Ep. 05: Choose Your Attitude, Choose Your Life - with Legendary Fitness Instructor, Mary Helen Yarbrough

A teacher of mine once told me, “To the extent you experience darkness, you will have the capacity to experience that same degree of light.”

Have you ever heard something like that?

Well, let me tell ya, Mary Helen Yarbrough is no stranger to darkness. She experienced profound losses in her teen and young adult years that sent her life into a spiral.

So, maybe that explains why she is one of the most authentically positive and inspirational people in my life (and in many others’ lives, as well).

If you have followed me for a while, you know that I am not shy about sharing how much I love taking Jazzercise from Mary Helen. She was recently featured on our largest news station where our star news anchor, Tracy Kornet (who also attends our Jazzercise class) called her a, “legend.” I will second that!

We don’t hold back in this episode. Mary Helen tells her story of loss and pain, as well as sharing her life philosophy that makes her life tick.

In this conversation, we also cover:

Her story of loss that made her who she is today
Where she got her work ethic
How weekly Happy Hours led her to discover Jazzercise
How she built her legendary (yes, legendary!) Nashville fitness business over 40 years ago as a busy wife and mom
Debunking the 80’s stereotype of Jazzercise (no, we don’t wear leg warmers)
Why her classes feel fun, inclusive and safe
Her secret to success for maintaining relationships and a strong business
The choice she makes daily that makes her so impactful to others

Spoiler alert: we get into some heavy conversation, including mental health and mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that 24 hour support is available to you by simply dialing 988 from your phone.

Something else you’re going to want to know about Mary Helen: she is a fabulous cook! And her husband is retired from the liquor industry, so this woman knows how to mix a dang good cocktail.

Make sure you check out the 2 recipes Mary Helen brought to pair with this episode!

Get your recipes and show notes right here:

Gimme the recipes!

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Want to try a Jazzercise class with Mary Helen and me? If you are local to Nashville, then click here!

If you are not local to Nashville, but would like to try Jazzercise in your area (or On Demand), visit https://www.jazzercise.com/

You can also find Mary Helen on Instagram.

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The Happiest Hour theme song was written and performed by... me! If you'd like to hear more of my music, click here!

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Keep scrolling to get your recipes! They’re just below. ↓