NoomVibe Broadcast -Fitness Journey; Faith, Fitness, and Nutrition Discussion - Dr. Gigi Sabbat and Coach Chelsea Denlinger
NoomVibe Broadcast -Fitness Journey; Faith, Fitness, and Nutrition Discussion - Dr. Gigi Sabbat and Coach Chelsea Denlinger
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Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Hello everyone and welcome to Noom Vibe. I'm Chelsea Denlinger, also known as Coach Chelsea D, a nationally board certified health coach at Noom and a certified personal fitness trainer. We're broadcasting live on the Noom Vibe app, the new free wellness community app from Noom. At Noom Vibe, our community is dedicated to helping each other live better, longer lives. We're unique because we reward you for making healthy choices like tracking your steps and building habits such as workouts, hydration, and meditation. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with and learn from the community members, Noom coaches, and healthcare professionals. If you're committed to improving your life and your health, you are in the right place.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger: Today, we have a guest joining us who has faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger than ever. Whether you're a fitness newbie or looking to reignite your motivation, this episode is for you. We'll cover our guest's fitness journey, exploring everything from their initial steps into fitness, overcoming challenges along the way, to their current goals, and offering valuable advice for you. Now throughout our conversation, if you're tuning in and have a question for our guest, please visit my profile, click the say hi button, and send me your question. And I'd love to share it during this live discussion.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : So I'm excited to be joined by our guest, Regeline “Gigi” Sabbat. And before we dive in, let me tell you a bit about Gigi. Gigi Sabbat is a highly esteemed motivational keynote speaker and a two-time best-selling author. She's also a dedicated life coach helping people build the self-confidence needed to achieve their dreams. As a first-generation Haitian-American, she has not only broken barriers, she's also become a beacon of hope and resilience. She's a visionary CEO and founder of the Life Service Center of America LLC, where she leads with a mission to transform lives through various support services. Additionally, she is a dynamic host of the Walk With Me podcast on JRQ-TV. Her work is deeply personal and impactful, as she is a passionate domestic violence and sexual assault advocate committed to supporting and uplifting survivors. I've had the privilege of being one of the fitness coaches who has been part of Gigi's journey. So please join me in welcoming this extraordinary leader and changemaker, Gigi Sabbat. I'm going to bring in our guest, Gigi. And thank you so much, Gigi, for joining us today. Welcome. It's great to have you, Gigi. Yeah. So, you know, Gigi, I remember the first time meeting you and you have this, what I would call a magnetic energy. And you're just such a genuine, positive person. Your life is just full. I could tell this from hearing and speaking with you. And I'm eager for our audience to learn more about you today.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. And so a little bit about me. I'm a motivational keynote speaker and the CEO and founder of Life Service Center of America. Wonderful. And, you know, Gigi, keep going, tell us more about you and your story. Absolutely. So essentially, a few years ago, I almost lost my life, death by strangulation in a domestic violence relationship. And after everything that happened, I stepped into God's purpose for my life. And I launched a podcast, launched the books and I launched a company, Life Service Center of America. And God also led me to host various events on various subjects that started off with domestic violence and sexual assault. And then he's also led me to host them on various subjects, as I mentioned earlier. And we just haven't stopped since.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. So really, this went from something that could have been, you know, such a hardship and really difficult to heal from. And you turn it into a transformative and empowering journey for yourself.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Thank you so much. Yes. And I'm grateful for my family, friends and the community and their support during that time as well. And shortly after I was in the domestic violence matter, I was also sexually assaulted as an adult. Mind you, I was already sexually assaulted when I was eight years old. So and so and I say again, we do have coaching programs as well through the Life Service Center of America community. And I love meeting people where they are and helping others achieve their goals and helping them overcome any trauma they may have endured or just challenges in general. And how do I know that? Because I've been there. I've been there.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : That's an incredible story to take something that, you know, has happened to you and be like, you know, I get to help others work through similar things. And that's what you're doing. Thank you.
Now a big part of your story to Gigi is, you know, this fitness aspect. I know you've done a lot with this. I guess let's just start with how did it all begin on your fitness journey?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Yeah, so in regards to this fitness journey, I mean, here and there, I've worked out before during my lifetime. But I would say it was a little bit after this knee injury. I had this knee injury. I remember, it was like the week I just hit my goal. And I was so excited, Coach Chelsea. And I just remember being in the gym. And next thing I know, I hear a sound like a pop. I said, Oh, my goodness. And I knew something very tremendous happened there. And when I went to the Doctors, Doctors like it's your knee. And when we did, he said, What kind of workouts are you doing? And he determined it may have been maybe even a jump rope, maybe something, something of that nature. And so he just recommended staying out of the gym. And so long story short, I stayed out of the gym. And I had that knee injury. And if you were to tell me I'm running a marathon, I tell you really, but here we are.
