The Gap Year Movement

Tag: Gap Year Fitness

  • Spartan Big Bear Trifecta: Fitness, Adventure & Alignment

    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.

    KORBOARD Booth at Spartan Big Bear 2026

    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.

    Spartan racer jumping down from the 8' wall climb onto a KORBOARD

    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

  • Focus on Your Breathing Like It’s Your Only Job: Calm Your Mind & Unlock Your Potential

    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.

    woman standing in a CrossFit gym holding a jump rope resting between sets of practice
    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.

    speed rope laying on the gym floor; white rope with one pink handle and one green handle, lightning bolts on them

    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.

    breath work graphic with person on floor breathing working with a guide or practitioner

    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

  • Gap Year Fitness: Is Your Body Ready for Adventure & Soul-aligned Living?

    Gap Year Fitness: Is Your Body Ready for Adventure & Soul-aligned Living?

    sunset behind cliff of santorini
    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.

    Gap Year Fitness: pic is of a female athlete ready to deadlift a loaded barbell
    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

The Gap Year Movement

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