Heike Yates is an exercise and nutrition expert, speaker, and fitness studio owner. Her podcast, Pursue Your Spark, helps women in midlife stay healthy, increase their energy, and maintain motivation.
Through her unique S.P.A.R.K.method (scanning your life, planning a bold journey, amplifying your power, rocking your roadblocks, and kicking ass) she demystifies the fitness industry for her clients and podcast audience to help them achieve real results.
Originally from Germany, Heike’s main goal in life was to find a secure, comfortable 9 to 5 job. However, once she reached that goal, she realized she wanted more out of life. After bouncing back from her first pregnancy and discovering the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of exercise, she fell in love with fitness and jumped head-first into personal training and teaching.
From there, her career expanded to include nutrition, coaching, and now, podcasting. Learn more about Heike’s journey below!
Podcast Name: Pursue Your Spark
Tell us what your podcast is about in 3 sentences or less!
My goal is to empower women in midlife to lead a healthy, fit, and vibrant life. I share fitness, nutrition, and mindset strategies, plus my guests share their stories to help other women reclaim their power in midlife to live an authentic life.
Current hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
Originally from: Germany
What’s a quote or piece of advice that you try to live by?
Never give up, there is always another way.
Let’s start with a few fun quick-fire questions to get you warmed up, shall we?
Superpower (one of your best qualities/skills): Positivity
One thing on your bucket list: Visit Japan
Personal Anthem: We Will Rock You by Queen
Last text message you sent: “What can we see in Mexico?”
What was your first job? Sales associate
Any unusual hobbies? Maybe not unusual but I am a triathlete.
Biggest Pet Peeve: Incompetent people
Okay! Now it’s time to get into the more serious business…
What inspired you to start your podcast?
Reaching more women in midlife to show them that it’s possible to life a full and happy life and how it can be done by paying attention to their needs. I love to talk and sharing my message through a podcast was perfect. It also allows women get to know me.
What is your show’s USP?
With 30 years of experience in the fitness industry I have so much knowledge that I can help someone with almost anything. My positive approach to anything in midlife is contagious.
What is one of the greatest challenges you have personally faced with your podcast?
This is embarrassing but calling your guest by the wrong name and you know that’s not her name over and over. OMG, this was bad. I apologized over and over and was able to fix my mistake through editing.
What was one of your favorite episodes you’ve ever done? Why does it stand out?
I would say my interview with Angela Marie Maxwell. What guts this woman has to travel the world on foot and the how she preserved and learned despite many scary and tough moments on her travel.
Tell us more about your work/life outside of your podcast.
I am an exercise and nutrition expert, speaker, and fitness studio owner with 30 years of experience. A healthy lifestyle was not always part of my life, but 30 years ago I became a mom and I realized I had to change something. Exercise and healthy eating habits became a lifestyle for the entire family. It also led me to a new career in the fitness industry. I am the owner of a brick and mortar fitness studio in addition to my online brand.
Let’s look in the rear-view mirror. What is one thing you have accomplished with your podcast thus far that you are most proud of?
Reaching women that I would have never had the chance to talk to or help with their problems.
Now, let’s look into the future. What is one major milestone that you would like to accomplish through your podcast in the next year?
Increase my audience size. Honestly, I want to be the next Oprah in podcasting.
What is one of the best pieces of podcast-related advice you’ve ever received & why?
Don’t be perfect – just get started.
What are some of your favorite women-hosted podcasts (besides your own)?
24 Carat Conversations, Rachel Hollis – RISE Together, The Jasmine Star Show, Oprah’s Super Soul Sundays
Last section — let’s close out with some inspiration!
Can you tell us about a time when you took a huge risk/did something you were scared to do, and it totally paid off?
I learned to swim at age 54 and yes, I could breast stroke but not free style and I wanted to compete in the national champion ships that I qualified for in a duathlon. I was petrified of swimming. I did learn to swim and ended up becoming an Ironman Triathlete.
Professionally: Starting a job in the fitness industry. Not in a million years would you have found me in an exercise class back then (in the 80s) and I not only overcame my dislike for group fitness classes but it started my path to a life long career that I love.
Are there any great podcast-related resources you love that you would like to share?
Libsyn for hosting, GarageBand on Mac for sound mixing, Blue Yeti Miccrophone for recording.
Is there a charity or cause you care about that you would like to share?Planned Parenthood
How do you feel you’re making a positive impact and generating change through your podcast?
By continuing to share a positive message about health, fitness and a healthy mindset. I feel that by supporting our every growing community of women in midlife that if you band together be come a force to reckoned with.
For more from Heiki Yates:
Podcast // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Youtube // Pinterest