Cindy Appanaitis, MAT
My Why
In my years of teaching, I often start my classes by asking students, "What’s the why of PE?" I’m always struck by the overwhelming number of responses rooted in shame (body, ability, and lifestyle).
My mission is to change the narrative around movement. I want our "whys" for movement and wellness to be about how we feel—strengthening self-confidence and, most importantly, connecting with and caring for ourselves with self-acceptance, self-compassion, and self-love. Movement can be a tool not only to connect with ourselves but also an answer to what we may need: releasing big feelings, tending to achy bodies, moving through angst, feeling our strength, committing to self-belonging, and more!
If movement is the vehicle, then mindset is the engine. Movement rooted in shame—“not enough”—is neither nourishing nor sustainable and leads to routine self-sabotage. That’s why I’m passionate about building a loving, empowering mindset/movement relationship so you can maximize your practice to nourish all parts of your whole wellness with movement.
A sustainable whole wellness practice needs to fit effortlessly into your lifestyle (rather than feeling like another add-on) and keep you coming back for more. It should bring you joy, fulfillment, empowerment, and feel like a "get-to" opportunity, rather than an obligation.
It brings me immense joy to help others connect with their confidence and joy through movement!
About Me
Hi, I’m Cindy Appanaitis (Babcock). I’ve been a high school teacher since 2007, teaching Physical Education, Health, and Child Development, and a fitness and sports coach since 2001. I specialize in studio P.E. courses focused on empowerment, confidence, self-relationship, and building community in class. What I love most about working with my students is the community of trust and acceptance that grows over the course of a class. It creates an environment where they feel safe to take risks, discover ways of joyful expression, and support each other in the process.
I was introduced to personal development and coaching work in 2017, and I immediately fell in love with the concepts and connected deeply to its mission. What stood out to me was the significant impact it had on all areas of my life—it made me more engaged as a teacher, mother, wife, friend, and daughter! I knew then that I wanted to learn this work so I could teach it.
What I love most about the courses and workshops I’ve experienced is the sense of community that develops, and how that connection continues even outside of the course room. The shared language of empowerment and love sets the foundation for the work and extends to supporting and encouraging each other through continual growth.
Born into a family of eight children, I thrive in community and find great joy in connecting others with theirs. I strive to build communities that empower people to have the confidence to shine just as they are, and to develop relationships that evoke trust, love, and acceptance.
My husband and I are blessed with two young girls. They keep me grounded in this work as we learn together, hold each other accountable, and support each other through our growth. We love to laugh and play together. My family lights up my world!
Be Empowered is a way for me to bridge these passions and share them beyond the classroom walls, offering frameworks to nourish whole wellness in an environment that invites each person to "come as they are" and be who they are. Empowering each to radiate their true nature.
Training
Western Oregon University - MAT
Physical Education (pre k-12)
Health Education (6-12)
Human Development & Family Services (pre k-12)
Oregon State University - BA Human Development Family Sciences
Your Infinite Life - Leadership & Coach Certification
Original Hot Yoga Academy - Yin 96 Teacher Training
Be Nourished - Motivational Interviewing Training I & II