And thank you for believing in me. And literally my faith, here we are just letting go and letting him and as of today, I've ran a 5k, 10k, and a half marathon.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Wow. So you've really been, you know, taking something that was a difficult challenge, like the knee injury and deciding to turn it into something like a strength. Thank you. Yeah. And you went from, you know, a 5k to 10k to half marathon. That's almost double the distance in every race.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Thank you. And I couldn't have done it without you, Coach Chelsea.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, it was great to team up on that for sure. You know, and I think sometimes when you get these injuries, a big part of it, Gigi is having resilience. So how did your mindset kind of shift when you had this knee injury to staying resilient and motivated?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: First and foremost, when you have Coach Chelsea as your coach, there's no saying, you can't do this. There is no looking left or right/, anything but straight. Right. And also too, showing up on the days that you don't feel like running. Right. But not just that mindset, mindset. And literally, I remember, I remember the first day I went to show up to run and I literally just let go and let him, and I haven't stopped since I just, I went out there to run Coach Chelsea.Thank you.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah. You know, it seems like you really just leaned on your faith, and that got you through tough things, not only, you know, in your life, but on your fitness journey as well. And it gave you the courage to keep going. So, you know, Gigi, you said something about faith earlier. I know that's really important to you. So can you share with us how your faith has played a role in guiding your fitness journey? Let's get a little bit more into that.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. And so we can, we can make our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. And so essentially,when we talk about my faith and my fitness journey, literally just listening to him and he's like, you're going to do the 5K, you're doing the 10K, you're doing the half marathon and now the full marathon in January. And so it's so important to listen in and you can go left, but if he's put it right in front of you, he's like, my child I need you to do this. And, like you said, I've leaned in, right? And just literally, I'm not questioning him. I've learned you don't question him. You say, thank you, God, and you keep moving forward and just understanding what he's called you to do here. And there's no looking left. There's no looking right, only forward and continuing to run. And as you're running, if you're listening to this message today and you're starting to run, I encourage you to, to let go and let him. And if you're having a struggle with running, or if you're facing a challenge during your runs, give your battles to him. I've been there. I know how it is.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. Sometimes we need help, whether it is from, you know, God or friends and family, someone to get us to kind of persevere through the battles and the fear of maybe being active and taking that leap into something that could be an extra challenge for yourself.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: So absolutely. And I'm so grateful now. I'm not even wearing my knee brace. Thank you.
Thank you to my family, friends, the community support as well. And, you know, my faith, like I said, but if you were to tell me I would not be wearing the knee brace, I would tell you really, because how severe it was, but let alone, I was starting off the run with the knee brace.
I mean, I am just blown away, just blown away by what God can do.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. Sometimes we just see surprises in our journey that, you know, where we started is not where we're ending up. And it could be a little bit shocking and hopefully in a great way. And, I feel like that's something that you experienced.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. Yes. And it would have been easy. Some days it was very, how can I put this, very difficult to run with the knee pain. But I'm so grateful for having a coach like you who believed in me and is like, you can do this, you can do this. And had I set limits and said, well, I can't because of my knee injury, then I wouldn't be here. I mean, We wouldn't be here having this discussion today. I wouldn't have ran any further, right? But here we are. And, I'm so grateful and thank you for believing in me.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, of course. I definitely believe in you. And I've seen where you started and to hear that you're looking to do a full marathon. That is fantastic. That's a big distance. So Gigi, tell me more about these goals that you have. What is inspiring you to do the big marathon next?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Great question, Coach Chelsea, and essentially my faith and literally just letting go and letting him, listening in and he's like, all right, you're doing this full marathon. You're doing this full marathon and it's in January. And, I'm super excited. I'm looking forward to it. But literally just letting go and letting him.And, my thing is when I show up on the day, just when that buzzer goes off, you do not stop running. You keep going no matter what, all the way until you get to that finish line that they have marked down.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger: Wow. So you're not only running through that kind of tape at the end of the line, you're still going. This is not ending with just a race.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Exactly. Bullseye.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger: So that seems like a life lesson. What other lessons, Gigi, are you learning as you work on your fitness?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Essentially, how can I put this? It's pace. Pace is so important. But taking it one day, one step at a time. So important. And you're going to have those days where you have those challenges, but you need to push through it. Push through it. Get up. Show up. Show up. Take action. And like you said, show up on the days that you don't feel like it, but not just that. Take action. And don't stop. Don't stop. And don't say I can't. And shifting your your talk, your self-talk from negative self-talk to positive self-talk. I'm grateful I get to do this run. Thank you. Thank you, God. Thank you.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger: Can anyone tell that Gigi is a motivational speaker?
No, you make a really great point. It's these little actionable steps that get you started and that build your momentum to keep going on this path.
