Woman found life's purpose in physical training

By Nora Firestone

Correspondent

OCEANFRONT

By age 45, Elena Viada had achieved numerous goals. She'd traveled abroad, learned three languages and earned a master's degree in international marketing.

She'd held corporate management positions and owned a graphic design company.

But working as a school admissions director, where she led others to evaluate their strengths and explore career choices, the Cape Henry resident and mother of one became curious again.

"My job was trying to help people find the right career to make them happy," Viada said. "I began to re-evaluate my own situation, thinking, 'What do I really love to do?'"

A longtime student of martial arts and dance, Viada cherished physical activity. She'd also studied philosophy, spirituality and psychology for decades and consciously nurtured a strong mind/body/spirit connection.

Then a car accident led Viada to the gym for rehabilitation, an activity she enjoyed and introduced to her octogenarian parents.

Viada noted marked improvements in her parents' lives and thought, "I wish they'd started earlier."

"I witnessed the importance of fitness and having balance in life," she said. "Over the age of 50, it's important to pay attention to exercise and nutrition because it can impact the whole aging process.

"I loved exercising; I loved helping people," she said. "I realized that happiness is not what you're doing, it's who you're being."

Now a certified personal fitness trainer, Viada, 51, believes she's found her life's purpose.

Through her company, Atlantis Personal Training, she conducts private fitness sessions at the homes of her Virginia Beach clients -most of whom are older than 50 -focusing on the whole person and requiring minimal equipment and space.

Client Bettie Wuthrich, 67, a local real estate agent, said Viada understands the special needs of folks over 50.

"She takes a holistic approach to fitness considering all aspects of my life - my attitude, work, spiritual and personal issues," Wuthrich said.

Doug Sorensen, an attorney who lives in Kings Grant said he likes the casualness and convenience of working out at home with a trainer.

"Elena's enthusiasm and wide range of knowledge makes it a pleasurable experience that I look forward to," he said

In three years with Viada, Sorensen said he's increased strength and flexibility and lost 25 pounds.

"I now have more energy and stamina to play with my grandchildren," he said.

Viada also conducts Conscious Living workshops at the Association for Research and Enlightenment center, educating folks about the mental and emotional blocks to healthy living.

Her next workshop will address techniques designed to transform anger, stress and sadness to understanding, peace and happiness.

There's a direct correlation between happiness, body and quality of life, Viada said.

"Your body is your home," she said. "And if you're not feeling good about that it affects everything else."

Nora Firestone, nfirestone@verizon.net