Embodied Strength Nervous System Healing and Coming Home to Yourself – Interview with Brandi Stiles

Brandi Stiles is a wellness coach, personal trainer, and breathwork practitioner with over 30 years of experience in fitness, mindful movement, yoga, meditation, and breathwork. As a menopausal woman herself, her work bridges intellect and embodiment, gently guiding people out of overthinking and back into the wisdom of the body. Through her recently launched live online subscription, Brandi offers nervous-system-aware movement and wellbeing practices designed to cultivate strength, clarity, and sustainable inner balance.

Brandi Stiles, Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, Yoga and Breathwork Practitioner

Who is Brandi Stiles?

Brandi Stiles is a wellness practitioner, breathwork guide, movement coach, and single mama who believes that true strength begins within.

With over three decades of experience with Personal Training, her work now weaves together physical training, mobility, yoga, meditation, and somatic breathwork to help people reconnect to their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and build lives rooted in self-trust and inner peace. 

At home, Brandi lives a grounded, intentional life in a small Canadian town with her daughter. Much of her joy comes from simple rituals, early mornings, movement, time in nature, being a dedicated Hockey Mama and creating a sense of safety and presence within her home. Motherhood has been one of her greatest teachers, deepening her capacity for patience, honesty, and embodied leadership.

In business, Brandi is the same person she is in life, caring, compassionate, and deeply present with a deep love for helping others create the change they are seeking. She runs an in-person studio focussed on strength training, esteem coaching, fitness, yoga and mobility, whilst also offering an Online subscription where she brings all the practices she loves to the online space in Live sessions. Whether in real life or online, Brandi is creating spaces that are less about performance and more about connection. 

Her approach is not about quick fixes, but about sustainable transformation, meeting people where they are and walking alongside them as they reconnect with themselves. Brandi has lived and traveled extensively around the world, following a deep inner pull for experience, growth, and understanding. Those years of exploration and living abroad, combined with seasons of profound challenge, ultimately led her back to herself. Today, her work is informed not just by certifications or study, but by lived experience, self-inquiry, and a commitment to doing the inner work she now guides others through. 

At her core, Brandi is someone who believes in the power of presence, the wisdom of the body, and the idea that healing doesn’t require becoming someone new, only remembering who you already are.

What inspired you to create your business and step into this field of wellness? 

My work in wellness wasn’t inspired by a single moment, it emerged over a lifetime of listening to my body, my experiences, and the quiet truths that surfaced when I slowed down enough to hear them. I was drawn to movement and training at a young age, initially through discipline, performance, and physical strength. Over time, I began to see that while the body can be shaped through effort alone, true wellbeing requires something deeper, safety, presence, and self-connection. Like many people, I moved through seasons of pushing, striving, and disconnecting from myself in order to keep going. Years of an eating disorder, pushing through training without mindful rest or self care, eventually, my body asked me to pause. 

Breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement became my new way of loving myself, caring for my inner world instead of pushing it to be something on the outside. When I began caring for myself in this way I didn’t even know I was searching for ways to regulate my nervous system, process emotion, and rebuild trust with myself from the inside out. 

What began as personal necessity gradually became purpose. Evolving my business was a natural extension of that lived experience. I wanted to offer spaces that felt different from the high-pressure wellness culture I had once thrived in but also became exhausted within. I wanted to create spaces where people didn’t need to perform, fix themselves, or earn their worth. Instead, my intention was to create environments rooted in compassion, embodiment, and honest connection, where strength and softness are allowed to coexist. 

Today, my work is guided by the belief that healing is not about becoming someone else, but about moving inward to realise that you have everything you need within you as you are today. I stepped into this field not to lead from a pedestal, but to walk alongside others, offering practices that support regulation, resilience, and self-trust in a world that often asks us to abandon ourselves to keep up. I love to remind others that you can be kind and gentle with yourselves whilst simultaneously expecting greatness! 

Who are the exact people you are most passionate about helping right now? 

