The Gap Year Movement

Category: Health & Fitness

Spartan Big Bear Trifecta: Fitness, Adventure & Alignment
What an amazing weekend at Spartan Big Bear in Big Bear Lake, California! The vibrant energy of the old-growth pines, the gorgeous sunny weather, and the happy, goal-crushing people around us made it unforgettable.

A Magical Weekend at Spartan Big Bear

We were there representing KORBOARD at the Spartan Big Bear Trifecta. Our partnership with this innovative fitness brand has opened doors to promote incredible products, and champion fitness for everyone. It feels so good to be in roles that light us up and connect us to other like minded fitness souls.

Representing KORBOARD at the Spartan Trifecta

Spartan racers tackled 1–3 races over the weekend — Sprint, Super, and Beast — full of running and obstacles on the steep side of a ski mountain. Their energy was sky-high! These athletes were slaying themselves in the name of fitness and fun, and it was contagious.

At our KORBOARD booth, we ran fun challenges focused on strength, mobility, and extra movement before or after their races. People were game — pushing limits and laughing through it. These are definitely our people!

Meeting Our People: Racers, Families & High-Vibe Community

Many connections came with the families and friends cheering on their racers. The courses are long and tough, so there’s often downtime to chat. It was sweet to meet someone, then see them again later celebrating with their finished athlete. The whole mountain felt like one big connected family, bonded by effort and accomplishment.

The race staff, photographers, military recruiters, and other vendors all brought the same positive spirit. Strangers greeted each other with smiles and encouragement. Even the crew doing the hard work of setup and managing thousands of racers stayed smiling ear-to-ear. The vibe was pure joy.

We also had the special treat of meeting another KORBOARD colleague and his wife. Both are super successful entrepreneurs and deeply fitness-focused. My husband had followed them on Instagram for a while, so it was fantastic to connect in real life and swap stories. One of the coolest parts of this journey is the amazing people you meet — both online and in person!

Small-Town Magic & Delicious Connections

Big Bear Lake perfectly blends small-town charm with bustling tourist energy. People visit from all over the world, yet it still feels intimate with just a handful of local businesses.

We had so much fun exploring the food scene:
- Big Bear Mountain Brewery: The bartender playfully “talked smack” to everyone (turns out it was mostly his family — they own the place!). Super welcoming vibes.
- Steinerhaus BBQ: We stopped in for beers after dinner and ended up chatting with the owners as they closed. They invited us to stay for one more round and shared all about their flavorful menu and cooking secrets. Right up our alley!
- Hacienda Grill: We ate here twice — the food was muy delicioso and the service was warm and fantastic.
The Big Epiphany: This Is What Alignment Feels Like

Several times I just stood there in grateful awe, soaking it all in. Here we were, on the side of Big Bear Mountain, surrounded by people genuinely having fun while conquering big goals. What a gift to have a role with a growing fitness company that puts you right in the middle of happy, motivated humans pushing to be their best.

This weekend was living proof of the life we’re creating through the Gap Year Movement: one where fitness equals happiness and real connection. No corporate grind — just joy, adventure, and community.

If you’ve been craving more of this energy in your own life, start small. Find your version of a Spartan race, a local fitness event, or even a weekend in nature. Say yes to the things that make you feel alive. The right people, places, and opportunities will show up.

Aroo! Until the next adventure.

xoxo Amy – your sabbatical guide and lover of tall pines
May 26, 2026
Schrödinger’s Knee: Healing Pain Through Mindset & Movement

Remember Schrödinger’s cat—that famous quantum physics thought experiment where the cat in the box is both alive and dead at the same time, until you open the lid and “observe” it? That’s kind of how my knees used to function. Every morning, as I climbed out of bed, we were all in total suspense (me and both knees). Will taking a step unleash sharp stabs, or will it feel like a glorious, pain-free miracle? Both realities existed… until I actually stood up and collapsed the wave function.

Before you get out of bed or think “ugh, hope this bitch doesn’t ruin my day,” pause. Deep breaths. Play the ‘what if’ game: What if it feels great? What if last night’s sleep healed you a ton? What if you just hit the gym and saw what happened—instead of skipping weighted lunge day yet again?

