BJH: Tell us a little about yourself.
Elya Rothstein: I grew up here in the Baltimore Jewish community, and being part of this community has always been important to me. After finishing school, I spent time in Israel where I served in the Israel Defense Forces as a medic.
BJH: What was it like serving as a medic?
ER: Serving as a medic was a powerful experience. It showed me how important the human body is and how much our health affects every part of our lives. When someone’s body is strong and functioning well, it allows them to live more fully.
BJH: How did that experience influence the way you think about health today?
ER: Seeing injuries and medical situations firsthand reinforced something important for me: taking care of the body isn’t just about appearance. It’s about building the strength and stability that allow people to live with confidence and independence.
BJH: What is the Philosophy Behind MBL Fitness?
ER: MBL Fitness stands for Mind. Body. Life. The idea behind it is that the way we move our bodies affects how we feel mentally and emotionally, and together those things shape the life we are able to live.
BJH: Why is the connection between mind and body so important?
ER: Exercise is often thought of as something we do only for weight loss or appearance. But movement plays a deeper role. When people become stronger and more capable physically, they often feel more confident, energetic, and positive in their daily lives.
BJH: How does exercise affect the way we feel emotionally?
ER: Physical activity increases circulation to the brain and stimulates the release of chemicals such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, which help regulate mood and reduce stress.
BJH: What do people often notice after exercising?
ER: Many people notice that even after a short walk or workout they feel calmer, clearer, and more focused. Over time, regular exercise can also improve sleep quality and boost energy.
BJH: Who is MBL Fitness for? What clientele do you typically work with?
ER: I work with people at many stages of life, but much of my focus is helping older adults build strength, balance, and confidence in their bodies.
BJH: Why do many people start training later in life?
ER: Many people reach a point where they want to stay active, maintain their independence, and feel comfortable moving throughout their daily lives.
BJH: Why is exercise especially important as we get older?
ER: As we age, the body naturally loses muscle mass, strength, and balance. Bone density can decline, joints may become stiffer, and everyday movements can begin to feel more difficult.
BJH: Can exercise slow down these changes?
ER: Yes. Strength and balance training are effective ways to slow many of these changes. Building muscle helps support joints, protect bones, and maintain mobility.
BJH: How does balance training help older adults?
ER: Improving balance and coordination can reduce the risk of falls, which are a major health concern for older adults. Staying active also helps people maintain independence and continue doing activities they enjoy.
BJH: Why might someone choose to work with a trainer instead of exercising alone?
ER: A trainer provides guidance, structure, and accountability. Many people want to exercise but aren’t sure where to begin.
BJH: How does a trainer help with safety and results?
ER: Proper guidance helps ensure exercises are done correctly and safely. Trainers can also design programs tailored to a person’s goals, limitations, and lifestyle.
BJH: Do people need to already be in shape before starting?
ER: Not at all. Everyone starts somewhere. The goal is not perfection, but gradual improvement.
BJH: How do people usually begin seeing results?
ER: Small, consistent steps over time can lead to meaningful improvements in strength, mobility, and overall health.
BJH: What makes your approach different from other fitness programs?
ER: My focus is not on extreme workouts or short-term results. Instead, I emphasize building sustainable strength and movement that supports everyday life.
BJH: What does that look like in practice?
ER: It includes things like getting up from a chair comfortably, walking longer distances without fatigue, maintaining balance, and feeling confident performing daily activities.
BJH: What experience and training do you have in the fitness field?
ER: I have been helping people improve their strength and recover from injuries for over five years. During that time I have spent many hours studying how the body moves and how exercise can support long-term health.
BJH: What certifications do you hold?
ER: I am a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and I’ll be certified as a Nutrition Coach in April. I am also CPR and AED certified through the American Red Cross.
BJH: Where can people learn more about your work?
ER: You can visit www.mblfitness.com, where I share regular articles about health, movement, and practical ways people can improve their daily lives through simple habits.
The goal of MBL Fitness is to help people build strength not only in their bodies, but also in their confidence and overall well-being.
