UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE: Episode 21 Summary
Title: Get In the Mental Gym: It's Time To Train For Resilience
Host: Shelah Marie
Guest: Massy Arias
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 21 of "UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE," host Shelah Marie engages in a transformative conversation with renowned fitness trainer, health coach, and entrepreneur Massy Arias. This episode delves deep into the intricate relationship between physical activity and mental resilience, debunking common myths and highlighting holistic wellness strategies. The discussion is enriched with Massy's personal journey, insights into sustainable fitness practices, and practical tools for listeners to enhance their well-being.
Guest Background
Massy Arias is celebrated for her holistic approach to fitness and mental health. With over twelve years in the fitness industry, Massy has dedicated her career to empowering women, particularly from Black and Brown communities, to harness fitness as a tool for mental resilience and self-love. Her programs, including the widely acclaimed Sculpt Program, integrate physical training with nutritional guidance and mental wellness strategies, fostering a comprehensive path to personal growth.
Main Discussion Points
-
Mental Benefits of Physical Activity
- Fitness as a Mental Health Tool: Massy emphasizes that her entry into fitness was driven by a need to improve her mental health. She explains how exercise facilitated chemical changes in her brain, increasing endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin levels, which are crucial for combating depression and anxiety.
- Resilience Building: Through consistent physical training, Massy built mental resilience by experiencing small victories that rewired her brain, enhancing her willpower and self-worth.
-
Personal Journey and Overcoming Adversity
- Immigrant Experience and Early Struggles: Massy shares her experience of migrating to the United States from the Dominican Republic at age 13, grappling with identity issues and depression. She candidly discusses how fitness became her sanctuary and a pathway to self-discovery.
- Facing Body Dysmorphia: Addressing her own struggles with body image, Massy highlights the importance of shifting focus from aesthetic goals to developing a healthy relationship with one’s body.
-
The Mind-Body Connection
- Holistic Wellness: Shelah and Massy explore the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Massy advocates for a balanced approach to fitness, where physical activity supports mental health rather than serving purely aesthetic purposes.
- Preventative Fitness: Massy introduces the concept of “preventative fitness,” emphasizing the role of regular exercise and proper nutrition in preventing chronic diseases and enhancing longevity.
-
Nutrition and Cultural Eating Habits
- Healthy Cultural Adaptations: Massy discusses how she modifies traditional Dominican recipes to make them healthier without compromising on flavor, such as her version of picadillo using leaner meats and incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables.
- Debunking Dietary Myths: She clarifies misconceptions about common foods like rice, explaining that moderation and proper preparation are key to maintaining a healthy diet.
-
Self-Love and Discipline
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Massy stresses the importance of self-love and setting boundaries to prevent burnout. She encourages listeners to allocate time daily for self-care, whether through exercise, meditation, or other personal activities.
- Building Self-Worth: She highlights that discipline stems from valuing oneself enough to make positive choices, overcoming tendencies like emotional eating or procrastination.
Insights & Key Points
-
Fitness Beyond Aesthetics: Moving beyond the superficial goals of weight loss and muscle gain, fitness should be a holistic tool for enhancing mental health and building resilience.
-
Community and Accountability: Engaging with a community, whether in-person or online, fosters accountability and provides emotional support, reinforcing one’s fitness journey.
-
Sustainable Practices: Emphasizing sustainable fitness and nutritional habits over quick fixes or extreme diets ensures long-term health and prevents the yo-yo effect.
-
Cultural Integration: Preserving cultural food traditions while making them healthier fosters a sense of identity and heritage, promoting overall well-being.
Actionable Advice: The Toolkit
-
Prioritize Sleep and Hydration
- Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to regulate hormones, enhance cognitive functions, and support overall health.
- Hydration: Consistently drink water throughout the day to maintain bodily functions and promote optimal physical performance.
-
Establish Personal Routines
- Allocate at least 1.5 hours daily for self-care activities such as exercise, yoga, meal prepping, or meditation.
- Create and adhere to routines that balance work, family, and personal time to prevent burnout.
-
Cultivate a Healthy Relationship with Food
- Modify traditional recipes to incorporate more vegetables and lean proteins.
- Understand the nutritional profiles of foods to make informed dietary choices that support your health goals.
-
Set Boundaries and Advocate for Yourself
- Recognize the importance of saying no and delegating tasks to ensure you have time for self-care.
- Build self-worth by believing in your ability to make positive changes and by prioritizing your well-being.
-
Engage with a Supportive Community
- Connect with like-minded individuals who support your fitness and wellness journey.
- Utilize platforms like YouTube and Instagram to access programs and mobility sessions that align with your goals.
Notable Quotes
-
Massy Arias on Fitness and Mental Health:
“Fitness truly allowed me to understand that this person that was hurting, this person I didn't have confidence... I was able to create change.”
(14:21) -
Massy on Self-Discipline:
“How much do you love yourself to show up for yourself?... The question is, how much self worth do you have.”
(22:47) -
Massy on Prioritizing Self-Care:
“Prioritize your sleep no matter what. Create routines and systems that are going to help you slowly build a routine...”
(58:34) -
Massy on Cultural Eating Habits:
“We are still eating like slaves... We have to change the way African Americans and the way Latinos are eating, period.”
(49:55) -
Massy on Self-Love for Future Generations:
“To put herself first and to not let the world tell her that she can't and that she's not worthy, period.”
(57:41)
Conclusion
Episode 21 of "UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE" with Massy Arias offers an inspiring exploration of how fitness serves as a cornerstone for mental resilience and holistic wellness. Massy's candid sharing of her personal struggles and triumphs provides listeners with both empathy and actionable strategies to reclaim their well-being. By emphasizing the importance of self-love, sustainable practices, and cultural integration, this episode empowers women to embark on their own journeys toward a healthier, more resilient self.
Connect with Massy Arias:
- YouTube: Massy Arias YouTube Channel
- Instagram: @massy.arias
- Sculpt Program: Available through her official website and social media platforms.
Join the Conversation: Have a question for Shelah Marie or Massy Arias? Record your voice note at SpeakPipe to be featured in an upcoming episode.
Thank you for tuning into "UNRULY WITH SHELAH MARIE." Subscribe and follow to never miss an episode of transformative conversations around culture, wellness, and personal growth.