Empowering people through fitness, food, faith and friendship.
Not your typical fitness trainer.
Hello & Welcome!
I’m Ridiona, I grew up in Albania but now live in Haarlem, Netherlands. In my professional career I work as Protection and Safe Guarding Expert in post-conflict zones (Kosovo, Iraq, Syria, Middle East). It’s a tough and emotionally demanding job and I’m often met with devastating news and horrific situations.
Under this immense pressure, I’ve consciously learnt to keep my heart open and my mind optimistic by focusing on creating a divine connection with my body. This requires strengthening (fitness) and nourishing my body (food), creating a devotional mindset (faith) and surrounding myself with good people (friendship).
After many requests from friends, I decided to become a qualified personal trainer and Les Mills Body Pump Instructor. The fitness programs I create for my clients is a synthesis of 15 years of research and tried and tested programs.
I invite you to join me and learn how to strengthen, nourish and love your body.
Be kind and compassionate to yourself.
Most people have a difficult relationship with their body. There are so many factors to consider and what makes it worse is the confusing and often conflicting information provided by the fitness industry. I do believe discipline and focus is important if you want to change your life however, loving yourself must come first.
My Approach To Loving Yourself
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Fitness + Movement
Moving and exercising is an act of kindness towards yourself. Most of us don't move enough because we are too busy prioritising everyone else's needs before our own. Or perhaps we were never taught to exercise properly so we feel like a failure before we even begin.
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Food + Nutrition
Most women come to me misinformed and in our initial conversation they often share they are either scared to eat or they minimize their eating. They are confused by all the conflicting diets. I work with my clients to eat seasonally with a wide variety of food that nourish the body.
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Faith + Mindfulness
We are programmed to survive and thrive however most of us have had difficult experiences which make us think we are not good enough. But I have seen faith and a shift in mindset can change people from the inside out. I believe together we can transform your life.
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Friendship + Connection
Friendship here refers to surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. It's about creating a support network that nourishes you. Connection refers to both inner and outer; your connection to yourself and your connection to life, your connection to the divine.
“Ridiona is an inspiration to me living a healthy live and taking a good care of my body, mind and soul.
After difficult pregnancy I needed to build my muscles back and I was searching for suitable workout routine. I am not an easy client because I loose a focus after few weeks.
Working with Ridiona is always motivating, I feel that she shares all her knowledge to support my success. She has a great heart and her program overcame all my expectations!”
— Magda, HR Advisor, Switzerland
How I Work
Focusing on your long term goals with love and compassion
“#1. Compassion
Change not only requires courage but also compassion. Compassion towards yourself as you are trying to learn a new skill and develop a new habit. There might be times where you fall back for a moment and that’s totally ok. We’re in this together and you are not alone. ”
“#2. Cultivation
Cultivation is the process of trying to acquire or develop a quality or skill. For some reason when it comes to nutrition and exercise we expect ourselves to be perfect from the beginning and we get frustrated when we are not. This is unrealistic. I’m here to remind you that you are doing great and it’s ok to take a bit longer to develop these new habits.”
“#3 Consistency
The habit of consistency takes time to develop. It requires commitment and will power to get up and keep going even when you don’t feel like it. It might be challenging at first but by showing up each day, doing what you can (without guilt or shame) your consistent actions will lead to big transformations. ”
“#4. Creativity
Having fun and giving yourself variety is essential for long term consistency. If you do the same thing over and over your body gets too familiar with it. Allow yourself to be creative and try new things. I’m here to keep things intersting and fun so you can continue to grow and get stronger. ”
“#5. Connection
Everything we are doing is designed for you to feel a deeper connection towards yourself. Exercise, movement, nutrition, mindfulness practices; they’re all designed for you to connect to your body, quieten your mind and hopefully open your heart. This is your special time to nurture yourself. ”
Fitness Packages for Different Phases of Life
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Ruby Package
For women who feel overwhelmed and lack confidence / accountability when it comes to exercise and eating healthy because they were never taught how to take care of their body and eat well.
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Emerald Package
For women who want clear direction and guidance (nutrition + workouts) but they are self sufficient and need little support. They are confident in their ability to implement changes.
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Diamond Package
For women who are fitness enthusiasts who want accountability, motivation and re- education because what use to work for their body no longer works. Post pregnancy, menopause, post surgery considerations.
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Sapphire Package
For women who want intense radical transformation within a short period of time. Perhaps you have a wedding coming up or a book launch. You need to look your absolute best at this milestone event.
Reconnect to yourself.