I am most passionate about supporting women who appear capable on the outside, yet feel disconnected, depleted, or quietly overwhelmed on the inside. Many of them are in midlife or navigating a significant transition, sobriety, motherhood, menopause, identity shifts, or the aftermath of years spent pushing ‘harder’ because we were sold that idea, or years caring for others whilst neglecting themselves. 

These are women who may have done a great deal of inner and outer work, yet still sense there is something missing. They are not looking for another plan, program, or performance-based solution. What they are craving is regulation, safety, and reconnection, space to slow down, feel again, and rebuild trust with their bodies.

I am especially drawn to women who are ready to stop pushing and start listening. Women who want strength that is sustainable, nervous systems that feel supported, and lives that are rooted in presence rather than survival. Many are stepping away from old coping mechanisms, old identities, or old ways of proving themselves, and are learning how to meet life with clarity and self-respect. 

Ultimately, I work with women who are ready to come home to themselves, not by fixing what’s broken, but by remembering what’s already whole. My role is to offer practices and spaces that support that remembering, with compassion, honesty, and steadiness. To create a safe space that honours every single person where they are in this moment and speak to that acceptance alongside a knowing that we can evolve and grow in a beautiful way. 

What is the biggest problem your clients come to you with before working with you? 

The most common challenges my clients bring to me might not be a lack of discipline or motivation, rather a deep sense of disconnection from themselves. Many feel stuck in patterns of over-functioning, chronic stress, or emotional numbness, even though on the surface their lives appear full and functional, they are often not taking time for themselves, justifying all the other tasks in life to take precedent over their own self care. 

They often describe feeling tired but unable to truly rest, possibly strong in some areas of life but not grounded, accomplished yet unsettled. Their nervous systems have been living in a state of quiet vigilance for years, and their bodies are holding more than their minds have had space to process. As a result, they may struggle with anxiety, burnout, disrupted sleep, or a sense that they are constantly “on,” even when they want to slow down. 

What they’re really coming to me for is not another strategy to manage life better, but support in learning how to feel safe in their own bodies again. They want to move through life with more ease, clarity, and self-trust, without having to push or override themselves to do it.

My work begins by helping clients reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves. From there, everything else, strength, confidence, clarity, and resilience, can be rebuilt on a much more sustainable foundation. 

How do you personally help clients move from feeling stuck to seeing real results? 

I help clients move forward by slowing things down and working at the level where change actually happens, the body and nervous system. When someone feels stuck, it’s rarely because they don’t know what to do. More often, their system is overwhelmed, dysregulated, or operating from patterns that were formed in survival rather than choice. 

My approach begins with creating a sense of safety and trust. Through somatic breathwork, mindful movement, and simple, repeatable practices, clients learn how to regulate their nervous systems and reconnect with their internal signals. This allows them to shift out of constant fight-or-flight and into a state where clarity, resilience, and self-agency can return. From there, we build sustainable strength, physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

I don’t believe in dramatic overhauls or forcing transformation. Instead, I guide clients through consistent, embodied practices that help them feel their progress in real time, better sleep, steadier energy, improved emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of self-trust. What makes the difference is that I don’t separate the personal from the practical. I invite clients to meet themselves exactly where they are, and I walk alongside them, offering structure, accountability, and compassionate honesty.

Results emerge not because clients push harder, but because they are supported in learning how to respond to their lives from a regulated, connected place. True change, in my experience, happens when the body feels safe enough to let go of what it’s been holding. My role is to help create the conditions for that release and renewal to occur. 

What makes your approach different from others in your industry? 

I like to think that each one of us that is sharing our offerings to the world need to see our own voice as the differentiator. I deeply feel that my voice is for those who resonate with it, when they need it. I liken it to a musical artist, I may love an artist and be moved to tears from their voice and message and others may not like that sound at all. I want the authenticity of my voice and my care for these practices to be out in the world for whoever may align. As Regan Hillyer mentioned, imagine you are standing on a cliff top and are handed a megaphone and it is your time to speak. What would you say? Noting that those who do not want to hear your message cannot hear you at all. This is so powerful to remind all of us that we are all unique and stand out in our own way. 