I think it's really important, Gigi, that along the way, we take time to not just go from one goal to the next, but to celebrate our successes. How do you celebrate these races, these victories in your fitness?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Great question. Essentially, it's just a blessing that I even get to run, but not just that, that it's even possible coming from the knee injury. And what I'm seeing is, again, it's like a miracle. It's a blessing, a miracle, and so much more. And I'm just grateful, but not just that. It's also so important to walk by faith and not by sight, but not just that. Some folks, you'll have the watch, the Apple Watch or a watch on your person as you're running. And yes, it's important because you can… That's great. And it's good to know that as you're running so that you're aware of the mileage, but also too, it's so important as you're running to stay in tune with the run. When you show up, run, run. It's almost like you're putting mindfulness into your running and you're being fully there with it. And it's a mind-body connection. Absolutely. And so those days that I do show up to run, I literally just let go and let him.And for me, it's almost... Like I said, I see the mileage, but literally I have to track it, yes, on my watch, so I know how far I'm going. But the point is I'm so in tune and literally, from the start to the finish, just letting go and letting him and just grateful at the end of the run. Every single run that I do during my training, I'm just grateful that I get to run, but not just that, that it was done what he needed me to do.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. So you're doing something bigger than just yourself and just a run. You're really carrying hope and perseverance and strength throughout each and every run that you do, not just a race. And that takes a lot of dedication and hard work as well.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Thank you, Coach Chelsea.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, you've got it. So I know you're doing lots of races and you're working very hard on your fitness. Tell me some of the most proud achievements that you had on this journey. What really stands out to you?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: What stands out to me is that the run, it was done in itself. It's a blessing. It's a blessing because coming from not even being able to run and then finishing a run, it's a blessing, or even running a marathon, let alone it's a blessing. It is. And I'm grateful. Yeah.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah. So it really evolved for you, Gigi. You went from the beginning to getting this knee injury that felt so overwhelming. You're like, how do I even overcome this? Will I overcome this to something that has just taken off and blossomed into a whole bunch of different distances and rising to different challenges for yourself?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. And as you're sharing this information, it's going a little bit deeper, too, into some of the training that we did. We didn't just do the runs. We also did the basketball workouts. And you are such a great communicator. But not only that, you listen in to your clients so well, Coach Chelsea. And you understood that my hobby, everyone has their hobby or something that they love to do, right? To each his own. And for me, it's basketball. And you listened in. Running, aside from running, was also basketball, right? It's my hobby. And so here we are. And coming off of the injury that I had from the domestic violence in regards to the strangulation, I never saw myself playing the way I'm able to play today. And I think that, honestly, that I play better than I did before. And it's another blessing. So the days that I do show up on those basketball workouts, they mean a lot to me.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes, they're super important to you. And you find something valuable in each and every session. And I know you said something about just really embracing your hobbies, especially when they are physically active ones. What are you doing now for fitness hobbies or fitness training when it comes to your goals? What does that look like? What does training look like?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: The training is to continue where we left off. And it's just continuing to do everything that we worked on. But not just that, just continuing to let go and let him. It's the full marathon and then any other run that he needs me to do next. But not just that, continuing to run for the rest of my life.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : So you're already thinking about the long-term vision here.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. I've leaned in and just let go and let him. But God willing, it's God willing, because still I have to remember that I do have a knee injury.I mean, I did have a knee injury previously and that it's still there, the pain from time to time. And so I have to remember that it's God willing.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, I feel like you're doing really well keeping your eyes on your goals, keeping your faith in your heart and taking consistent action towards them as well. And I know something that's been really big on your journey as well, especially with fitness, is family and friends, Gigi. So how has your fitness journey influenced or inspired other people in your life?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Yeah. And so essentially, I don't want to speak for them, but some of the things that I am hearing from family and friends is that they'd like to join me on the next run. And I'm more than happy to have them join me as well. And so meeting people where they are, it may not be the same exact run that I'm doing. It may just be their start or their first run. And that's okay, right? The fact that they're even showing up, it speaks volumes. Everyone's journey is truly unique. Everyone's fitness journey is everyone's fitness journey. And it being truly unique, I can't help but think about and circle back to fitness per se in general and how you cannot let trauma that is not healed affect your health. And how do I know that? And so what I mean by that is I've been there, right? And so not letting anything that you've endured, I mentioned the trauma that I've endured in my life in regards to the sexual assault, right? And so again, it's so important not to let these things affect your health.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah. You know, you turned something that was very difficult and you kept a positive mindset and turned, you know, obstacles, hurdles, whatever you want to call it into opportunities to move on and find ways to heal and to help others along that healing journey as well. So it's very actionable. Thank you. Absolutely. You know, and we're talking about your fitness journey and, you know, the challenges you've been through, some of your goals, like running a marathon. I even know you talked about maybe a triathlon. Can you tell us a little bit about what that might be later on?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. Great question, Coach Chelsea. And so essentially after the full marathon, again, God willing, we're doing the triathlon in 2026. So the full marathon is January 2025 and the triathlon will be 2026 and the specific date is to be announced. And so when we talk about the triathlon, that's essentially you're biking, you're swimming, and you're running and literally just letting go and letting him and not focusing on anything else but moving where he needs me to move and that is running. And it's so important, the training, training is so important. It's not just, oh, I'm going to show up and do a full marathon or a triathlon. No, it's training prior to then and making sure that when you show up on the marathon, that you are showing up, and what I mean by that is, again, if you're showing up for a marathon, it will be so easy for you to say, I can't do this or you want to pause during that marathon. I encourage you to keep moving forward because I know you can. How do I know that? Because I've been there.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes, I love that. And you're saying some positive affirmations or words that are really striking with our audience. And what other maybe verses or sayings do you have that help you get from, okay, I showed up to, I could do this to, I'm going to conquer this.
