Cassie Ho on Finding Joy in Fitness, Overcoming Toxicity, and Building a Thriving Brand
When it comes to fitness, many people struggle to find joy in the journey. Cassie Ho, founder of Blogilates and Popflex, understands this better than most. In her interview on Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, she shares how she built her fitness empire, dealt with toxicity in her company and personal life, and ultimately found a way to love working out. From overcoming panic attacks to helping others start their fitness journeys, Cassie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and passion.
Finding Joy in Fitness
For those who struggle with working out, Cassie suggests that they simply haven’t found the right exercise yet.
“Your body should crave movement,” she explains. “If you’re dreading your workouts, it might be time to explore different options.”
She encourages people to experiment with different types of movement, whether it’s running, yoga, or even a stripper dance class. “Your workouts should make you feel accomplished and happy,” she says. “Even if you’re not smiling during it, you should feel amazing afterward.”
Tip: If you’re shy or hesitant about working out in a group, Cassie recommends starting with home workouts. YouTube offers a plethora of free, high-quality workouts, allowing you to get started without the fear of judgment.
The Power of Accountability and Virtual Trainers
Having an accountability partner can make a huge difference in staying consistent with workouts. Maria shares how she and a friend keep each other on track by checking in on their progress with virtual trainers.
“I have Olivia on my Peloton, my friend has Autumn. We joke about ‘meeting up’ with them for our workouts,” Maria says. “It’s a fun way to stay motivated.”
If you prefer solo workouts, virtual trainers or guided workouts on platforms like Peloton and FitOn can help keep you engaged and motivated.
Overcoming Toxicity and Panic Attacks
Building a successful business comes with challenges, and for Cassie, toxicity in her own company was one of them.
“I didn’t even want to work at my own company anymore,” she recalls. “I would walk into my office, and my body would tell me something was wrong—I had trouble breathing, my heart was beating irregularly.”
The stress reached a peak when she experienced a panic attack while traveling for work.
“I was in New York, and I just broke down. My husband, Sam, was ready to fly over to take me to the hospital.”
Realizing she needed a change, she decided to reclaim her life, starting with a personal fitness challenge: the 90-day journey.
“I was carrying so much toxicity physically and mentally,” she says. “I needed to find myself again.”
The 90-Day Journey: Transforming Health and Mindset
Cassie’s 90-day journey wasn’t just about weight loss; it was about regaining confidence and control.
“I tracked everything—my workouts, my food, my mood, my sleep. I learned what worked for my body,” she explains. “At the end of it, I lost 20 pounds, but more importantly, I found my backbone again.”
She also had to deal with intense backlash from followers who accused her of betraying body positivity ideals.
“It was painful, but I had a strong ‘why’—I wanted to feel good in my body and mind again.”
For anyone embarking on a weight loss journey, Cassie advises focusing on baby steps rather than extreme changes.
“Too many people try to overhaul everything at once,” Maria adds. “I lost 40 pounds over time by just making small, better choices without putting too much pressure on myself.”
Key Weight Loss and Fitness Tips from Cassie Ho
- Hydrate constantly: Cassie carries a 64-ounce water bottle to avoid mindless snacking and stay energized.
- Schedule workouts like meetings: Treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
- Have an accountability buddy: Whether it’s a friend or a virtual trainer, having someone to check in with helps.
- Food journaling: Writing down everything you eat can help identify hidden problem areas.
- Prioritize sleep: Lack of sleep can hinder weight loss and overall health.
Finding Balance in Business and Life
Cassie also discusses the struggle of balancing different roles—as a business leader and a fitness personality.
“People expect me to always be bubbly and happy, but in business mode, I have to be direct and serious,” she says. “It was a challenge, especially when hiring fans as employees, because they had a different perception of me.”
Maria echoes this, sharing how female leaders often struggle with unfair labels. “If a guy is assertive, he’s respected. If a woman is, she’s called a diva,” she notes.
Cassie also highlights the importance of hiring the right people. “Never hire unhappy people,” she advises, a lesson she learned the hard way.
What’s Next for Blogilates and Popflex?
Despite past challenges, Cassie’s businesses are thriving. Blogilates, now a staple at Target, is expanding, and Popflex continues to innovate.
Maria shares a common struggle many face when shopping for workout gear: “It’s so overwhelming! Too many options, too much choice.”
Cassie is working on a personalized shopping experience where customers can chat with a fit expert to find the best styles for their needs.
“We’re creating a questionnaire and live expert feature to help women find exactly what they need without stress,” she says.
Believe in Yourself
Cassie’s journey is a reminder that self-belief and persistence are key to overcoming challenges. Whether it’s in fitness, business, or life, she encourages others to trust the process, stay flexible, and keep going.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