I dubbed this situation “Schrödinger’s Knee” because I realized that my brain lived in this quantum limbo situation about my knees every day. My mindset and expectations played a huge role in which reality showed up. Turns out my fears about pain was wreaking havoc on the reality I was experiencing! I finally decided I needed to create a whole new reality where my knees felt strong, capable, and pain free.

The Distorted History

Somewhere in the corporate grind, my knees turned into full-time assholes. They hurt constantly doing basic human shit: half-assed workouts 3x a week, climbing in/out of my car, trying to strut around the office in heels like it wasn’t excruciating.

Picture this if you ever think you have bad knees!

Corporate Finance Amy had zero clue she was torching herself—and her knees—with zero real exercise, extra weight, and an inflammatory AF diet loaded with seed oils, processed junk, and booze. Joints screaming like the Tinman begging for oil. She thought 30 minutes of moderate cardio counted as “working out.” It’s way below minimum standards for being healthy and prolonging one’s life. She wasn’t ready to hear that yet.

Worst part? She swallowed the generational BS that being in your 40s means slowing down and getting softer. What the actual F? That’s the granddaddy of all excuses not to try. It’s still an excuse, he’s just wearing those old age glasses as his disguise.

Daily Choices Matter

Why wake up dreading the joint drama—bracing for a punishing workout and limping all day? Flip the script. Wake up in the new reality you’re building… and keep building it before your feet hit the floor.

Don’t let your brain block unlimited possibility with old stories. That “bad knees” tale might’ve protected you from hurting yourself and pushing too hard—or from fully showing up. Either way, it’s kept you small.

Healing Episodes

In 2025, mid-gap year(s), I learned physical healing is tangled up with mental and spiritual growth. I’ve been diving into new practices, like breathwork with my fave healer Jenna Paige at Surya Yoga (a magical yoga studio).

Breathwork, for the uninitiated, is basically a guided session where you lie down, breathe in specific deep and rhythmic patterns (think faster and fuller than your usual shallow corporate zombie breaths), often with epic music blasting to amp up the emotional release and altered-state vibes. It’s wild how something as simple as breathing on purpose can unlock buried shit and spark healing—like therapy on steroids, but with zero talking.

Breathwork = getting high on your own supply (of breath)

I’m a breathwork newbie but keep showing up for the magic. You set an intention upfront. Mine shifted one day to: “Help me understand why part of me still feels ‘not good enough’ for me to take the BEST care of my body”.

The second we started, warm electric buzzing hit both knees—like they were being cradled and healed by invisible hands. I leaned in and let it ride because when the universe offers knee rehab, you say thank you.

Then the downloads came: direct, loving, no-BS messages zapping in milliseconds. One wrecked me: “Your constant focus on knee pain is your self-tether. It keeps you from living big and building the strong body needed for your life’s work. You’ve been pretending to try while holding yourself down. It’s a big fat lie. You could launch yourself into the sun with the power you’ve got.”

Visual that popped in? Me strapped to Earth with a thick green gym band around my hips, flailing to jump free (and failing). Have you ever seen how big and burly those bands are? Like 2 inches thick and can hold up the weight of a large man.

It looked ridiculous the way the image popped into my mind, and would have made me laugh if it hadn’t been so immensely sad at the same time. This whole time it was me holding me back? Flood of tears.

Days later, I read Soul Speak by Julia Cannon—perfect timing. Her book is a veritable dictionary of what different parts of the body are trying to tell you. Sometimes they whisper and you have to listen hard to decipher, and sometimes they scream, cry, and call you the worst swears for trying to be active. Turns out knee pain symbolically ties to flexibility, humility, pride, and moving forward. Pain = your higher self yelling “pay attention and growww.”

Mindset blocks hitting home? Join the crew rewriting their stories at thegapyearmovement.com.

Lunging Forward

Post-download, workouts flipped. I’d always skipped lunge day—weighted lunges were a 12/10 pain nightmare.

But after a real talk with my PT and Movement Specialist, Doc Martin, we tweaked my form and successory work. Squats juuust past parallel while laser focused on building leg and joint strength. Life-changing: stronger, minimal pain, actually doing moves I’d labeled “hard effing pass” in the preceding months. Turns out just because I was flexible enough to hit the way bottom of a squat didn’t mean I was strong enough to do it repeatedly (yet).