Once the connection has been made, my approach is entirely rooted in embodiment rather than performance. I spent decades pushing past many messages my body and spirit wanted to send me, so I had to take that data and slow down to meet the gentle part of me right there with the powerful part. As a beautiful result of my own experience I don’t ask people to push past their bodies or override their signals in the name of progress. Instead, I help them create an organic conversation with their body, reminding them that they alone can listen and respond to their own needs.

My background spans decades of physical training alongside yoga, meditation, and somatic breathwork, allowing me to bridge structure and softness in a way that feels both grounded and accessible. I don’t separate physical wellbeing from emotional or nervous system health, they are deeply interconnected, and lasting change requires addressing all of them together. Another key difference is presence. I don’t offer press-play experiences or detached instruction. Whether in person or online, I am actively involved, attuned, and engaged. Clients know they are seen, supported, and guided by someone who is doing this work alongside them, not above them. 

Finally, my work is informed by lived experience as much as professional training. I understand what it means to rebuild trust with yourself, to step out of survival mode, and to choose a more conscious way of living. That understanding shapes everything I offer, creating spaces that feel safe, honest, and deeply human. My goal is not to create dependency or promise quick fixes, but to help people develop the tools and self-awareness they need to support themselves long after our work together ends. 

Can you share one powerful transformation story from a client you have helped?

Rather than one single success story, what stands out to me most is the common thread that runs through all of the people I’ve worked with over the years. Success doesn’t look the same for everyone, and I don’t believe it should. For some, success is subtle but life-changing—like a woman who stops criticizing her body and begins speaking to herself with kindness for the first time. For others, it’s profound and deeply healing, clients who have carried childhood trauma for decades and begin to release it through breathwork and somatic connection, learning to feel safe in their bodies again. I’ve seen athletes regain confidence and freedom in their movement, clients move through chronic pain with greater ease, and older adults rediscover strength, balance, and independence in ways that quietly transform their daily lives. I’ve also worked with people navigating emotional healing who use movement, breath, and stillness as tools to meet themselves honestly and continue that healing on their own. What connects all of these experiences is not me, but the moment someone chooses to show up for themselves, again and again. 

My role is often that of a catalyst or guide, offering space, tools, and support. The real success belongs to the individual who commits to listening to their body, honoring their process, and staying present through change. To me, that is the most powerful transformation, when someone steps into themselves with trust and self-respect, and begins to live from that place.

Every success story is different, but they all begin the same way, with a willingness to meet yourself where you are, and that is a beautiful testament for everyone! 

What is one mistake people often make before seeking the kind of support you offer? 

I don’t necessarily believe these are mistakes that people make, the perceived wrong turns that don’t work out, are just opportunities to adjust. When we judge ourselves for the mistakes we are connecting a negative energy while we simultaneously try to move on. We can look back at our decisions and recognise that it may not have taken us where we wanted to go, but when we decide to let go of judgement or shame we realise how much more power we have to choose with that data from our past. 

I do however see a trend in women, a belief that they need to push harder or fix themselves before they are worthy of support. Many arrive thinking their struggle is a personal failure, that if they were stronger, more disciplined, or more resilient, they wouldn’t feel the way they do. 

This mindset keeps people trapped in cycles of persistent pushing and self-criticism, often disconnecting them further from their bodies. Instead of listening to what their system is asking for, they override it, assuming rest, softness, or support will slow them down. 

In reality, sustainable change doesn’t come from pushing through, it comes from learning how to feel safe enough to slow down and respond differently. Especially in menopausal women, we need to adjust the needle and set it to more love and connection to what feels great.

