We interview Krista Stryker - author, entrepreneur, and self-actualization coach specializing in physical and mental fitness - about how to flourish through fitness and movement. We discuss connections between mental fitness and physical fitness and the significant benefits of physical exercise for mental health and cognition. Krista offers practical advice on maintaining and building physical fitness, and how to use journaling as a tool for motivation and consistency. She emphasizes the importance of finding activities that you enjoy and tapping into intrinsic motivation to stay consistent.

Krista Stryker is the creator of the 12 Minute Athlete app, used by over 500,000 people worldwide. She is also the author of The 12-Minute Athlete: Get Fitter, Faster, and Stronger Using HIIT and Your Bodyweight.

Krista believes that everyone has untapped potential – and has made it her life’s mission to help uncover it. As a coach, she focuses on helping people grow as individuals in order to be their best selves, relying on the latest science-based tools and interventions emerging from the study of positive psychology and self-actualization to facilitate the process. Krista regularly writes and speaks about well-being, healthy living, positive psychology, and high performance.

Learn more and subscribe at flourishfmpodcast.com/kristastryker

Krista's website: kristastryker.com

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Time stamps:

00:00:05 - Introduction to Krista
00:00:54 - Benefits of Physical Exercise on Mental Health
00:01:46 - The Synergy of Mental and Physical Fitness
00:02:07 - Krista Background and Approach
00:05:22 - Fitness as a Pathway to Fulfilling Your Potential
00:06:06 - Discovering Growth Mindset
00:07:14 - The Impact of Coaches and Teachers
00:08:35 - Exercise for Building Mental Skills and Well-being
00:09:30 - Components of Mental and Physical Fitness
00:12:26 - The Benefits of Journaling for Exercise and Mental Health
00:16:14 - Finding Joy in Physical Activities
00:18:48 - The Role of Goals in Fitness Motivation
00:20:20 - Transitioning from Joyful Activity to Fitness Maintenance
00:22:36 - Practical Advice for Fitness and Consistency
00:27:17 - The Importance of Self-Awareness in Fitness
00:29:05 - Pre- and Post-Workout Journaling
00:32:51 - Different Types of Fitness Goals
00:37:13 - Choosing Activities that Bring Joy
00:38:24 - Key Components of Physical Fitness
00:41:11 - Resistance Training Recommendations
00:42:44 - High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
00:45:15 - Zone Two Cardio and Enjoyable Activities
00:46:16 - Tabata Workouts
00:47:14 - High-Intensity Training for Mental Performance
00:48:28 - Personalizing Fitness for Mental Benefits
00:49:24 - The Flourishing Question: First Steps to Enhance Physical Fitness
00:50:25 - Where to Find Krista
00:51:09 - The 12-Minute Athlete App
00:51:43 - Closing Remarks and Outro