Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Di Katz.
Di Katz is a Master Fitness Trainor, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker and Author with nearly two decades of experience transforming lives through holistic wellness. As the founder of Bodyholic, she empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals with personalized training programs and expert guidance. Her book, Rip It Up. For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of your Life…Minus the Stress is available on Amazon.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Wellness is more than a career for me, it's a lifelong passion. I practically grew up in the gym! My grandfather, a true fitness enthusiast - I feel like he was the OG of fitness influencers, had me on the tennis courts at 8 years old and lifting weights by 16 to prepare for the Israeli army.
Even with a promising music career ahead of me, fitness kept calling. By 20, I was hooked. But I craved a deeper understanding, so after my BA from Hebrew University, I earned my Master's in Public Health from Tel Aviv University. This is in addition to my certifications and diplomas from Wingate and NASM and more.
Bodyholic is the result of that journey. It's about straight up rejecting quick fixes and empowering people to take control of their well-being. No nonsense, just real, sustainable strategies. Because frankly, who has time for fads when you're building a life you love?
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
One of the most impactful experiences in my career involved a young woman I observed in a cardio class. It was clear to me that she was struggling with a severe eating disorder, and I knew I couldn't stand by and watch.
Despite being a relatively young trainer at the time, I made the difficult decision to ask her to leave the class. It was a risky move, but I felt it was crucial for her well-being.
What followed was an incredible journey. I ended up working with her one-on-one, collaborating closely with her psychologist and doctor. We created a personalized plan that addressed not just her physical health, but her mental and emotional well-being as well.
Seeing her slowly regain her strength, confidence, and her life, was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief that true wellness is about so much more than just physical fitness. It's about honoring the whole person and providing support on every level.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I've learned some hard lessons along the way. One of the biggest? Never underestimate the power of marketing. Early on, I invested heavily in incredible programs, but they flopped because nobody knew about them! It was like having a five-star restaurant with no customers.
That experience was a game-changer. I realized that even the best product needs strategic promotion. Now, I consider marketing an integral part of my business, not an afterthought. It's about building genuine connections, providing real value, and ensuring my message resonates. Because in today's competitive landscape, if you're not marketing, you're invisible and I do not want Bodyholic to be invisible because I believe that it can be of great value to someone.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
Bodyholic is about igniting a wellness revolution. It's about giving people the tools and support they need to become the best versions of themselves. And it all starts with me, their coach.
Here's how we're making a real impact:
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Personalized guidance: I work closely with each client to create a customized plan that fits their unique needs and goals. It's not just about workouts; it's about building a sustainable lifestyle.
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Community support: Our WhatsApp community provides a space for connection, accountability, and encouragement. It's like having me – and a whole tribe of like-minded individuals – in your corner every step of the way.
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Accessibility and expertise: We offer a wealth of resources, including online coaching, a comprehensive video library with over 1,000 workouts (from postpartum to burpees!), and my Bodyholic podcast, where I answer questions and share insights.
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Leading by example: I don't just talk the talk; I walk the walk. I share my own fitness journey, including my prenatal and postpartum experiences, to show that real life and real results are possible.
Bodyholic is about breaking down barriers and making wellness accessible to everyone. It's about building a movement of empowered individuals who are committed to living their best lives.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing? Please give an example or story for each.
1. Move Your Body, Every Damn Day:
Look, I get it. Life gets crazy. But you must move. It doesn't have to be a marathon. A 15-minute walk, a quick HIIT session, dancing around your living room – it all counts! When I have months booked with commercial shoots, after school activities for the kids and clients back-to-back and if that’s not exhaustive enough, I squeezed in mini-workouts during breaks - anyone who trains on Bodyholic sees it. Even five minutes can make a difference. Movement is energy. Energy is life. End of story.
2. Hydrate Like Your Life Depends on It, because it does:
Water is your best friend. It boosts energy and keeps everything running smoothly. Carry a water bottle everywhere. Seriously, though, aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Your skin, your brain, your entire body will thank you.
3. Prioritize Sleep. As much as possible:
Listen, I know firsthand that sleep can be a luxury, especially when you're a mom juggling kids, a career, and the stresses of daily life. And let's be real, living in a war zone adds a whole other layer of complexity.
But here's the thing: sleep is still crucial. It's not just about feeling rested; it's about giving your body and mind the time they need to repair and recharge.
Even if you can't get the ideal 7-8 hours, prioritize quality over quantity. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, even if it's just a few minutes of deep breathing or reading. Make your sleep environment as peaceful as possible. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. There will be seasons of life when sleep is disrupted, and that's okay. Do your best and remember that even small steps towards better sleep can make a big difference.
