Inspire + Move

Excited to be back after a short hiatus, in this episode of Inspire + Move I’m joined by my usual co-host and husband Matt Arruda, as we dive deep into a topic that’s close to our hearts and probably yours too: doing hard things! Whether it’s making a business decision, having a vulnerable conversation, navigating loss or even tackling a tough workout, its no secret that hard things shape us, refine us, and push us to grow. Fresh from our latest mastermind events in Newport Beach and Las Vegas, we reflect on how embracing hard challenges in life and business has shaped our growth. We talk about how every decision is a choice, and the key is in choosing the right kind of hard.

Tune in to hear more about:
• The power of making hard decisions,  and how they actually set you free.
• Why discomfort and challenge are necessary for growth in health, business, and relationships.
• The mindset shift of “we get to” vs “we have to”  and how this reframing brings gratitude.
• Real-life examples of how hard conversations and bold choices helped us evolve our business and our community.
• Lessons learned from grief, pivoting, and outgrowing old circles, and how these hard things can spark your next level.

If you’re in a season of uncertainty or on the edge of a big decision, we hope this conversation inspires you to see your challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to rise. Let’s remember: We GET to do hard things and through them, we become stronger. If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who needs a reminder of their strength, and don’t forget to leave a review. We love connecting with our community — you can always find us on Instagram @AlliArruda and @Matt_Arruda!

The BENCHMARK FITNESS 6-Week Challenge is here, with programs for every lifestyle:

• Bodyweight: No equipment needed.
• Dumbbell: Minimal gear, maximum results.
• Gym: Full access, full potential.

Includes a 6-week meal plan to fuel your progress.
Spots are limited—don’t wait to show up for yourself!
JOIN US HERE: https://www.benchmarkfitness.ca/shop/bmf-6-week-challenge
Use our listener discount code CHALLENGE50 to receive $50 off!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok

Join myself and Matt for part 2 of our lovely conversation with my amazing sister-in-law, Nicole Arruda, founder of Nicole Alexandra Design Studio! Nicole shares her journey as an entrepreneur in the world of interior design, the power of authenticity in branding, and how she’s bringing her dream home to life. From celebrating wins, to balancing content creation with staying true to her vision, this episode is filled with insights on designing a business and life you love.

Tune in to hear more about:
• The biggest wins Nicole has celebrated in her business and personal life.
• How designing her own home has deepened her expertise and credibility as an interior designer.
• The unexpected opportunities that have come from social media and content creation.
• The importance of authenticity when collaborating with brands.
• Nicole’s go-to strategies for staying organized, avoiding burnout, and prioritizing joy.

I hope you can take inspiration from Nicole’s journey and find ways to bring creativity and alignment into your own life! Let’s continue designing a life we love together! I’d love to hear about yours on my IG  @AlliArruda!

Nicole’s Links:
Website: https://nicolealexandradesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolealexandraarruda

The BENCHMARK FITNESS 6-Week Challenge is here, with programs for every lifestyle:

• Bodyweight: No equipment needed.
• Dumbbell: Minimal gear, maximum results.
• Gym: Full access, full potential.

Includes a 6-week meal plan to fuel your progress.
Spots are limited—don’t wait to show up for yourself!
JOIN US HERE: https://www.benchmarkfitness.ca/shop/bmf-6-week-challenge
Use our listener discount code CHALLENGE50 to receive $50 off!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok

I am beyond delighted to introduce this two-part episode of Inspire + Move with my special guest and amazing sister-in-law, Nicole Arruda, founder of Nicole Alexandra Design Studio. Nicole’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of passion. From originally studying social work to pivoting into interior design, she took every opportunity to sharpen her skills, gaining experience with industry leaders. Along with Matt, we’ll dive into her bold move of moving to New York City practically overnight, landing a dream job, and ultimately launching her own thriving design business. Tune in for more on:

• Nicole’s school journey switch from social work to design.
• The power of pivoting and why betting on yourself is the best investment.
• The hustle behind breaking into the design world and working with major names.
• How taking initiative and seeking opportunities can set you up for success.
• The reality of entrepreneurship, from navigating failures to stacking wins.
• Nicole’s latest milestone: homeownership in NYC and what’s next for her brand.