Tell us about some extra sayings.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Such a great question. And so one of my favorite verses is Joshua 1.9. Haven't I commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be discouraged for your Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Therefore, it's so important for us to remember that we're not alone and that he's with us wherever we go. And oftentimes when folks will say, well, I started my training, but I just kind of gave up or I just quit and I can't do this because I feel like I'm by myself or I just put the shoes away. I'm not doing this. I put the watch down. I'm not doing it. I'm not showing up to run. Well, no, no, no. I encourage you to circle back, put on your shoes, get that watch and run and let go and let him give it to him. Give your battles to him.
I truly believe in you.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Wow. That was so inspiring right there. I feel like that is a quote from Gigi and that we want to remember that you can do this. And there are people out there that believe in you. And if you don't believe in yourself, that's okay. There is someone who can and who can be on your journey with you. And Gigi, you were talking about leaning into faith and letting God direct you into where you're going next in your fitness.
So how does God help you go from something like a 5K to a marathon to a triathlon? Where do you really get that transition from?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat:Absolutely. So literally it's right in front of you. Literally when you sign up, he says it's 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon. It's right in front of you. You can't miss it. And it's so important to listen in. And essentially remember, God is the creator of all things. Who do you think put you in front of that document in the first place?
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes, yes. So do you think there are universal signs that kind of say, hey, this is a 10K? And then you're like, yes, this is coming to me. Okay, I'll sign up. Or was there a sign that said, hey, maybe you should do a triathlon? You're like, yes, I'm going to do that.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Literally just letting go and letting him. And so I want to take a moment to just stay still real quick and remember the importance of staying still, because when we stay still, we can hear him. And this is on a whole other level in regards to faith. And so when we talk about faith, it's so important and remembering that what is faith? Let's talk about that for a moment, right? It's having confidence and believing in the things that we cannot see. We can't see it. You can't see it. And also too, when God's telling you, my child, I need you to just continue to move forward, continue on with the runs. And again, he's the creator of all things. Who put it in front of you? He did. And it's so important to stay in tune with what he's called you to do and keep moving forward.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. It's almost like there's a purpose for why you're here and you're finding that and your experience with the domestic violence from this fitness journey, from the coaching that you're doing and you're living that you're breathing that.
And I could tell you're very passionate about this as well, Gigi.
Yes, of course. Along the journey, sometimes we get into things like having a goal and maybe the goal shows up for you. Maybe you have to cultivate the goal. What strategies did you use to have a goal come about and make that happen?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Great. Such a great question, Coach Chelsea. And so when we talk about fitness in general, and it's so important, especially to know if something's out of your scope, for example, because of my work schedule and my school schedule and all the schedules that I have, it's so important and just being productive. But it's so important to remember the importance of hiring a coach, especially if it's something out of your scope. And if you need help, it's okay to ask for help. And so literally, I remember hiring a fitness coach and it was you. And God sent Coach Chelsea. And so here you are. And I'm like, okay, God, thank you. And it's just a blessing to even have a coach. And I'm grateful that it was you, Coach Chelsea. And just I remember our first meeting and where we are now in training. And it's just, it's just a blessing. And I'm so grateful for you. And it's where we were, we could have easily just and where the physical injury was, we could have easily just said, just forget the run, just forget the training. Let's just put this aside for another time. But I remember you and I, it's just, we were so in tune. And there were some days that we even did yoga. And it was so peaceful. And we were just in it, just in the training and just letting go and letting him. And we did not stop. We did not stop. And it's so important to just let go and let him. And that's why I'm so firm on those words, because I just remember us every single day for the past.
