Meet Karyn Anne, Health Coach, Boxer and Founder of Happy Belly Strong

I recently partnered with Karyn Anne, Founder of Happy Belly Strong on our spring wellness package. This lovely lady does it all! Meal prep, personal training, wellness consultations, nature retreats and the list goes on. Read on to learn more! 

AM: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your typical day?

KA: Soulful. Fiery. Adventurous.  Combine those three words and you've got me. I'm a lacto-ovo pescetarian southpaw fighter who is a lover, and is always on the go. In other words; I don't eat meat but like fish, I like to punch things, and am always working on bettering myself and the lives of others.

My days aren’t typical ☺  Each day is a new adventure and I am a woman who wears many hats. I’m a certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and have my own meal prep and delivery service.  Aside from my own business Happy Belly Strong, I also work as a strength coach at Drive Clubs, a fitness instructor at Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge, and a nutrition consultant for numerous corporations through WemoFit. Each day I can be working 2-4 of my jobs. With all these jobs I also manage to squeeze in my workouts. As mentioned I box, so I train 4-5 days a week to better my craft.  

AM: If you had to describe your company Happy Belly Strong in a tweet, what would you say?

KA: A 360 approach to wellness dedicated to empower through food and movement to make you your happiest self. It all starts from the inside out.

AM: What motivated you to create Happy Belly Strong?

KA: I was always passionate about fitness and nutrition. Working out in the gym was my sanctuary and cooking in the kitchen was my nirvana. I graduated college with a BS in Nutrition but thought in order to become successful and achieve the American Dream, I needed to climb the corporate ladder of hell. Last year, I was unexpectedly let go from my monotonous job in marketing and was the exact push needed to build a career worth fighting for.  Which is how Happy Belly Strong came about, all it took was some courage and a leap of faith (a giant leap but I am still here).

AM: You offer a wide variety of services, from meal prep, to boot camp classes, to nature retreats, what should we try first?

KA: This spring, the relaunch of Happy Belly Strong’s ‘Six Pack Summer Bootcamp’ will hit NYC parks (Central Park, Astoria Park, and Gantry Park). This core-focused outdoor bootcamp combines all of my services into one. Here you will receive a 45-minute bootcamp class, which will get your heart pumping and endorphins racing as you breathe in the freshest air NYC can offer. Immediately following the bootcamp we will cool down by having a 15-minute group nutrition discussion on various topics all while enjoying a post workout treat made by yours truly.  

AM: Do you have any events coming up in the near future?

KA: I have a few events in the making but as for now the launch of my bootcamps will begin in late spring. Sign up for my newsletter and follow my social media @happybellystrong to stay in the loop as to when and where they will take place and for future events.

AM: What’s your hack to balancing your entrepreneurial lifestyle and personal life?

KA: I haven’t figured that part out yet ☺ I feel as though my social events really turn into networking events. Before my career move, my personal life was in the fitness and nutrition world so now that I work in this space I am always going to numerous events that are really fun for me but also benefit my brand. I can do a better job of managing my work/life balance but I am only 10 months in and am focused on building.

AM: When you’re not working on building your empire, where can we find you?

AM: What are 5 of your dreams?  

AM:  Favorite song to work out to?

KA: Formation- Beyonce (basically any Beyonce)

AM: Three things that are always in your gym bag?  

KA: An extra sports bra (to change into post workout, hair-ties (my hair is so thick they always break), Caudalie Vinosource face lotion (its like butter).

AM: How would you describe your style in two words? 

KA: Sporty Spice (girl power)

AM: One place in the world you would love to visit?

KA: This is hard to choose but currently I am into Sicily (my roots)

AM: Favorite yoga pose?

KA: Pigeon Pose

AM: Favorite good vibe quote

KA: “Hakuna Matata”

AM: Go to healthy meal that you prep at home

KA: Soft boiled eggs over greens and farro salad thats loaded with seasonal veggies (I am always on the go so it’s the easiest and most satisfying meal I can make in 15 minutes)

AM: Top 3 health food spots in NYC

KA: Sweetgreens, By Chloe, Spring Natural (Usually my offices I work out of)

AM: If you were deserted on an island, what one item would you want with you

KA: Chapstick

AM: Favorite sinful treat food  

KA: 2 scoops of ice cream in a cone usually from Morgensterns or Van Leeuwens

AM: Favorite way to start the day 

KA: In the warmer months and when my start time to see clients is later in the morning I like to listen to music, cook a nice breakfast, and drink coffee on my front porch while people watching.  Which then turns into my office since my wifi connects there.

AM: Top 3 things you do to keep a positive outlook

Keep up with Karyn on Instagram @happybellystrong and @karyn_anne