Cue recent workout: lunges everywhere. Old me = “Oh hells no”, New me: “What if I showed up for lunge workouts and just… did them without telling the coach a sad tale of knee woe?”

This felt like Lunge Queen vibes

Holy cow what a difference. Crushed the double-under practice time (previous knee kryptonite), then did a million front-rack weighted lunges. Zero pain. Lifetime PR. Mojo found in a movement I’d dodged forever.

Your body listens. Your mind’s the DJ. Play better tunes.

xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and breathwork believer

What’s your best Schrödinger’s body part story? Spill below, or DM me on IG/TikTok/X @gapyearwithamy. Gap Year Movement = ditching BS and launching to the sun. You’ve got this, homies. 🚀

December 31, 2025
Focus on Your Breathing Like It’s Your Only Job: Calm Your Mind & Unlock Your Potential
Ever felt your heart racing, your breath going shallow, and your whole body hitting the panic button before a big moment? Whether it’s stepping into a high-stakes presentation, navigating a tough conversation, or pushing through an intense workout, that fight-or-flight surge is real. During my gap year, I learned this the hard way—especially with those tricky double-unders in CrossFit. But here’s the beautiful part: I also discovered one of the simplest, most powerful tools for transforming stress into strength—focus on your breathing like it’s your only job.

I’m so grateful for these moments on my gap year journey. They’ve taught me how to show up more fully, with greater calm and presence. What started as frustration has become a visionary practice: using breath to create space for growth, adventure, and joy in this transformative time of life.

The Panic Trap: When Your Brain Takes Over

We’ve all been there—stomach in knots before a big pitch, racing thoughts during a tough workout, or that jelly-leg feeling before something new. For me, it was often jump rope double-unders. Some days I flowed beautifully; others, I was tripping, whipping myself with the rope, and muttering colorful words under my breath.

Looks like I’m having a blast!

I used to believe powering through with sheer grit was the bold way to live. And while that hustle has its place, I’m deeply thankful I learned a gentler, more effective approach. Forcing it often backfires, amplifying stress. The real magic? Creating calm from within so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. This shift has been one of the most empowering parts of my gap year—reminding me that true adventure includes mastering your inner world.

Solid Gold Coaching: A New Perspective

During a goal check-in with my fav coach at Wildfire, I shared that I was struggling to master double-unders. I had been working on my jumping capacity so hard, but was still struggling to get my body and brain to understand how to do the thing.

Some days I could get 10-15 in a class and some days I would trip constantly, whip the shit out of myself with the jump rope, and get 0. It was frustrating, and frankly, kind of embarrassing to still be working on these when it feels like everyone else (and their way older sister) can do them without breaking a sweat.

During our chatI opened up about my double-under struggles. She asked powerful questions that celebrated my progress first, then gently uncovered what was happening in my body and mind.
- What have you been working on to nail this skill?
- What progress have you made so far?
- What happens in your body and mind when it’s not clicking?
Brilliant, open-ended questions that not only got me talking, but were framed in a way to give me a chance to share all of the good things that I had done so far and progress that I had made before engaging a professional. The last question was the one that gave me a new POV – I had totally underestimated (and completely blocked out) what was happening to my body OUTSIDE of the jump-roping drama.

Her game-changing advice: “Your only job during jump rope practice? Breathe slow and steady through your nose. That’s it—breathe and be calm.”

I’d practiced breathing in yoga and meditation before, but applying it here felt revolutionary. That afternoon, I tried it—and it worked beautifully. I felt calmer, my jumps smoother, and I even had more stamina. It was like unlocking a new level of myself. I’m incredibly grateful for coaches like this who help reframe challenges.

Check out Wildfire CrossFit for talented coaches, fitness for all levels, and double under jump rope magic. Additionally, creating a custom rope with Double Under Wonder made it a lot more fun to practice.

Breathing Through Life’s Beautiful Chaos

I tested this approach again while jogging with my husband. My legs were strong, but my mind was spiraling with complaints. Shifting to slow nasal breaths (4 seconds in, 4 seconds out) changed everything. Within moments, my heart steadied, the mental fog lifted, and I found joy in the movement again.