4. Nourish Your Body with Real Food:
Forget fad diets and restrictive eating. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Load up on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. I love whipping up quick, nutritious meals – even when I'm on set. Think colorful salads, protein smoothies, and snacks like nuts and seeds. Treat your body like the temple it is. Leave 10-20 percent for soul food.
5. Be Present. NOW!
We spend so much time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future that we forget to experience the present moment. But the present is all we truly have.
Cultivate presence by tuning into your senses. Feel the ground beneath your feet, notice the sounds around you, savor the taste of your food. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the here and now.
This practice has been a lifesaver for me, especially amidst the chaos of motherhood and living in a war zone. When anxiety creeps in, I take a deep breath and focus on the present. What can I see, hear, feel, smell, taste? It's an instant grounding technique that helps me stay centered and calm.
Remember, the present moment is where life truly happens. Embrace it fully.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Can I go big??? If I could start a movement, it would be the "Own Your Day" movement. It's about empowering people to take radical responsibility for their well-being, starting from the moment they wake up.
Imagine a world where EVERYONE prioritizes:
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Mindful mornings: Starting the day with intention, whether it's through meditation, movement, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
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Nourishing movement: Integrating movement into their daily routine, not as a chore, but as a celebration of their bodies.
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Conscious nutrition: Fueling their bodies with whole, unprocessed foods that provide energy and vitality.
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Mental mastery: Cultivating a positive mindset through gratitude, affirmations, and stress management techniques.
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Connection and community: Building meaningful connections with others and fostering a sense of belonging.
The "Own Your Day" movement isn't about rigid rules or unrealistic expectations. It's about giving people the tools and inspiration they need to create a life they love, one day at a time. It's about ditching the victim mentality and stepping into their power. Because when we own our days, we own our lives.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
Yes!! Absolutely! Here are five things I wish someone had told me before I started my business and wellness journey:
It's a marathon, not a sprint: This is not a quick fix or a fad diet. It's a lifestyle change that requires patience, perseverance, and consistency. Don't get discouraged by setbacks or slow progress. Every step counts.
Comparison is the thief of joy: Don't compare yourself to others on social media or in fitness magazines. Everyone's journey is unique - no one human can begin to imagine another human’s full journey. Focus on your own progress and celebrate your achievements.
Building a business takes time (and a whole lotta hustle): I wish I'd known the sheer amount of work involved in building a brand. It's not just about creating great programs; it's about marketing, sales, customer service, and constant learning. Be prepared to put in the hours and wear many hats (in addition to the ones you wear as a mom / woman).
Invest in yourself: Don't be afraid to invest in your education, mentorship, and personal development. Knowledge is power, and the more you learn, the more you can grow your business and impact others.
Money, Calories, and Weight: Find Your Balance: Look, let's be real – money matters. Building a successful wellness business requires financial savvy. Understand your pricing, track your expenses, and reinvest in your growth. But don't get so caught up in the numbers that you lose sight of your purpose.
Similarly, calories and weight can be tricky. Yes, they're important factors in overall health, but they don't tell the whole story. Obsessing over the scale or meticulously tracking every calorie can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and your body (I delve into this a lot on the podcast).
Find your balance. Prioritize financial stability, but don't let it overshadow your passion for helping others. Be mindful of your calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight, but don't let those numbers define your worth. Remember, true wellness is about so much more than just numbers.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Of all the super important conversations happening today, the one that I feel resonates most deeply is mental health. It's something I witness firsthand in my work with clients every single day.
We live in a world that glorifies busyness and pushes us to constantly strive for more. But what about the inner world? The silent struggles with anxiety, the battles with self-doubt, the pressure to live up to impossible standards.
I've seen how neglecting mental well-being can sabotage physical health, relationships, and overall happiness. It can lead to burnout, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
That's why I believe it's crucial to break down the stigma surrounding mental health. We need to create a culture where it's okay to not be okay, where seeking help is seen as a strength, and where prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable.
By fostering open conversations, providing support systems, and promoting mental wellness, we can empower individuals to lead truly fulfilling lives. And that's a future I'm committed to helping create.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
The best way to connect with me and dive deeper into the Bodyholic world is to visit my website, bodyholic.fit. There, you'll find over 1000 workouts for the members at a symbolic price, but you’ll find loads of information (for free) and also you can discover my personalized training programs, online coaching options, and a wealth of resources to support your wellness journey.
You can (and totally should) tune in to the Bodyholic podcast, where I share insights, answer questions, and have candid conversations / rants about all things wellness. You can find it on all major podcast platforms.
And for daily doses of inspiration, fitness tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my life, follow me on Instagram @Bodyholic. I didn’t like Instagram at first because it felt like I was exposed but I honestly figured it out and love connecting with my community there and sharing my passion for living healthy and living fulfilling a life.
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
