Help People Thrive Throughout Life, Not Just During Workouts

One of the most profound shifts Mindy has witnessed is the move from aesthetics and intensity to functionality and longevity. In her words, her proudest contribution has been “creating an opportunity for people to thrive no matter what they do.”

She points to Blue Zones as a model: areas of the world where people live longer not because they spend hours in the gym, but because “they move throughout their life with grace and ease and no aches and pains hopefully till the very end.”

The future of fitness lies in everyday movement, not performance metrics. Trainers who connect exercise to well-lived lives—not just visible results—will be the ones who make the greatest impact.

Use Tools To Create Success and Confidence

When Mindy developed Gliding discs, her goal was not to add another gadget to the fitness floor—it was to make movement accessible. She wanted something “affordable, portable, storable and of course purple,” but more importantly, something that worked for every fitness level.

She reminds trainers that beginners may look at a disc and think, “This is a slippery plate… and I’m going to go right into the splits if I don’t do it correctly.” That fear is real, and trainers must recognize it.

Mindy teaches: don’t just take challenges away; replace them with something equally intentional. Adjust range of motion, remove one disc, or shorten the workload—but “never just take away a foot or take away an arm position. I would add something in return.”

Tools should build confidence, not intimidation.

Stay in Your Lane—But Venture Out

Mindy’s longevity comes from balancing authenticity with creativity. She encourages trainers to root themselves where they thrive most, rather than chasing whatever format is trending.

“You want to look at where you thrive the most,” she says, while also being open to exploring something new. Early in her career she noticed boxing growing but no one was addressing kickboxing. So she trained, launched classes, and helped open the door for what became a major trend. When others more specialized entered the space, she “ventured stage left.”

Her takeaway is simple: explore boldly, release gracefully, and stay grounded in what fuels you.

Follow The Science—Not The Hype

For Mindy, credibility comes from evidence, not excitement. Whether discussing training protocols or nutrition, she returns to one guiding principle: “Nature got it right.”

On the nutrition side, she notes that the world has become “a protein-obsessed society,” often influenced by marketing, not science. She encourages fitness professionals not to “follow the money” but to “follow the science,” emphasizing whole, close-to-source foods.

On training, she highlights similar misconceptions. True Tabata is not any 20/10 circuit—it is a specific anaerobic protocol that demands precision and recovery. In her programs, there is only one true Tabata segment per class to maintain scientific integrity and physical safety.

Education and discernment—not popularity—build trust.

The Future of Fitness Is Wellness

When asked what the next major shift in fitness will be, Mindy’s response is direct: “The next big change in the fitness industry is wellness. It is already huge.”

To her, wellness means an integrated experience where fitness, food, sleep, stress management, and social connection exist under one roof and within one conversation. In her active aging classes, she blends movement with research, reflection, community engagement, and simple take-home actions.

Gyms are validating her prediction by adding meditation rooms, nutrition programs, and holistic services. Fitness professionals who understand whole-person wellness will be positioned for greater impact and sustainability.

Final Thoughts

Mindy Mylrea’s career demonstrates that thriving in fitness requires more than choreography, trends, or intensity. It requires:

• Training people for life, not just for workouts

• Using tools to nurture confidence

• Staying authentic while exploring new ideas

• Grounding decisions in research

• Embracing wellness as the new foundation

Her decades of influence serve as proof: when you lead with purpose, curiosity, and care—you don’t just survive the industry’s evolution. You shape it. 

Learn more by watching the full interview below.