This tool isn’t just for workouts—it’s a gift for every part of life, gap year or otherwise. Use it before a big travel decision, during uncertain transitions, or when stepping into new experiences. Slow, nasal breathing signals safety to your nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and helps you stay present for the adventure.

I’m so thankful for how this practice has deepened my gap year. It’s helped me embrace discomfort as part of growth, turning potential burnout into sustained excitement for what’s next.

Why It Works + How to Practice It

Slow nasal breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode—while improving oxygen flow. It’s simple, free, and incredibly effective for every day use, and for travelers and gap year explorers.

Try this easy technique:
1. Pause and Check In: Notice your heart rate, tight shoulders, or shallow breath.
2. Nose Breathe with Intention: Inhale slowly through your nose for 4-6 seconds (belly expands), hold briefly, then exhale for 4-6 seconds.
3. Make It Your Only Job: For the next 3-5 breaths, focus solely on this rhythm—no fixing thoughts or forcing performance.
4. Celebrate the Shift: Notice how you feel calmer, clearer, and more capable.
Practice before workouts, meetings, or quiet moments of reflection. It’s a portable superpower practice.

Pro Tip: I love the Breathwrk app for guided sessions with fun visuals. It makes building the habit enjoyable.

Beyond the Workout: Breathing Tools for ALL of Life

This breathing practice has become one of my favorite daily rituals. I use it to stay grounded during travel uncertainties, excited conversations about future plans, and everything in between. Stress will always be part of a full life, but now I have a reliable way to navigate it with grace.

I’m profoundly grateful for my gap year because it’s given me the space to discover these tools. They’re helping me build a more resilient, joyful version of myself—ready for whatever adventures lie ahead.

Next time you feel that familiar rush of panic or overwhelm, make breathing your only job. Slow, steady, nasal breaths. You’ve got this.

What’s one way you’re using breath or mindfulness on your own journey? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and tips!

xoxo Amy – your professional gap year guide and survivor of self-inflicted jumprope whip atrocities
May 31, 2025
Gap Year Fitness: Is Your Body Ready for Adventure & Soul-aligned Living?
Gorgeous sunset!

Picture it, you’re standing at the edge of Santorini’s cliffs, your gap year finally here. The sunset is blazing a gorgeous art show of oranges and purples reflecting off the sea. But you’re stuck – knees creaking, breath short, sweaty upper lip, mind too panicked with racing pulse to soak it in and enjoy it. Your dream is unfolding but your body is failing you. Sound far off? It’s not. Most of us hit our 30s, 40s, and 50s thinking that we’re “fine”, but fine isn’t going to carry you up ancient castle bell tower steps or through bustling markets. Your gap year, retirement, or dream vacation deserve a body, mind, and soul that can keep up – are you ready?

I get it, fitness isn’t everyone’s thing. I’ll let you in on a little secret – I used to dodge it myself. Nachos were my love language, cold frescas my fav, and challenging exercise left me clammy and kinda panicky. At 47, I was “healthy-ish”—a busy professional, not falling apart. I went to CrossFit a few times a week, held walking meetings with my team, and generally moved my body more than sitting idle. But I had a super sore knee most of the time I was working out (or walking in heels at the office), stress of the world I was leaving behind still fogged my brain, and my soul? It felt flat, buried under years of grind. If I’d jetted off then, I’d have dragged through temples and trails, not danced through them seeing magic and synchronicities at every turn.

Fitness has become one of the most empowering parts of my journey. It’s not about perfection or six-packs — it’s about freedom. A strong, capable body lets you say “yes” to adventures and soak up every magical moment.

Does Your Fitness Match Your Dreams?

What do you dream of doing with time that is 100% devoted to you and your passions? Don’t limit yourself — these are your dreams! What new activities will you try? Where will you travel? Who will you meet? What will you see? What do you want to experience now that you have all the time in the world?

