In a world where balance often feels elusive, Belinda, the visionary founder of BMR Active, has made it her mission to empower women to find harmony in their lives through wellness, mindfulness, and fitness. With over 20 years of experience in business development and marketing, spanning across several countries, Belinda’s personal journey of transformation inspired her to create a brand that speaks to women everywhere—helping them navigate stress, anxiety, and the pressures of daily life.

At the age of 38, Belinda took a leap, leaving behind an unfulfilling corporate career to pursue her passion for wellness. Now, as a certified life coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor, she is dedicated to supporting women in their own journeys of self-discovery and empowerment. Through BMR Active, she offers not just fitness guidance, but a holistic approach to living well—grounded in the belief that when you “fill up your own cup,” you can show up more fully in all areas of life.

In this interview, we sit down with Belinda to explore the experiences that shaped her path, the challenges she faced transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, and the heart-centred values behind BMR Active. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story, and learn how she’s helping women around the globe embrace wellness as a lifestyle.

Belinda, can you take us back to when you first felt drawn towards wellness and spirituality? What was the catalyst that set you on this transformative journey?

This is a great question.

Growing up, I was always into staying active and healthy. I did ballet and modern dance from an early age, played sports throughout school, and loved going for runs, hitting the gym, or doing yoga or a class during my lunch break. I always enjoyed the feeling of being active, as it was a great way for me to de-stress, reset, and find balance.

I grew up in a household where wellness and spirituality were frequently discussed and part of daily life. My mum was really into the teachings of Louise Hay and Wayne Dyer, which formed part of her own spiritual journey. I resonated with a lot of their teachings and embraced them as well.

However, if I had to pinpoint one pivotal moment, it would be the move from Australia to Ireland with my husband and our one-year-old at the time. It was a period where I was trying to reconnect with myself in a completely new place, navigating an unfamiliar environment while trying not to lose my sense of self. Over the past eight years, I’ve taken a deep dive into my wellness and spirituality, making significant changes to create the lifestyle I have now. I’d always wanted to become a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and yoga teacher, but I felt pressured to conform to a corporate 9-5 job because it seemed like the ‘norm.’ At the age of 38, I was working in a corporate role that left me unfulfilled, unhappy, and just going through the motions. I began to question why I felt constantly stressed…

You’ve worked in business development and marketing for over 20 years. How did your experiences in the corporate world influence the creation of BMR Active?

My corporate experience provided me with the tools and confidence to run my own business, having gained insight into how businesses operate and drawing upon my background in business development and marketing.

It also gave me time to reflect and realise how I could help other women in similar corporate environments find balance between work, family, and personal wellbeing, as I had done through my own wellness journey.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when transitioning from a corporate career to becoming an entrepreneur in the wellness space?

Starting any new business comes with the challenge of the unknown, along with doubts creeping in—the ‘what ifs?’ Managing expectations was key, especially remembering my ‘why’ on days when I felt defeated or wasn’t seeing progress. It’s important to focus on the love and passion that started it all, and let that energy keep you moving forward. Another challenge was avoiding comparison with others—every business journey is unique.

BMR Active is focused on helping women establish healthy habits and manage stress and anxiety. What personal experiences led you to focus on these particular aspects of wellness?

For me, it was about finding balance between work, family, and self-care, without feeling guilty about it. I was in a highly stressful, time-pressured job that consumed all my thoughts. I found it difficult to compartmentalise work and home life, and to enjoy time for myself. I was constantly in a state of ‘fight or flight,’ feeling exhausted and drained. Over time, I knew I needed a change to regulate my nervous system and regain energy. I was burnt out, feeling stuck in a repetitive cycle, and not showing up fully for anyone, including myself.

Around four years ago, I took a deep dive into both mental and physical fitness, reflecting on the version of me I wanted to be, and started making changes that made me feel good. As you get older, you also begin to realise the importance of living life on your own terms.

As a certified Jay Shetty Coach, what core principles guide your coaching style, and how do you incorporate them into the BMR Active community?

The core principles that guide my coaching style are respect, value, and ensuring people feel heard and seen. I firmly believe that your past or current circumstances don’t define who you are or what your future holds. Everyone has the potential to live the life they want, as long as they have the right tools and support. The BMR Active community champions this belief, offering support to women to reach their potential through wellness services or simply gaining confidence and feeling good in our activewear. It’s a brand that empowers and celebrates the magic in every woman’s story.

You’re a mum, life coach, yoga teacher, and fitness instructor. How do you manage to balance these roles while staying true to your personal wellness goals?

I manage to balance everything because I genuinely love what I do. My roles give me purpose and passion, which in turn energise me to want to do more. For me, balance comes from self-awareness and being realistic about my day ahead, planning it out in a way that suits me, my family, and my work commitments.

What was the most surprising lesson you learned during your journey to becoming a certified life coach, personal trainer, yoga teacher, and fitness instructor?

The biggest surprise was how much I loved it and how aligned I felt. I realised this was what I was meant to do in some form or another. It felt so natural, and I wished I had started this journey earlier!

How do you define “wellness,” and how has your definition evolved over time?

Wellness is a lifestyle. It’s about choosing how you want to show up for yourself every day and striving to be the best version of yourself. Over time, I’ve come to understand that there is no right or wrong when it comes to wellness. Everyone’s journey is unique to them.

Stay up to date with BMR Active by heading over to their site today.

For more inspiring stories check out House of Coco.