Protein:

  • Prefers animal protein due to its higher efficacy.

• Best Workout Moves:

  • Lower Body: Bulgarian Split Squat.
  • Upper Body: Pull-Ups.

• Home Gym Essentials:

  • Must-Have Equipment: Dumbbells and a cable machine for versatility.

• Stress Management:

  • Senada Greca (62:42): “Working out is a big release because it uses up that cortisol.”

Closing Thoughts and Final Advice

Senada concludes with empowering messages encouraging self-love, perseverance, and taking actionable steps towards health and personal growth.

• Senada Greca (78:52): “Do everything from a place of love. Even when you’re not happy with where you are, start from a place of loving where you are.”

Notable Quotes

1. Senada Greca (01:45): “You gotta put in the work.”
2. Senada Greca (03:24): “Mind muscle connection is one of the biggest things that I've always employed […] It basically sends those signals up to the brain that we're working these muscles.”
3. Senada Greca (16:22): “There is so much information out there… We Rise aims to provide true expertise in one place.”
4. Senada Greca (28:35): “Strength training in particular was my way out of out of all of that.”
5. Senada Greca (33:41): “Try physical activity first. […] consider using medication in conjunction if necessary.”
6. Senada Greca (78:52): “Do everything from a place of love. Even when you’re not happy with where you are, start from a place of loving where you are.”

Conclusion

This episode of BigDeal offers a profound look into Senada Greca's journey from a challenging childhood in Albania to becoming a celebrated personal trainer and entrepreneur in the US. Her holistic approach to fitness, mental health, and business serves as an inspiration for women striving for a balanced and empowered life. Listeners are encouraged to adopt her actionable advice, prioritize self-love, and embrace the transformative power of dedication and authentic living.

Stay Connected with Senada Greca

• Instagram: @SenadaGreca
• We Rise App: werise.xyz
• YouTube & TikTok: @SenadaGreca

Note: For the latest updates and more resources, visit Senada Greca's Instagram or the We Rise app.