Now take a good, long look in the mirror and ask yourself if your body is ready to perform at the level of the dreams you just conjured up. What kind of strength is required for hobbies like skiing, gardening, or Muay Thai? Are you ready to walk 15-20k steps every day to explore in Bangkok? Can your ankles and knees handle cobblestone sidewalks in Morocco? Will you be able to heft that suitcase into the overhead? What if there are tiny staircases down to basement bathrooms with no elevator?

There is no shame here, just an honest look at where you are and where you want to go on your adventure – comfortably, confidently, and safely. Preparing your body to be its best raises your spirits, your health, and your vibration within the universe.

Time to Make a Change

If the answer is 100% ready, congrats and keep it going. If the answer is ‘oh shit, I might have some work to do’ then make a simple game plan and take action today. Body weight movements are free, easy, and available for you to do anywhere at almost any time (walking, jogging, hiking, push ups, pull ups, squats, sit ups, etc.). And/or get a coach or join a gym. It’s the least you could do in pursuit of living your big, vibrant dream life.

Your big plans—gap year, retirement, that bucket-list trip—need more than a plane ticket and busy itinerary. Gorgeous sunrises over ancient ruins are off the beaten path. Wineries with killer views sit atop steep hills. Wandering hidden neighborhoods means hours on foot. If your body’s sore and out of shape, your mind’s drained, or your soul’s numb, you’ll miss the magic. Worse, you’ll feel it—every ache, every foggy moment—knowing you could’ve fixed it.

My Own Transformation

When I committed to my gap year, I decided my body would be a trusted partner on the journey, not a limitation. My mind was stressed, my soul starved for joy. Fitness became my reset: a way to feel alive inside my own skin, strong enough for mountains, clear enough for epiphanies.

I started focusing on strength, mobility, and consistent movement. The changes have been incredible — more energy, better mood, greater confidence, and the ability to truly enjoy new experiences. From Muay Thai sessions in Thailand to hiking in Sedona, I now move through my days feeling capable and alive.

This isn’t about punishing yourself or chasing an unrealistic ideal. It’s about giving your future self the gift of vitality so you can fully embrace this chapter of personal reinvention.

Getting strong for life adventures!

You might think, “I’m too busy,” or “I’ll start later.” But later is too late when you’re wheezing halfway up Machu Picchu. Your body is your spacesuit for adventure—neglect it, and it’ll ground you. The good news? You don’t need to be a marathoner or special forces. Small changes now can make your later years epic, not exhausting.

Practical Steps to Get Started

Here are the simple, sustainable habits that have made the biggest difference for me:
1. Walk with Purpose: 25 minutes daily, absolute minimum. Stride through your neighborhood, notice trees, wave at neighbors, feel your legs wake up. Bonus: it preps you for long travel exploration days.
2. Stretch for Freedom: Try a 5-minute morning stretch—allow your body to wake up a little before you drive it through your busy day; 5 minutes of any stretching that feels good. It eases stiff joints, sore workout muscles, and helps you listen to what your body needs.
3. Breathe to Reset: Box breathing—inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4—for 2 minutes. It helped calm my nervous system after surviving corporate america for 25 years, and helps with mental clarity and big decision making.
4. Prioritize Protein: Include a good source of protein in every meal. It supports muscle, energy, and overall strength. Your body will thank you and you’ll feel amazing.
5. Strength Train: Building strength now means you’ll feel confident lifting suitcases, climbing stairs, and exploring without worry.
These aren’t strict rules — they’re loving gifts to your future self. Small consistent actions create a body that’s ready to roam, a mind that’s clear, and a soul that feels free.

Your Gap Year Deserves a Strong, Vibrant You

Your gap year, sabbatical, or next big adventure is an incredible opportunity to live more fully. By preparing your body now, you set yourself up to climb hills with ease, chase sunrises, and feel truly present in every beautiful moment.

You deserve to experience your dreams in full color — not just watching from the sidelines, but actively participating with energy and joy.

What’s one small step you can take this week to prepare your body for the adventures ahead? Share it in the comments — I read every one and love cheering you on.

Let’s build bodies as vibrant as the lives we’re creating.

xoxo Amy – your professional gap year and soul-aligned living guide
March 31, 2025

The Gap Year Movement

Gap year coaching, retreats, and digital tools helping professionals reset, plan a soul-aligned life, and build sustainable habits.

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