The work I offer invites people to release the belief that they must struggle alone, and to discover that healing and growth can happen from a place of compassion, steadiness, and trust. Within my subscription there is opportunity to connect in the Live atmosphere with myself and other practitioners, as well as a Skool community that is there as a quiet supportive space that softens the outside noise and chaos of social media. I myself, for the longest time felt I had to do it all alone, and yes we have to show up for ourselves but connecting with others as we do it can lighten that load! 

How do you help your clients gain clarity in both their personal lives and their goals? 

I love to think that I am simply a catalyst to my clients connecting to their own inner world, that is where the clarity of self resides. 

Through breathwork, mindful movement, and intentional pauses, clients learn how to regulate their internal state. As the body settles, mental noise begins to quiet. From this place, they can distinguish between what they truly want and what they’ve been conditioned to pursue. Once that internal clarity is present, we translate it into practical action. I help clients align themselves , their values, energy, and capacity more than a ‘goal’, in this their choices feel sustainable rather than draining. This often results in clearer boundaries, more confident decision-making, and a stronger sense of direction in both personal and professional life. Rather than offering answers, my role is to help clients learn how to listen to themselves and to keep showing up in a beautiful way that is different from day to day. When they trust their internal signals, clarity becomes something they can return to again and again, not something they have to chase. 

I believe that we all find clarity within once we are on our own personal path. Truly no one outside of us has the answer for us. Yes, we can gather experiences, wise words, motivation, connection and many things from others, but it has always been an inner game. Isn’t so exciting that we all have everything we need within us? 

If my practices and offerings allow anyone to journey deeper into themselves and find their personal clarity, then my voice has been used in alignment with my purpose. 

What does real success look like for someone who works with you? 

Real success is less about hitting external benchmarks and more about reclaiming a sense of self and steadiness in daily life. For someone who works with me, success looks like showing up fully for themselves, physically, emotionally, and mentally, without needing to perform or prove anything. It’s waking up with a nervous system that feels regulated rather than tense, making decisions from clarity instead of habit or obligation, and moving through life with a sense of confidence rooted in self-trust. 

Success is also the ability to navigate challenges without losing themselves, to honour boundaries, and to experience connection, both with themselves and with others, in a way that feels authentic and nourishing. 

In practical terms, it may mean better sleep, steadier energy, improved emotional resilience, or a stronger, healthier body. But at its core, success is internal, it’s the feeling of “I am here, I am enough, and I know how to respond to my life from a place of strength and presence.” That inner alignment is what allows every other part of life, relationships, work, creativity, to flourish naturally. 

What simple first step can someone take today if they feel called to work with you?

The simplest first step is to pause and connect with your own breath. Even a single minute of mindful, conscious breathing, paying attention to the inhale and exhale, can begin to shift your nervous system and create space for clarity. 

From there, the next step is to reach out, whether that’s joining a session, booking a consultation, or simply exploring one of the resources I offer. You don’t need to have everything figured out or be “ready” in the traditional sense. The most important part is allowing yourself to take that first intentional action toward connection, with your body, your mind, and the life you want to build. Even a small, grounded step today can set the tone for profound transformation over time. It’s about beginning where you are, not where you think you should be.

People can connect with me through my online my digital platforms, where I have just launched The Origin Momentum subscription. This consists of 10+ Live Online sessions per week, including strength and mobility on the mat, mindful movement, yoga, meditations and Somatic Breathwork. This subscription also gives you access to the recordings from the sessions to make it easier to show up for yourself when the Live schedule doesn’t suit your schedule. This space offers a Skool community allowing connection to others if you so desire. 

I also like to share reflections on wellness and embodiment through my social channels and longer-form content, creating accessible entry points for anyone, no matter where they are on their journey.

These spaces are designed to be welcoming and low-pressure, an invitation to explore rather than commit before you’re ready. Whether someone joins a class, participates in a breathwork session, or simply spends time engaging with the content I share, each offering is an opportunity to begin reconnecting with themselves in a meaningful way. 

My intention is always the same, to create safe, supportive spaces where people can start exactly where they are and build a more grounded, connected relationship with themselves over time.

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info!

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