Meet Rachael Gerstel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Gerstel.

Hi Rachael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was a senior in High School my mother, Mary Jane, was diagnosed with Stage VI Ovarian Cancer. During my freshman year of college, I developed an eating disorder as a means to cope with the pressure of school, a need to be perfect, and to find control in the uncertainty of my mother’s health. She passed away my junior year. I went on to graduate from Point Park University with a BFA in Musical Theater and Dance, and moved to Los Angeles to further my career.

One of my first jobs in LA was as an instructor at Cardio Barre Studio City. My motivation to teach came first from a need to be thin. I’d imagined that would bring a sense of belonging and accomplishment. However, my experience there actually laid the foundation for self-care and compassion. Teaching allowed me to share and connect. It gave me a direction and structure that I lacked and was proof that I was more than the smallest version of myself. I began to feel the possibility that I could be whole and accept my most authentic self. I recognized my strength, and with that came a desire to heal.

Through recovery, I found hope in sharing what I’d learned, including struggles. As I worked through my grief, I gained resilience. My passion for performance on stage shifted to a love for quality of life and human performance. Ultimately my mother’s life and death taught me that it’s vital for each individual to be their own advocate for personal health and wellness. I strive to give my community the confidence and knowledge to do just that. We have a deeper responsibility as wellness professionals to educate and empathize. It’s never lost on me that that’s a privilege.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think I’d be as invested as I am if it were a smooth road. I’m hard on myself. My individual work still, is softening, having more grace for me. It’s all about assets and liabilities. My competitive mindset and being driven are assets. They can also be a liability when I don’t allow myself space to make mistakes or to rest. Being an athlete or just a human being, we must recognize that we need recovery to optimally perform. Furthermore, we are worthy of compassion and love every day. There’s nothing we need to do to earn it. I continue to let go of comparison and an idea that I should be “farther along.” What does that even mean? So, I breathe, find gratitude in my movement, and spend as much time as I can outside. This allows me to stay present and to “be good to Rachael” as my mother would say!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an NSCA-certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, my focus is in improvement of athletic performance. One thing I hope I’m known for is also a thing in which I take pride: my constant desire to build on what I know, and expand on what I can offer so that my clients get the most of out of every session. Athletic performance isn’t just what happens in the gym, on stage, or in the field of play. Fitness and health at every level are more holistic than that, which is why I recently became a certified PN1- Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery Coach — all areas that too often get overlooked. If you place your trust in me, then you deserve a coach who can combine precise physical training with attention to your whole being. As the Head of Wellness for L.A. Establishment, a professional dance education company that offers training programs, my job is to connect the dots between artistry and athleticism. I’m known for my honesty, vulnerability, and true aspiration to help our dancers become healthy, strong human beings above all else.

My private strength training and/or clients focused on recovery benefit from programming that’s individually tailored and recognizes the 6 elements of deep health: emotional, cognitive, physical, environmental, social-relational, and existential. At Orangetheory Los Angeles, I coach people at all fitness levels. I’m known for my high energy, attention to form and ability, and knowing the names of my members. I strive to create what feels like a personalized experience in a group setting. I’m proud that I’ve cultivated a reputation of caring about people exactly as they are, even as we start to take them where they want to go. I want to know their stories, what inspires them to feel their best, and their apprehensions or fears. And I’m not afraid to share mine. That builds trust and safety, and when we feel safe, we are more able to create positive and sustainable change.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Oh wow! I’m happy to say there are many things that make me happy! In no particular order…
1. The Ocean makes me feel closest to my mother and reminds me we’re just small beings. We’re here for an undetermined about of time, so live BIG!
2. Hiking or running the stairs at Santa Monica or Culver City connects me to my heart. I feel it beat and race and know I’m here for a reason.
3. My clients feeling their strength and advocating for themselves shows me I’m living my purpose.
4. Going back to Western NY and spending time with my family, most especially my dad. I’m rooted but know how far I’ve come. I’m still that spunky little redhead who loves hard, feels deeply, has both failed and succeeded, and who has lost a lot but gained much more.
5. Watching my beloved Buffalo Bills. They represent everything I miss and love from home.
6. Cake with really good buttercream frosting and ice cream! Needs no explanation.
7. Travel. There is much to explore and adventure to create! We owe it to ourselves to keep going!

Contact Info:

• Website: rachaelgerstel.com
• Instagram: @rachaelgerstel