Ep403: Creating Safe Spaces in Fitness with Dynamic Wellness Entrepreneur Chardét Ryel
June 24, 2024
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Chardét’s story is anything but linear. With a Brazilian American heritage, her path has taken her from corporate roles to wellness coaching, business travel, and living abroad in Portugal. Over the past nine years, she has dedicated herself to helping women redefine confidence, beauty, and health on their own terms, free from the constraints of diet culture.
Her brand, “Feel Good Naked,” encapsulates this mission. It encourages women to strip away societal expectations and focus on feeling good in their bodies. “It’s about removing the layers that prevent us from truly feeling good, whether those layers are physical insecurities or societal pressures,” she explains. For Chardét, feeling good transcends mere appearance—it’s about genuine well-being.
The Pandemic: A Catalyst for Change
The COVID-19 pandemic, with its myriad challenges, became a catalyst for Chardét’s intensified focus on wellness. Disturbed by the negative narrative surrounding women’s bodies during lockdown, she sought to create a different story. “There was so much emphasis on weight gain and not enough on the mental health crises women were facing,” she recalls. This frustration fueled her desire to provide a supportive space where women could focus on holistic well-being without judgment.
Principles of “Seven Steps to Feel Good Naked”
In her book, “Seven Steps to Feel Good Naked,” Chardét offers practical advice for embracing wellness holistically. The book moves beyond traditional fitness advice, delving into the psychological aspects of well-being. It encourages readers to find comfort in discomfort and to train their minds to embrace change. “The book provides strategies for shifting from feeling uncomfortable with where you are to where you want to be,” she explains. It’s about creating a new narrative for oneself, a core theme in Chardét’s philosophy.
Embracing Discomfort and Transition
One of the fundamental lessons Chardét shares is the importance of acknowledging discomfort without the immediate pressure to change. She believes that recognizing what isn’t working in our lives is a crucial step, but it’s equally important to allow ourselves time to process this awareness. “Admitting what isn’t working without the pressure to change immediately can reduce anxiety and stress,” she advises. This approach helps create a more mindful and sustainable path to personal growth.
Creating Safe Spaces in Fitness
Chardét’s mission extends to creating safe and empowering spaces in the fitness world. Traditional fitness environments often focus on insecurities, but Chardét’s approach emphasizes strength and empowerment. “I wanted to offer a different experience with movement and fitness, one that empowers rather than judges,” she says. Her brand encourages women to reconnect with their bodies through movement they love, fostering a positive and sustainable relationship with fitness.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Chardét’s journey has not been without its challenges. In a poignant moment during her interview, she shares how she lost her voice for several months while preparing for a new podcast launch. This physical manifestation of stress and self-doubt was a powerful reminder of the importance of internal belief and support. “Finding someone who recognized and validated my experience was transformative,” she says. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of supportive communities.
A Philosophy of Empowerment and Self-Acceptance
At the core of Chardét’s philosophy is the belief in self-acceptance and empowerment. She encourages women to listen to their inner voice and to find strength in their vulnerabilities. Her approach is not about achieving an ideal body but about feeling good and confident in one’s own skin. This philosophy is reflected in her brand, her book, and her podcast, all of which aim to inspire and empower women to live authentically and confidently.
Enter now for a chance to win Chardét Ryel’s acclaimed “Seven Steps to Feel Good Naked” ebook and the full audiobook version! Discover practical strategies for holistic well-being and empower yourself to embrace confidence and health on your own terms.