Brie Reichman | Nourished Tribe
Introducing Brie Reichman, an inspiring personal trainer and founder of Indi Active. Brie is on a mission to change the lives of people through fitness and health education and I’m so excited to introduce her to you as the first Nourished Tribe feature!
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Fitness Enthusiast, Brunch Lover, Sun Seeker! All my friends and family refer to me as ‘Bruiser’ and to be honest – I think they have hit the nail on the head! That’s me – ha ha. So I guess I will have to admit that I am headstrong and on a mission, especially when I have clear goals and focus. I have always been focused on health and fitness and knew that it was always going to be part of my life plan as it was always more than just a passion. It was really just my way of life and these values were ingrained into me by my family.
I grew up in country Victoria. Playing every sport under the sun, from Little Aths to then find my passion for playing netball led me to being exposed to multiple different levels across Victoria + Queensland before experiencing a few major injury set-backs. I was always that kid who was busy doing something! Realising that due to my injuries, I was never going to be able to compete at the elite level I had always dreamed of, I was determined to help others find the same level of excitement I experienced when living a life that saw me being both healthy and fit, each and every day.
After graduating school, I completed my Fitness certifications and haven’t stopped since that day. I’m proud to be an educator in the field, who enables women of all ages to find their healthiest and happy selves, transforming their lives and mindset to find joy in a regular practice of exercise as well as find a healthy relationship with food that is both nourishing and fuels their performance.
So, that’s me in a nutshell but if you’re interested in learning more you can find more out about my story here at indiactive.com.au
Finish this sentence: ’Everyone that knows me knows that…’
I am a brunch queen that lives for the post sweat session endorphin rush. My go-to places in Melbourne at the moment would have to be Plain Sailing in Elwood + Hello Sailor in Hawthorn. I’ve just returned from Bali and the brunches there are SERIOUS business! But in all seriousness, everyone who knows me would know that my life goal is to leave behind my trademark on everyone I cross paths with, whether that be from positive, contagious energy (leaving one feeling good about themselves) to expressing my LOVE of helping people create healthy and balanced lives – fitness and fun, it’s a winning combination!
What does living a nourished life mean to you?
To me, living a life with regular exercise, fuelling the mind, body + soul through a flexible diet and daily gratitude is what total nourishment is. I know that it is different for everybody but I think at the end of the day, most of us would have to agree that these are some of the key features of what will enable us all to live a long, healthy + fulfilling life.
What sparked your passion for health & wellness?
My set backs + positive role-models. It started with my adventures post high-school. I was surrounded by some pretty influential figures (especially my time spent in Qld) in the industry who certainly made me realise that health and wellness could be more than a passion – it could even become a career. Throughout the past 2-years of creating Indi Active and watching it grow, it has been the people around me and my amazing clients that have continued to empower me and want to keep making change! I know that you probably hear this a lot, but for me the passion really comes when I can see how with my guidance as a coach, people are making real changes to their lives and especially in relation to their relationship with health, fitness + wellness. Whether or not they are starting out, looking for a new challenge or simply wanting more from their current fitness journey in order to reach their goals – I am here for more than just the final ‘transformation photo’. There is nothing quite like watching the rewarding journey from each individual I am lucky enough to coach.
Describe your food philosophy:
I believe in flexible dieting, aka the 80/20 rule. Creating a well balanced diet that involves nourishing the soul with plenty of rich, nutrient-dense foods will fuel the body to perform and allow it to function at its optimal, as well as improving ones mental + emotional state of mind. The last few weeks I have been absolutely obsessed with eggs on toast – every morning…and maybe a cheeky muffin to follow. Everything in moderation!
Tell us about what a typical day on your plate looks like:
I like to think of my diet as 'high protein', for many particular reasons and benefits. My body tends to function better from protein sources (especially lean meats, eggs + protein powder…I LOVE the rich chocolate PRANA) but it also helps to keep me fuller for longer which is ideal when my days are quite long.
I get up at 4.30am most days – work perks for sure (!!) and like to kick start my morning with a high protein meal - usually being Protein PB Oats + a Long Black Coffee. Lunch will include eggs on toast (some times with a side of bacon) + dinner will usually entail a large volume of Mixed Greens and Chicken. In between meals, I will have a protein shake, fruit + OF COURSE I have to have my daily PB Emma & Toms Protein Ball. I finish the day with my favourite protein choc mousse (check out the recipe on my Instagram/website here) topped with frozen/melted raspberries + honey. Don’t get me wrong – like I said, everything in moderation and you won’t ever see me shy away from a choc brownie or espresso martini.
One bit of health advice you wish everyone would follow:
Move your body for the LOVE + benefits of it - zero punishment rule! I cannot emphasise this enough, but making exercise a chore is not sustainable and not good for the mind. I tell ALL my clients and friends and family – you HAVE to find what style of training that sets your soul on fire and stick to that. If you don’t like squats – don’t squat, lunge instead! If you don’t like pilates, then try lifting weights – everyone’s fitness journey is going to be unique but the thing that will make it sustainable and long-term is when you start moving your body in a way that SUITS you and your lifestyle! For fat loss results, I cannot emphasise enough on being in a healthy calorie deficit. In saying this, I highly recommend reaching out to someone qualified in this area such as a nutritionist or dietitian as it’s so common for females to be eating less than the required amount of calories their body needs to function which is why fat loss platue tends to occur.
What is one health, wellness or personal development book that you think everyone should read?
'The universe has your back' by Gabrielle Bernstein.
I am not much of a reader.. well not at all actually, for those that can second me on that, I highly recommend using the app, Audible. Audio books have certainly been my go to as well as podcasts! Some of my top recommendations for podcasts in health and fitness industry would be.. The Fitness and Lifestyle by Dan Kennedy, Better For It by Katie Williams and The James Smith Podcast.
Last but not least, where can people find you?
i: @briereichman | @indiactive
fb: @briereichman | @indiactiveaus
