Cindy Appanaitis, MAT
My Why
In my years of teaching, I would often start my classes asking students what the why of PE is. I am always struck by the overwhelming number of responses imbedded in shame (body, ability & lifestyle), one’s I’d rather not put in writing here, reinforcing the beliefs.
My mission is to change the narrative for movement. Making our why’s about how we feel, strengthening self-confidence and most importantly connecting with & caring for ourselves with self-acceptance, self-compassion & self-love. Movement can be a tool not only to connect with ourselves, but also an answer to what we may need, releasing big feelings, tending to achy bodies, moving through angst, feeling our strength, committing to self-belonging & more!
If movement is the vehicle, then mindset is the engine! Movement embedded in shame “not enough” is not nourishing (let along sustainable) and leads to routine self-sabotage. That is why I’m adamant about building a loving & empowering mindset/movement relationship, so you can maximize your practice to nourish all the parts of your whole wellness with movement.
A sustainable whole wellness practice needs to fit effortlessly into your lifestyle (rather than another add-on) and keeps you coming back for more. One that brings you joy, fulfillment, empowerment & feels like a get to opportunity rather than an obligation.
It brings me much joy to connect others with their confidence & joy through movement!
About Me
Hi, I’m Cindy Appanaitis (Babcock). When I was introduced to personal development & coaching work in 2017, I immediately fell in love with the concepts and connected to its mission. What I first noticed was the significant impact it had on all areas of my life; it made me more engaged as a teacher, mother, wife, friend, and daughter! I knew then that I wanted to learn this work in a capacity to teach it. What I love most about the courses and workshops are the communities that build and continue their connection outside of the course-room. The common language of empowerment and love sets the foundation for the work and extends out to supporting and encouraging each other through continual growth.
I have been a high school teacher since 2007, teaching Physical Education, Health, and Child Development. And before that, coaching fitness & soccer for 8 years. I specialize in studio P.E. courses focused on empowerment, confidence, relationship with self, and class community. What I love most about working with my students is the community of trust and acceptance for self and others that builds over the duration of the class. It invites opportunities to take risks in discovering ways of joyful expression and the opportunity of supporting one another through this.
Being born into a family of 8 children, I thrive in community and find great joy in connecting others with theirs. I strive to build communities that empower people to have the confidence to shine just as they are and develop relationships that evoke trust, love, and acceptance.
My husband and I are blessed with 2 young girls. My family keeps me honest in this work as we learn together, hold each other accountable, and support each other through our growth. We love to laugh and play together. My family lights up my world!
Be Empowered is a way to bridge these passions and share them beyond the classroom walls in frameworks to nourish whole wellness in an environment that invites each person to “come as they are” to “be who they are”. Empowering them connect with and radiate in their brilliance.
I have a Master of Art in Teaching, Physical Education, Health Education and Human Development & Family Services. I have taught in the classroom since 2007.
I am certified as a coach through Your Infinite Life Coaching & Training Company with Pam Dunn. My six-month intensive certification program and ongoing learning includes facilitated courses & workshop series, independent work, supplemental reading and study, and one-on-one & group coaching. I have been learning with the program since 2016 and was certified in 2020.
I am certified as a Yin 96 Yoga Teacher through Original Hot Yoga Academy with Ida Ripley and Aaron Thomas.