I can’t believe it’s been 6 months since I last popped into your inbox with a newsletter, and let me tell you—I’ve missed YOU, boo!
Sending a big hug from Costa Rica (more on why I’m here below 🤗).
I must say, taking a pause from writing was not a part of my plan, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. It gave me space to reflect on some big questions as I approached 10 years of Gym Hooky and think about family planning in the next year—a mix of excitement and fear.
Some questions that I reflected on:
What does success mean to me at this stage of my life?
Am I living in alignment with my values, or do I need to realign?
What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?
Where in my life am I choosing fear over courage?
What excites me most right now, and how can I lean into it?
How am I making space for joy and creativity in my business?
If I could create without fear of judgment, what would I make?
Through it all, one thing kept coming back to me—you. This community.
When I started Gym Hooky in 2015, my goal was simple: to empower ambitious women like you (and me!) to build healthy habits while we build our careers. Over the years, that mission has evolved into so much more: creating spaces where we can move, pause, reflect, and reconnect—not just with our goals, but with ourselves.
And I’ve loved every second of it. But really lol…
What I Learned During My Pause
In 2024, I was achieving great things (which I'm VERY proud of), but also felt like I was going through an identity crisis – like I wasn't doing enough to sustain a business for motherhood. There was this wave of pressure to do something “different” to level up as a leader in the fitness and wellness industry. I started chasing “different,” to get clarity which led to me saying yes to too many things, and leaning on advice from all the well-meaning people around me.
But instead of clarity, I found myself overwhelmed, unfocused, and—if I’m being real—losing excitement for my business.
So I decided to pause and spend time with myself (s/o to solo travel, executive coaching, and group masterminds) and here's what I learned:
The work I do is enough. It’s impactful, unique, and exactly what it needs to be. I’ve realized I don’t need to reinvent the wheel to make a difference.
I level up daily. Growth isn’t always loud or flashy—it’s in the small, consistent actions I’ve taken since day one. The progress is already happening, even when I don’t see it right away.
Following trends isn’t my thing—and that’s okay. I’ve never been about chasing what’s popular. My superpower is staying true to what feels aligned, and that’s where the magic happens.
I am obsessed with building women up. This has always been my mission. Helping women feel strong, capable, and confident will always light me up.
Learning my human design type (Projector) changed everything. It gave me permission to honor how I work best: leading with energy, clarity, and intention rather than constantly hustling.
It’s time to do less, but do it better. Quality over quantity, always. By simplifying my focus, I can show up with more impact and joy.
I need to trust my intuition more. The answers are already within me. I just need to quiet the noise, lean in, and listen.
👇🏽 Live footage of me getting this clarity LOL👇🏽
Hello, 2025!
I’m stepping into this year with a fresh focus, a clear mission, and a heart full of excitement. My mission is simple: to help you build strength—inside and out.
This year, I’m embracing the theme Stronger Together. It’s not just a tagline; it’s a movement. It’s about practicing balance and honoring both…
movement and stillness
bossness and softness
hustle and healing
It’s about celebrating our strength in all its forms…
Strength in our bodies.
Strength in our mindset.
Strength in our habits.
Strength in our boundaries.
Strength in how we approach life.
You can expect more workouts, more real talk, and more ways to feel stronger in your body and life. I’ll also be creating content, retreats, and resources that remind you: you’re capable of so much more than you think.
And doing this together? Whew! That will make us unstoppable.
Pack Your Bags, Boo!
I’m so excited to announce that I’ll be hostingTWO of my all-inclusive wellness retreats, Pause on Purpose, for my ladies in 2025—one in Bali and one in Costa Rica (yep, this is why I am in currently in Costa Rica as I write this!)
If 2025 is the year you want to make big life decisions, prioritize your health, or simply choose YOU, then this retreat was designed for you.
These retreats are designed to give you the space to pause, reflect, and reset while surrounded by inspiring women and breathtaking views. It’s about reconnecting with yourself and leaving stronger, inside and out.
NOTE: Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis – and I keep the numbers small. If you are interested, I highly recommend putting down a deposit today to lock down your spot! Links below.
Your Turn: Let's Build Together
Thank you for being the heart of this community and for inspiring me every single day. You truly are the reason I do what I do.
I pray that the spaces I create for you — whether it’s a workout, retreat, or email like this—feel like home. A place where you can come for encouragement, knowledge, and that little push when you need it most.
So, tell me…
• What do you need right now?
• What’s one thing you’re working on, dreaming about, or struggling with?
Hit reply and let me know—I read every single response.
It feels so good to be back, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you.
Yours in Strength,
Ari
P.S. Keep an eye out for more exciting projects coming your way. Let’s make 2025 the year we get Stronger Together. 💪🏽