What has it been now? Two years, almost three years, just giving it to him literally on those days where we faced those challenges, because some may say, okay, so this happened at the snap of a finger, but not it wasn't at the snap of a finger. No, no, no, it did not happen that way. It took time. It took time. And I remember you meeting me where I was, and just continuing to believe in me, you could have easily just put it down and said, Gee, you can't do this. No, we kept working on it. We did not stop. Hence why we are where we are today. Thank you, Coach Chelsea.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : No, yeah, that's so beautiful. Thank you so much. And I'm so happy that I got to be part of your journey and your fitness and to see it transform over the years as well. And, you know, the things that you tell me like, oh, hey, by the way, I'm running a half marathon. Oh, hey, I'm going to go for a full marathon. I'm also thinking about triathlon. This doesn't surprise me. I know you. And I know that, you know, if something comes up that speaks to who you are, and you feel like you have a higher purpose to do it, you're going to do it. And that's why I seen you.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Thank you, Coach Chelsea. And you know, we spoke a lot today about the runs per se. And yes, the runs are very important. But then we've also spoken about the importance of nutrition. They go hand in hand. And you literally have transformed my nutrition from where it was almost three years ago now to where we are today. And it has transformed my life.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Wow. So, oh, you know what? Let's dig into this a little bit more. How did this nutrition change from, you know, two, three years ago to where it is now?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Oh, my goodness. At the start, how I felt physically, mentally with the runs, with what I ate before compared to now. And so my go-to, everyone has their go-to, right? And what I mean by that, it's what are you having for lunch, breakfast, maybe even dinner, or what's your favorite prior to your run? For me, it's a smoothie. And I love these smoothies. They're a huge part of my nutrition. And it's so important to literally, to each his own, right? But as you're training, to have that go-to, but also, too, making sure that you're aware of what you're consuming into your body and not just saying, well, I'll have this before my run. No, no, no, because it does make a difference. It makes a huge difference. And as I'm on my runs, I can feel it. I have felt the transformation. It's so internal and I can feel it as we're on this call and I'm remembering where we were with the nutrition and the runs to where we are now. It's not just a beautiful sight to see, but it's how I feel. It's just, I don't believe that there is a word in the English dictionary to define it because it just feels so out of this world.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Oh, yeah. I mean, you're right. The food we put into our bodies, it's helpful for us to function and fuel our workouts, our runs, our basketball, our yoga, and for us to show up our best selves that day in that moment. And, you know, Gigi , why don't you tell us your secret? What kind of smoothies are you liking? Tell them the secret.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: I love it. Great question, Coach Chelsea, and I will.
And so with the smoothies, it's a strawberry, blueberry, and it has bananas. And I also added peanut butter in there. And it's so good. So delicious. So it's clearly a favorite that you go back to again and again. It is. But then I also learned the importance of snacks, right? Because
oftentimes you may want a snack. And I'm so grateful for us saying, no, no, no, we're not we're not going for maybe what is it the potato chips, right, that everyone wants to go for? No, no, no. The protein bars. Rather have a protein bar. But really, it's a mindset thing, because
as you're on the go with work, with school, or whatever it may be, you want to just grab what's right in front of you. No, no, no. And that's why meal prepping is so important as well. And so for me………………………………………
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Oh, Gigi, I think you went mute for a minute. So you could come back on, untapped the……………………………………………………………
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Yes. Okay. There was a call coming in. Sorry about that. It blocked us. And, it blocked us out. Anyhow. So for me, it's again, remembering not to grab what's around you, but the protein bar is so much healthier. And you will not regret it later. I promise you, in those moments, you have a decision to make, are you going to grab what's right in front of you when you know darn well, it's not good for your health. And it's going to affect your runs, not in a positive way, in a negative way, or you're going to grab what's healthy for you. And know that it's going to affect your runs in a positive way. Always choose what is right versus what is wrong.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : So really be thoughtful about your choice of food before you grab it.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Yes. Because once you grab it, you're probably going to eat it. Absolutely. And in those moments when you're running, or you're doing another physical activity for me, it was basketball and yoga. In addition to my running, it's so important because it does make a difference. I have seen it, and I have felt it, it makes a difference when you show up for your training.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, I love that. And I agree completely with it. I felt that too. And you know, if you haven't felt it yet, listeners, it's just an experience that you could start today.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. I encourage you all to take it, take that journey, that fitness journey as well. And again, if you need help, hire a fitness coach. Again, it's okay to ask for help.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, it is. We all need a little bit of help sometimes. And you never know how far that help could take you.
So, you know, Gigi, we were talking about nutrition just now. And I heard you say something about meal prep. Is meal prep something you do? What does that look like?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. And so what works for me, everyone has their own thing that works for them. And so sometimes it may be meal prepping in advance the week before or whatnot. What works for me is meal prep. And I say, and I mean it in a genuine way, because that's what works for me, is my smoothie. And I love it. And again, I have seen the transformation compared to what I ate before having the smoothie. And it's just, it's amazing. And I may have a bagel from time to time. However, smoothies are my main food source and my main choice. And I love it. And it's so important when you're meal prepping, maybe some days I have the strawberries or the blueberries in a ziplock bag, and I put it in a freezer. And then the next day, I'm already ready because I have meal prepped. Or maybe it's an app. If you don't have my fitness pal, I encourage you to download the app. Download the app and make sure that you're aware of what you're consuming to your body training and being mindful of what you're consuming. And I literally can now just pull it up onto my fitness pal. And some may say, don't you have those days where it's a challenge for you or to show up?
Well, you're going to have those challenges, but you need to push through those challenges.
