WELCOME

Nicole Kuka

Health Optimization Coach

My role is to guide, inspire, motivate, and teach you more about yourself. I want to create positive impact in the world, by showing you your full potential.

My story begins as a child, where I was always involved with various sports and athletics. My family was heavily involved in tennis and basketball, so this was a normal part of life for me. From a very young age I developed a hunger for competition, and a drive to succeed and better myself.

My personal journey was not linear in any way! I have experienced ups and downs, both mentally and physically. This is what I now understand to be a necessary part of life. Reflecting back now, it was my lowest points in my life that pushed me to change things that weren’t serving me.

I know what it feels like to have insecurities, I know how much it hurts when someone close to you makes a hurtful comment about your appearance. I know what it feels like to have negative internal dialogue that destroys your self-confidence. I have been there.

I was not always confident, nor did I always have the positive mindset towards health and fitness that I have now. I struggled for most of my childhood with asthma, eczema, hay fever, and chronic fatigue that progressed through to my early adult life to then involve hormone imbalances, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, depression, gut health, acne, and adverse reactions from coming off the contraceptive pill. These symptoms were never linked to a ‘root cause’ and were treated as individual issues by all General Practitioners and specialists that I had consulted with. I remember feeling so stuck and I accepted this way of life as my “normal”. 

One of the best decisions I have made in my life was joining my first gym at 17 years of age. Training gave me a sense of purpose, and although I had no idea what I was doing with my training or nutrition, I created a routine in heading to the gym after work, which became the highlight of my day.

I also took up long distance running, and completed two marathons with the goal to finish in under four hours. My first took 4:08hrs. My second 3:39hrs. Running was therapy for me as I could completely zone out from the world and listen to my favourite music. Always timing myself and finding ways to make myself faster and faster ensured I constantly felt I was bettering myself in some way.

At 20 years old a friend invited me to a CrossFit class. I fell in love with the environment, the community feel, and the constant support everyone gave each other. I learnt so much and pushed myself mentally and physically harder than I ever had before. I gained confidence, precision with my technique, and a “can-do” mindset.

I then joined the Royal New Zealand Navy at age 22. This involved incredible mental and physical strength where again, I was pushed beyond my limits and found new horizons with my abilities. I studied and worked as a Medic, learning the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Working in hospitals in both military and civilian settings is where I realized my true purpose and passion for helping others. I decided I wanted to further my studies and complete a personal training certification, with the intention to gain understanding around technique, nutrition, and to add to my knowledge within the health sector.

The next step for me was to explore my internal health with the help of psychologists, my nutritionist, sports coach, and naturopath. It was through investing in myself that I discovered health like I had never experienced before. Taking on the role of a student, I allowed myself to be vulnerable, to trust others and let them help me on my quest for health optimization. Prioritizing my health finally gave me the answers I was desperately searching for and has changed the course of my health and life.

I wanted to make a big change in my life in every aspect of wellness. Then 27, I decided to leave my career in the Navy to pursue my dream of having my own business and I began working in Les Mills, Takapuna (Auckland). The same gym where I first met Joel. The sense of fulfilment I experienced when I began working as a personal trainer was indescribable, and after three years in this field, I can safely say this is what I want to be doing for the rest of my life. What inspires me the most is working with so many people who want to invest in themselves, who see the importance in keeping fit and healthy, and care for their longevity.

In between juggling my new business, lockdowns, and moving in with Joel, I decided I wanted to challenge myself even further, and push myself outside my parameters once more. I competed in my very first fitness model show – the 2020 WBFF (World Beauty, Fashion, and Fitness) Virtual World Competition, where I was awarded first place and a Pro Card in the Diva Wellness division. I now continue to compete on the world circuit.

I have overcome eating disorders, debilitating health issues, and drug addictions. I am grateful for all of my experiences as these are what made me stronger and more resilient as a person, and who I am today.

I’m grateful to now be in a position where I can share my knowledge with even more people through the online space. Wherever your starting point, I want to show you anything is possible with the right person by your side. My coaching services, whether personalised One on One or through our amazing App, will transform your life, help you create positive habits, learn, grow, and shine bright. I want you to feel empowered, excited, and loved on your journey; it is my responsibility to assist you in the best way possible.

Welcome to Living My Best Life. Now let’s get started!