Nicole Nichols, SparkPeople Managing Editor
She dedicated her career to helping people be beautiful and healthy from the inside out. Learn how this local lady is inspiring millions internationally.
 As an editor and fitness expert at SparkPeople.com, Nichols reaches millions of people a month. Her recent boot-camp workout program garnered 70,000 participants, and her workout videos have been viewed more than 14 million times on YouTube. The American Council on Exercise (ACE)-certified personal trainer inspires people from all walks of life to become physically active and adopt healthier lifestyles. She began as a personal trainer and has designed and taught health programs on eating disorders, body image, self-acceptance and strength training for women.
Nichols was also recently named the 2011 "Top Personal Trainer to Watch" by the ACE and Life Fitness. Read on for a Q&A with this year's 2011 Cincy Chic Woman of the Year for the beauty department.
Cincy Chic: Thus far in your career, what are you personally most proud of accomplishing?
Nicole Nichols, SparkPeople Managing Editor: I always knew that I wanted to help people and that I was passionate about health and fitness, but I never would have imagined that I'd reach millions of people with a healthy message the way I do through SparkPeople. It's really an amazing thing.
I have to say that I'm also proud of being myself and reaching success in my own way. I've been publicly criticized for not looking fit or "buff" enough to have a fitness DVD or be a trainer. As a woman - and a person who has overcome disordered eating and exercise issues - that hurts. But I made a promise to myself to never feel the need to change or conform in order to find success in this industry. I think it's a much-needed thing in a world where women's self-esteem and body images are so low.
Most women feel like they have to look perfect or be a certain size or shape to be worthy, lovable or successful. I disagree 100 percent, and I don't promote fitness as a means to achieve a certain physique. Fitness should be about inner strength, inner health - not just the way it affects your body or appearance. When you focus on what's important - being healthy and strong - you're more motivated in the long run to stick with healthy habits, and that will result in positive changes from the inside out. It's about being the best, most confident you that you can be.
Cincy Chic: What's something most people don't know about you?
Nichols: I actually started my education in fine arts and design - three years' worth of school! It left me so burnt out, overweight, unhealthy and exhausted that I decided I needed to change. I switched my major to health promotion, something that would allow me to make my own health a priority while also helping others, and I have never looked back!
Cincy Chic: What's the next step in your career?
Nichols: I will continue motivating and educating people on all aspects of health and fitness through my local exercise classes (at Studio S in Hyde Park Square), and through my blogs, videos and articles at SparkPeople.com. I am thrilled about the release of my first major fitness DVD, SparkPeople: 28 Day Boot Camp, which hits Target shelves nationwide beginning January 1! I've never been more proud of any project I've worked on to date. We chose real people as the exercisers in the background, so that women won't find them intimidating.
Cincy Chic: What does this WOTY award mean to you?
Nichols: That I am a beauty queen! Haha just kidding! It shows me that the fitness industry is making a much-needed change. It's making room for trainers who don't have a "perfect" or ripped physique, but can still serve as healthy role models and help others achieve fitness at any size. And it shows that health and fitness is beautiful. Nothing makes me feel more confident or beautiful than finishing a tough workout or reaching a new fitness goal. I hope to inspire more women to make exercise a part of their lives - and the most essential part of their beauty routines!
Click here to see a photo album with Nichols!
| Amy Scalia - |
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Amy Scalia, a Cincinnati native, is the editor in chief and publisher of Cincy Chic. Send her an e-mail at
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