Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Dykes.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After the birth of my first daughter in 2020, I struggled in my postpartum recovery. In addition to an unplanned C-section, I also struggled with postpartum depression.
As a personal trainer, it was extra frustrating to feel so lost and confused about my own body. Why had no one told me anything about the pelvic floor and the changes that women experience in pregnancy and postpartum?
Navigating a pelvic organ prolapse was also a big struggle, impacting both my physical and emotional health. My prolapse journey actually began AFTER I completed pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT). I was 3 months postpartum, finished with PFPT, and therefore decided I must be ready to run.
With my daughter in her stroller, I went for a few runs. Soon after that, I started to feel this heaviness in my pelvic floor. It was awful and I had no idea what it was. Honestly, it made me scared to move my body. I felt like I was broken and it was my fault.
I wondered if I would ever be able to get back to doing the things I loved without symptoms and fear of hurting myself more. I eventually learned this heaviness I was feeling was pelvic organ prolapse.
After an unsuccessful year of trying to rehab myself, I finally decided I needed help.
I worked with a new PFPT and a pregnancy and postpartum coach. Both of these women, literally changed my life. I worked with my coach for 18 months. In that time, so much physical, emotional, and mental healing happened for me. I was empowered in my own body and asymptomatic with my prolapse symptoms. My coach encouraged me to become a certified pregnancy and postpartum coach.
I had started LivWell when my oldest was 9 months old. I really missed personal training and needed something that was just for me to do outside of motherhood. However, as I kept diving down the rabbit hole of core & pelvic health, I realized I couldn’t keep this to myself. When I completed my pregnancy and postpartum athleticism certification, I pivoted my business to pregnancy and postpartum moms. And I haven’t looked back!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a first time mom, and learning how to run a business were certainly among my first challenges. I never wanted to own a business. It was intimidating. The joke is on me!
Knowing when and where to invest in my business was and honestly still is a challenge. About 6 months into starting LivWell, I hired a business coach. It felt risky. It was personal. My business couldn’t afford that type of investment at the time. So with our personal money, we did it. And… turns out it was worth every cent!
Imposter syndrome was also a HUGE challenge, especially when I decided to pivot LivWell to serving pregnant and postpartum moms. I felt like I didn’t know enough. I have had such a supportive community of coaches to remind me that I was capable, equipped and ready to help mamas! Just taking my next right step has helped me get coaching reps and confidence over the years.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a personal trainer that works with moms in all seasons of motherhood: pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Core and pelvic floor is my expertise! I love helping moms feel empowered to pursue fitness through all seasons of motherhood.
I educate moms about the changes their bodies experience in both pregnancy and postpartum. Our training focuses on building total body strength, core and pelvic floor connection, and improving any core and pelvic health symptoms such as prolapse, diastasis, incontinence, and more!
The fitness industry is saturated with influencers who aren’t actually qualified to coach moms. Being a certified coach and an experienced mom is what sets LivWell apart. I understand the changes pregnant and postpartum mamas experience. I know how to keep them safe, help them train smart, and achieve their goals.
And as a mama myself, I understand the wild ride of motherhood and am able to meet my clients with empathy and encouragement.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Aimee Bailey, PFPT
Aimee was my second pelvic floor physical therapist, and she helped me start believing in my body’s resilience! She encouraged me to share what I knew and that there were women who needed to hear it.
Kate Johnson, P&PA Coach, CF Level 1
She was my coach for 18 months. We met for coaching sessions virtually and she wrote my strength programming. My work with her was invaluable. Being able to move in the ways I loved without pelvic health symptoms truly changed my life. It wasn’t just exercise, it was learning to trust and believe in my body. She is the reason I am a pregnancy and postpartum coach today.
Brianna Battles, Founder of P&PA certification
Brianna is the founder of Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism. I had the opportunity to meet Brianna at a live seminar. She gave me the nudge I needed to think bigger for my business and to move past imposter syndrome.
Marilen Crump
My business coach that played a critical role in helping me set up systems for success and so much more. She was truly a game changer!
I’m forever thankful for all of these women!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oliviadykescoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livwell.coaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livwellcoachingtn