And when you give it to him, there's nothing that you can't do.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. The limits that we perceive are in our mind and thoughts. So if we could change that around, if we could change our thinking, and if we could call on some type of faith, some type of higher power, then we have a combination of support and encouragement to make for the tough days, the tough moments.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. Because I tell you what, Coach Chelsea, my fitness pal and I, we've had our own journey as well because I've had that account in the past and literally just sat there. And back then, I didn't understand how it was able to truly assist someone in their training. But as I look now today and where we are today with the app and how it does make a difference tracking what you eat, right? Oftentimes folks will say, well, I'm exhausted and I don't want to track what I eat every single moment, everything that I eat. Oh my goodness, I can't keep up with it. It's overwhelming with my lifestyle, my work schedule. No, no, no, no, no, I encourage you. Why? Because I've been there and I have found the balance and I've been able to do that. And sometimes what works for me is planning a little bit ahead and maybe tracking what I'm going to eat prior to. And my fitness pal allows that. So I'm able to track everything that I'm eating beforehand. So I know the next few weeks I'm having my go-to, my smoothie.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : So you're really taking a proactive step.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: And also sometimes as you're going on day by day, there may be other meals that you want to include, but make sure that if you're eating something in addition to what you've tracked the day before, that you're adding it into my fitness pal. That way you have everything is accurate across the board. So my thing is by the end of day, I monitor and I track, okay, did I include something in addition to my smoothies? But making sure that it's not something that's unhealthy, making sure that it's something healthy and in line with my training.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger :Yeah, something that you're tracking to get accuracy and you're tracking to hold yourself accountable and to see the effects that that food is having on your results, your performance, your successes, because it makes a difference.
So I feel like you're doing really well on the full aspect of fitness from nutrition to the races, to the awareness activities like yoga, to the hobbies like basketball, and you're really bringing it all together. And one of the things that stood out just now is that you said balance. And how do you balance your goals with other aspects like work, family, and a social life? How do you create balance?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. And so real quick before I get a little bit deeper into balance, I want to circle back to what you said in regards to the physical activities there and that we were doing in basketball. And again, just remembering that when we first started the training, I literally was just shooting around and just gradually getting back into the basketball realm and the basketball workouts. And literally, yeah, I could have played in the games. And what we mean by that is games that you play while you're at the court or at the park with others. And so I knew where I was recovering in regards to what had happened with the domestic violence and everything with the physical injury that I was advised, because strangulation is the number one cause of death in those types of relationships. And it's so internal. And so I knew that I had to take it easy. And what I mean by that is one day, one step at a time with basketball. And so where we are today is I'm able to now play games. The game I mean by that is with others. So we're able to play maybe it's a full court
game, five on five or half court; four on four. And the fact that I'm able to witness that is so amazing, especially coming from where we were before. It's just, it's a blessing. It's a blessing, as I mentioned. And so you asked me about balance as well. And so when we talk about balance and life and life in general, write it down if you need to do what works for you.
For me,it's writing it down. And again, who's leading us to do that? He is right. And it's right in front of you. And it's so important to be in tune. Yes, you're going to have those days where you have emergencies. That's normal. That's real life. Life happens. Or maybe you have a medical appointment. Life happens. That's okay, too. But make sure that you stay in tune with what he's called you to do, and that you're taking action, not putting off everything every single day, or maybe every other day and saying, I'll get to it later. I'll get to it later. No, procrastination, avoid it. And if there's something that you can get done today, do it.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : So you know, Gigi, while you're here, if you're going to do something today for your health and your fitness, tell us one thing that you're going to do.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat:
Absolutely. Such a great question.
So we are continuing to train for the full marathon here in January. And as you mentioned, of course, too, keeping the triathlon in mind, but that's God willing, as I mentioned before, and for the reasons listed before. But as we're talking about this training today, I'm going to
do a three mile run. And I'm also going to do a gym workout. And again, it's so important to stay in tune. And some days you may say, well, I didn't work out the day before. I may not be able to do this today, or I don't feel like it. Well, do it anyway. Do it anyway. Do it on the days you don't feel like it. And, and see how you feel on the other side of showing up after you don't feel like it. And then let us know how you feel or how you felt then. And while you're in the training, be there, be present, be present in every single moment of your training. And literally, I remember when we were doing the yoga, which is a part of our training as well, when we were doing the yoga, being present, being there was so important. And how it has transformed my life today is just, it's amazing to see again, what God can do. And I am grateful. And just leaning, leaning in to purpose and what he's called you to do.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : That's very well spoken. You know, you're taking a day where maybe you don't want to be active, Gigi, and you're saying, oh, well, I'm still going to do it anyways, because I know that this is what I need to do. And this is what I'm called to do.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Amen. Can I get an amen?