This episode is packed with inspiration, practical lessons, and the energy you need to take action on your own dreams. Let us know your biggest takeaway on Instagram @AlliArruda and @Matt_Arruda.

Nicole’s Links:
Website: https://nicolealexandradesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolealexandraarruda/

The BENCHMARK FITNESS 6-Week Challenge is here, with programs for every lifestyle:

• Bodyweight: No equipment needed.
• Dumbbell: Minimal gear, maximum results.
• Gym: Full access, full potential.

Includes a 6-week meal plan to fuel your progress.
Spots are limited—don’t wait to show up for yourself!
JOIN US HERE: https://www.benchmarkfitness.ca/shop/bmf-6-week-challenge
Use our listener discount code CHALLENGE50 to receive $50 off!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok

In this episode of Inspire and Move, I’m joined by my favorite co-host and husband, Matt Arruda, to share how we turned our dream of owning a gym into the thriving community that is Benchmark Fitness. We talk about the challenges we faced, like buying the gym just before the pandemic and navigating lockdowns, to how our passion for creating a space where people feel seen and supported kept us moving forward.

We reflect on how having a clear vision helped us push through the toughest times. From rebranding the gym to creating a holistic wellness club with options like red light therapy, cold plunges, and member socials, every decision was made to better serve our community. We also share the sacrifices and strategic investments it took to turn our vision into reality, and why building genuine relationships was at the heart of it all.

Tune in to hear more about:

• How having a clear vision can guide you through even the toughest challenges.
• The importance of investing in your community and creating a space where people feel truly connected.
• Why resilience and the ability to pivot are crucial for any business owner.
• The impact of reimagining what a gym could be by integrating wellness, recovery, and community events.
• How making sacrifices and strategic investments can accelerate growth.

If you've got a dream that feels out of reach, I hope this inspires you to keep going! If you felt encouraged by this episode, it would mean the world to me if you could share this with a friend and leave a review or rating! Stay tuned for new episodes weekly & connect with use on socials @AlliArruda and @Matt_Arruda!

The BENCHMARK FITNESS 6-Week Challenge is here, with programs for every lifestyle:

• Bodyweight: No equipment needed.
• Dumbbell: Minimal gear, maximum results.
• Gym: Full access, full potential.

Includes a 6-week meal plan to fuel your progress.
Spots are limited—don’t wait to show up for yourself!
JOIN US HERE: https://www.benchmarkfitness.ca/shop/bmf-6-week-challenge
Use our listener discount code CHALLENGE50 to receive $50 off!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok

Today, I’m once again joined by Matt to talk about the powerful lessons we learned from our first-ever hot yoga date! Stepping way out of our comfort zones sparked a conversation about how breaking routine and leaning into discomfort can unlock new levels of confidence and growth. We also share details about our latest passion project, the Benchmark Fitness app and our first-ever six-week challenge, designed to bring our community-focused fitness experience to you, wherever you are. Listen to this episode to hear more on:

• How breaking routine can refresh your mindset and energy.
• Why leaning into discomfort leads to the biggest growth moments.
• The power of reframing your mindset to see challenges as opportunities.
• The importance of keeping your word and showing up for yourself.
• All the details about our new Benchmark Fitness app and how you can join the challenge!

Feeling ready to embrace the unknown or break out of your routine in order to experience some serious growth? Give me a shoutout on Instagram @AlliArruda and tell me what leaps you are taking this year! 

BENCHMARK FITNESS!
Website • Instagram @BenchmarkBurlington
Our BENCHMARK challenge! https://www.benchmarkfitness.ca/bmf-challenge

Follow Matt on Instagram: @Matt_Arruda

The BENCHMARK FITNESS 6-Week Challenge is here, with programs for every lifestyle:

• Bodyweight: No equipment needed.
• Dumbbell: Minimal gear, maximum results.
• Gym: Full access, full potential.

Includes a 6-week meal plan to fuel your progress.
Spots are limited—don’t wait to show up for yourself!
JOIN US HERE: https://www.benchmarkfitness.ca/shop/bmf-6-week-challenge
Use our listener discount code CHALLENGE50 to receive $50 off!

Let's Connect!
• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS
• Instagram
• Website
• Facebook
• TikTok