What is your name and occupation?
Helen Newell, Personal Trainer, Nutrition, and Mindset Coach
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than a year.
What is your Instagram handle?
@Helennewellfitness
What is your LinkedIn URL?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-newell-96800a1a7/
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
I’m originally from Maine, but I’m in Boston because I’m a violinist attending Berklee College of Music.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
Three years ago, I fell deep into an eating disorder. Since recovering, I’ve developed a strong love for lifting weights and helping other women overcome their fears.
I discovered my passion for training others in Boston, and now I work both online and in person to reach as many people as possible. My approach focuses deeply on the connection between mental and physical health. I help my clients break away from the all-or-nothing mindset and find a balanced way of exercising and eating that supports both mental and physical well-being.
This truly is my dream job, and I’m endlessly thankful that I’ve found my way here.
What would your clients say about you and your company?
My clients love the focus on mental health within my coaching. They enjoy getting strong — mentally and physically — and appreciate learning the why behind fitness and nutrition.
Many of them are amazed when they learn how much misinformation exists in the industry. Watching clients unlearn harmful beliefs and reclaim their confidence is the most empowering part of my work.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
When my boyfriend and I started dating, he taught me how to take a break — and it’s the best advice I’ve ever received.
Learning to pause has helped me stop treating everything like a crisis. It’s easy to fall into a victim mindset, but giving myself space has taught me to approach challenges with perspective and positivity.
What is your favorite book?
I’m a total nonfiction reader — especially books about fitness and nutrition! But in high school, my favorite was The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Her writing is powerful, insightful, and makes you truly think about the human experience.
What is your secret weapon?
Giving myself a break.
I grew up in a very intense family where achievement was everything, and rest wasn’t an option. While that drive helped me accomplish a lot, I’ve learned that balancing emotional health with ambition is the real secret to success.
What is your most recent WIN? How are you slaying in your career or business?
My biggest recent win is launching a 12-week course for women that combines everything I know — educational modules, personalized training and nutrition, and a supportive community.
It’s been amazing to watch the transformations happening. The program is online, accessible, and has already seen incredible success!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I don’t regret my past — my eating disorder gave me the empathy and understanding I now share with my clients.
But I would tell my younger self to slow down and take more time off. Everything works out in the end, and I wish I had enjoyed the process more instead of putting so much pressure on myself.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I love taking naps, playing music, and going swimming. I’m always up for an adventure or spontaneous trip — anything that keeps life exciting!
What is something that not many people know about you?
I’m also a professional violinist, performing both folk and classical music. I love teaching violin to my students and sharing my passion for music.