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes, you can. You know, and I just want to take a real quick snippet and say, you know, I'm Coach Chelsea D. And I'm here with Gigi Sabbat. And we're having a conversation about faith and fitness and nutrition and just your goals and your journey. And for those who are listening, if you have a question for Gigi, you get go to my profile, click the say hi button, and then send me your question and I will ask it during this live conversation. And Gigi is a motivational speaker. You can hear it when she is talking to me right now. And also a best selling author. So you know, Gigi, we're talking about your fitness, nutrition, faith, all of those amazing things. And I want to know a way that you set goals. Do you have like a specific strategy?
Like sometimes we use things called smart goals where we get specific and clear, or we have process goals where we focus on how we're going to do something. What is your top strategy for going from start to finish?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Great question. And so essentially for me, again, it's my faith that has such a huge role in everything that I do. And when we talk about goals per se, literally, when we talk about this fitness journey, it's again, just giving it to him. So when we talk about everything, it goes hand in hand. When we talk about some of the things that I'm hearing today, it's very important. And when we talk about trauma, but I remember a good friend of mine said, he said, you need to share your story. It may help someone, he didn't say that it would, he said it may, seeing that trauma and as you're facing, how your health may have been affected from that trauma. And it's so important as we talk about your health, getting serious about your health, but not just that, if it's a battle, if it's a challenge for you, if maybe it's time management, whatever it may be, give it to him. And literally, if when you talk about goals and just, like I said, he's going to lead you to those in general. And oftentimes you may even make your plans, but God knows the plans that he has for you, Jeremiah 29 and 11. And so it's so important to stay in tune. And so if you were to tell me that I'd be running a marathon, as I told you earlier, I'd tell you really, and especially coming from where we came from, but here we are. And I said, okay, thank you, God. And I understand again, he's put it right in front of me and he's like, my child, you're doing this next. And I'm like, all right, God. And it's literally, and so it's so in alignment and it intertwines with goals. So per se, right, society will call it goals. And so it's in alignment with that, but showing up and taking action, because we can say, okay, God, I understand. And yes, I understand what you've called me to do, but if you just sit there and do nothing, it defeats the purpose of what he's called you to do, because he's calling you to do something, action is required. So take action.
If you're listening to this message today and God has placed a goal right in front of you and he's called you to do it, step into it and take action.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes, I love that. So I feel like that's a key message that you are telling us today is that, you know, the goals that are out there for you, the purpose is maybe right in front of you. Just look for it, keep your eyes open, be present with it. And when that comes, take forward momentum right away. Don't sit on it, but do something small. Get going in the direction that you're meant to go.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. And you may not understand it then, you may not understand it at the moment, but he will reveal it to you. And literally that has been my entire life. He will reveal it to you. And again, it's so important as you stay still. And some folks will say, Geeg, sometimes I see you moving fast. And then other times you move very slowly. And this is what I tell folks, the times that I'm moving fast, it's God's speed, right? But not just that, the times that I'm saying still, it's so important to be still. And remember that, again, when we stay, when we stay still, we can hear him.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : So stillness can be a powerful thing for us to really listen and hear our next move.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Yes, absolutely. And so if God were to say, okay, my child, you're going to do the 5k and Coach Chelsea,he says we're doing the 10k. But did I know that it was going to be possible? No, but here's the reality, right? I've learned you don't question that. And remember that all things are possible with him. And again, if he's put it right in front of you, take action on what he's called you to do.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, yeah, absolutely. You know, you give us some really good thinking points today, and as well, action ideals. So what else, Gigi, do you want to share with our listeners about, you know, your fitness journey, just overall health and wellness?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Such a great question. And so overall in health and wellness, again, and I know there are many other individuals, similar to myself, again, I want to remind you not to let the trauma that has not been healed thus far affect your health. And it's so important to remember that. But also, if there's a challenge that's keeping you from working out, or getting serious about your fitness journey, or maybe it's your fitness journey in general, and you're sure you have some struggles there. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, hire a fitness coach, but not just that show up, show up. And when you show up, show up powerfully, be in tune, be there, be in the present, let go and let him and keep moving forward, keep doing what he's called you to do. But not just that, take your training very seriously. I take the training very, very seriously. And it means a lot to me. But not just that, we've added one of my favorite hobbies, which is basketball in alignment with the runs. And here's the reality, I also take that very seriously. It's a part of my training. And being there, being there. And again, some days you may get tired, some days you may have those challenges, some days you may have that physical pain that appears similar to myself. But mindset, mindset is so important, right? We talk about being resilient, and maintaining what is called a resilient mindset. And so it's so important. Get up, get up, back up. I can't do this and I can't do this. Don’t just let things move forward and just glance at it and not take action. No, no, no, show up, show up. Keep moving forward. No matter what. And let go and let him.
And not just that, as we talk about self-talk, how are you waking up in the morning, when you wake up? Are you waking up? Are you feeling sluggish? Are you feeling like you're drifting every day that you get up? Are you feeling like, are you feeling like I can't do this? Well, what if this happens? Or what if that happens? Or I'm afraid. I am in fear. I am in fear.
