We asked Petra Colburn, VP of Personal Development and Insights at BODi, to answer 10 questions to get to know her better.
She is a dancer, choreographer, writer, author Absolute detoxan international workshop leader, keynote speaker and positive psychology performance coach.
Find out how Petra got her start, her fitness routine, what she’s most proud of, and more.
1. What are you most excited about starting Mind on BODi?
Everything – from a blank slate to creating something meaningful and magical. Every morning I wake up and pinch myself. My perfect job description, my dream job, would be this.
It’s inspiring and exciting to be able to create work that I’ve believed in for over a decade and now be recognized in a big way by BODi.
The concept of health care is long overdue. I am grateful to have the ability to work with such an amazing company with so many influential and powerful leaders who want the best experience and results for our clients.
It’s a gift to be a part of something that I truly believe in empowering people to celebrate who they are and make this fitness, nutrition and wellness journey full of joy.
BODi brings reality to this fascinating and sometimes challenging journey called “living”. We celebrate the wins, and we celebrate the messes.
This is a role I absolutely do not take for granted. It is something very, very special to hold in my hands with such sincerity, compassion and gratitude.
I am very blessed. To be in this moment in time.
2. What was your introduction to the fitness industry?
My introduction to the fitness industry started on cruise ships! I was a dancer, but at the first rehearsal, we were told that we had to do crew jobs as well.
One of his jobs was to teach poolside aerobics to help offset the midnight buffets the boarders ate.
At that time I knew nothing about fitness. But I basically had a VHS tape of Jane Fonda that I would copy and teach once a week.
After that I worked as a dancer in Miami, Florida. So I started hearing more about this thing called “aerobics.” I took my first aerobics class with the dancers who won “Star Search” that year and I loved it.
Soon after, I earned my ACE certification (American Council on Exercise) and took my first Reebok Step workshop with a legend in the industry and now a very good friend, Gene Miller.
Then I moved to New York City. I started teaching a step class with live drums called “London Beat” which put me on the map – every class was like a live rock concert! It was one of the most fun lessons I’ve ever created and taught.
In that episode, Reebok discovered what I was doing. After sending out an audition tape, I got a job to be one of the new faces of the brand.
I worked with Nancy Kerrigan and many other Olympic athletes. And that was the beginning of my real fitness career.
3. Why the shift from fitness to positive psychology?
After almost 30 years on the exercise circuit, everything has changed and improved – as it should. HIIT workouts and boot-camp style classes became the workout of choice; Step aerobics and dancing were no longer in demand.
At the same time, I felt this huge disconnect. I thought you had to move more than just your body. That’s when I switched to positive psychology, although I didn’t know it was called that at the time.
When people come up to me after class and say, “I wanted to understand what that meant.I feel very motivated and empowered by working with youHe said.
But what does this mean? What was the science behind this?
Or when people come to me and point out what they don’t like about themselves, with questions like thatHow can I strengthen my triceps? “ or “How can I get rid of belly fat?“
All they see is their imperfections and fail to see the greatness within them. I knew something had to change.
I googled “positive thoughts” and “thinking”, and found positive psychology. I received a one-year certificate program through Kripalu Yoga and Wellness Center.
It was directed and subscribed to by top happiness researcher Dr. Tal Ben Shahar and some other thought leaders in the space. It was very powerful and life-changing for me.
4. What does health care mean to you?
Being healthy means being happy and content in my body. Embracing peace where I am today, and taking care of myself I am still ready and happy to do what I do. I’m just getting started.
5. What is your health assessment routine?
My number one routine is to make sure I notice my thoughts. I trust the good ones, and I manage the bad ones.
There is a lot of research about the power of our minds and how our bodies, immune systems and thoughts can contribute to stress levels.
I have a heightened awareness of my stress levels these days. In the past, I have seen my high stress levels negatively affect my health.
Sleep is number two. My aura ring tells me I sleep like a rock star!
I also move my body every day, use a standing desk and walk once or twice a month. I surround myself with good friends and eat well 85% of the time.
Last, but not least, I have an incredible work life that I consider my passion.
6. Why is your first Mind Master class on BODi called “Happiness Habits”?
Happiness means different things to all of us, but one thing that everyone has in common is that our thoughts are like muscles.
With the right training, you can make it stronger and more flexible. This section gives us a solid foundation on which to build a life where we can flourish and thrive.
Happiness is now a science. My goal is to share in a way that is relevant and applicable to our audience.
It is only when we understand the “why” behind our choices that we can influence our health journey and find more joy in the process. We call it “evidence-based motivation.”
7. What has been the biggest influence on your life?
My cancer journey. In the year I had a melanoma removed from my leg in 1997, and two years later, I was diagnosed with cancer.
There was a month where we weren’t sure if it was lymphoma (that would be the “good news”) or widespread melanoma. For weeks, my brain went from worst-case to best-case.
It was diagnosed as Hodgkin lymphoma. When I lost my hair, I felt a sense of dread that I had never experienced before. I have already experienced my worst fear; What did I have to lose?
Strange as it may seem, I did some pretty good living during my cancer treatment. Nothing makes you appreciate the gift of good health more than being taken from you.
One thing that calms my mind is movement. I had chemotherapy on Monday and taught a step class on Tuesday. Of course this isn’t for everyone, but it was just the medicine I needed.
8. What are you most proud of and why?
Two big moments for me: One was learning to DJ when I was 55.
My first DJ gig was for a VIP party at a fitness conference for 500 people.
Two weeks before the event, I wasn’t sure if I could do it. I had a last-minute rehearsal session with my mentor, and he told me that I had rehearsed the perfect playlist – but left no room to be spontaneous and react to the dance floor.
Thank you for your honest and constructive feedback.
I’ve learned to trust myself and be in the moment so that I can put what the dance floor needs on the tracks, not what I’ve rehearsed.
We closed the party after midnight, and that dance floor was rocking!
Another proud moment was when I went to Europe with a one-way ticket and traveled alone for 10 months. And I think that journey led me to this moment with BODi.
9. What is a quote or motto you live by?
“Watch your thoughts, your words will be. Watch your words, they will be your actions; Watch your actions, they become your habits; Watch your habits, they become your character. Look at your character, it will be your destiny. – Lao Tzu
And be nice to everyone – the same people you meet on the street are the same people you meet on the street.
10. If you could have a theme song, what would it be?
If I had a theme song, it would have to be “Happy” by Pharrell.