No, faith over fear. I'll say it again, faith over fear. And I'll say it again, faith over fear. So important.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Wow, I feel like I got goosebumps on my arms.
And you just, you know, that last thing too, faith over fear. How impactful that is, those words. My goodness. You know, how does one, you know, overcome the fear with their faith? What does that really look like for someone? Or what does that look like for you?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat:
Absolutely. Such a great question. And so essentially we can talk about it, we can get a little bit more in depth about that and maybe go a little bit deeper. Maybe it's during your runs. You're afraid to run on a trail run. Maybe you have been through something similar to me. You've been sexually assaulted. Maybe, and maybe it has that effect when you're going on your runs. Now you have to even think about that, right? And you have to, I have things on my person to protect myself because of what I've been through. And you and I have spoken about that, Coach Chelsea, and I'm okay with sharing that today on the call. But if that's, if you're someone who's in a similar situation, I encourage you to have what is okay to have on your person with you to protect yourself. And again, remembering to have faith over fear during your runs. And again, let go and let him and just give it to him.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah, I totally agree. We even have someone on our chat here that I'm going to just say what they commented and it is, you know, pray for wisdom and discernment and protection and learn self-defense. Maybe those are the things that could help, you know, deal with any possible future problems in domestic violence or sexual assault. So really you're taking, you know, power into your own hands as you can. And hopefully that could be something to protect yourself, to overcome, to persevere. What do you think about that comment?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. It's so important. But yes, violence needs to end in general. And as we talk about that, yes, it's okay, as you mentioned, to protect yourself when those things do arise. But again, and I know it's not just me. I know that there are several other individuals who have to protect themselves or not just that, but who have been through something similar to me. And I know how it can affect an individual's training or their run. And again, if that's you, I encourage you to remember that you're not alone and that you can get through this and that you don't need to think too much into it. Don't let it overwhelm you. Just again, be in tune with your training. Show up. Those days that you're there, be in tune with your runs. And I tell you what, every day that I show up for a single run, I'm grateful, number one, a lot of gratitude. And not just that, but I give it to him. I give it to him. And I am so in tune with every single run and I love it. But not just that, in those moments that I'm running, it's a Faith movement.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : I love that. A Faith movement. Wow. So, you know, Gigi, I want to give our listeners who I know are inspired by your story a chance to kind of connect with you. So what are the best ways for them to do that?
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. Such a great question. So folks can find me on LinkedIn. That's Gigi Sabbat or also my other social media platforms at Gigi Sabbat and also my website that's Life Service Center of America, LLC .com. If you need assistance with anything, don't hesitate to ask. Just reach us via the contact us section and one of our executives will be in touch with you soon. And we want to meet you where you are. And if there's a goal that you're looking to achieve, we'd be more than happy to assist you. If it's something out of our scope, then we won't leave you hanging. We'll actually refer you to an expert who can further assist you. Wonderful.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Thank you so much. So, you know, we're at the top of the hour and I want to say thank you, Gigi Sabbat, for coming here, giving us your words of wisdom and inspiring us with your story.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. Such an honor.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yeah. And, you know, maybe just one or two closing thoughts that you have today. What do you want those to be? The closing thoughts.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: First and foremost, I just want to say thank you so much, Coach Chelsea. A lot of gratitude to you and the kickoff team. Grateful for them as well. And it's just, I'm just grateful. And it's just, I'm just so grateful. And just thank you. And I'm grateful for my faith as well. And literally, I'm grateful to do this with you all. And this journey, this fitness journey. And as we talk about, again, just what we call the faith movement, as we mentioned earlier, just literally letting go and letting him. And it's just an honor to do this with you. And I appreciate your continued support. And if you're listening to this message today, again, remember, don't give up. Don't give up. And if it's a fitness goal that you're working on, do not give up. And whatever it may be for you, whatever that looks like, that goal, be in tune, be in the present moment, and enjoy it. They say, find joy in the journey. Do just that. But remember too, on those days that you don't feel like it, show up. Show up and be present. Take action. Action is truly required. Without action, you have nothing. You can say, I want to do this. Or I understand what I'm called to do, but I'm just going to sit here. No, no, no. Shift how you're speaking to yourself and say, thank you. And step into it and take action(Do what you say you are going to do). And, that's what we call integrity. Integrity.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Yes. Well, you heard it live from Gigi Sabbat on how you can take something like a wish and turn it into an action and take an obstacle and turn it into a transformative opportunity. And these are things that you can do. You have power. You have self-control. You are in charge of your life and you have faith by you or some type of support along your side. Even if you don't feel like you have that, get a coach. Find someone to help. So thank you again, Gigi. I appreciate you coming here. I'm excited about where you're going. And please keep me informed and in the know as well.
Motivational Keynote Speaker Gigi Sabbat: Absolutely. Will do. And again, such an honor to do this journey with you, Coach Chelsea.
Coach Chelsea Denlinger : Thank you. And thank you all. Thank you. All right.
Bye.Bye.
