“My IHP Health Coaching Certifications have opened doors that were not possible before. I am now able to help people transform their bodies without sacrificing their health.”
At the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute (IHPI), we take immense pride in highlighting the incredible journeys of our graduates. They have made significant strides in the health and wellness industry. We are excited to feature Ellen Savary Long, a remarkable Integrative Health Practitioner who embodies the essence of health transformation. Ellen is IHP2 Certified, and she is currently completing her High-Performance Health (HPH) Certification. Her journey from a late-start bodybuilder to a dedicated Health Coach is nothing short of inspiring. In this blog, we’ll delve into her story, her approach to health, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned along the way.
From Bodybuilding to Health Transformation
Ellen's journey into the world of health and wellness began later in life when she started bodybuilding at the age of 48. In her early 50s, she earned her professional card in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness. Remarkably, Ellen was competing against women who had been training for decades. Ellen says, “The life lessons I learned from becoming a professional bodybuilder far outweigh the body transformation I experienced.”
As she transitioned from bodybuilding to health coaching, Ellen realized true health transformation goes beyond the gym. Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of having a plan, just as she did in her bodybuilding days. “During my bodybuilding days, my mantra was ‘plan the dive, then dive the plan,’” she shares. Additionally, Ellen notes that bodybuilding is a slow, methodical process requiring patience and persistence. This experience laid the foundation for her approach to health coaching, where she helps clients stay focused and motivated, even when progress seems slow. Moreover, this approach now guides her work with clients, helping them achieve sustainable health through structured protocols.
The Role of Resistance Training in Health Transformation
One of the key insights Ellen gained from bodybuilding is the value of resistance training. She discovered that incorporating weight training into her routine led to astounding changes in her body. However, it taught her that there is more to health than just dieting and exercising. Ellen now focuses on holistic wellness, incorporating the DESTRESS Protocol™ she learned through IHPI. Specifically, this comprehensive approach has allowed her to help clients achieve health transformation that lasts.
Why Integrative Health?
Ellen was drawn to the integrative health space after realizing conventional approaches weren’t enough to address the complexities of aging and wellness. She recalls being deeply moved by Dr. Cabral’s teachings, which gave her hope and empowered her to take control of her health. “I now have my hope back. That is truly priceless,” Ellen reflects. Her journey with IHPI has not only transformed her own health but has also equipped her with the tools to guide others on their health transformation journeys.
Expanding Ellen's Practice Through IHP Health Coaching Certifications
Ellen’s IHP Health Coaching Certifications have significantly enhanced her ability to support her clients. She now specializes in gut and hormonal health, particularly focusing on women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Her practice is entirely virtual, allowing her to reach a broader audience and offer personalized health transformation plans. Ellen’s approach is rooted in identifying toxicities and deficiencies, which she addresses through functional lab testing and the DESTRESS Protocol™.
Ellen shares, “My IHP Health Coaching Certifications have opened doors that were not possible before. I am now able to help people transform their bodies without sacrificing their health.” This holistic approach, combined with her deep knowledge of integrative health, has allowed Ellen to make a profound impact on her clients’ lives.
Empowering Women Through Health Transformation
Ellen’s health coaching practice is now fully virtual, allowing her to reach clients around the world. She specializes in gut and hormonal health, particularly for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Ellen is passionate about helping women navigate the challenges of menopause, offering solutions that go beyond conventional advice.
“There are pundits who say that declining health is a natural part of menopause and that our best years are behind us,” Ellen says. “I offer a different perspective. I help women uncover the toxicities and deficiencies that drive hormonal imbalances, even in menopause.” Her approach is grounded in the DESTRESS Protocol™ taught by Dr. Stephen Cabral and IHPI, focusing on a multifactorial view of health that encompasses more than just diet and exercise.
Ellen's work is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late for a health transformation. Her own journey, coupled with her expertise as an Integrative Health Practitioner, enables her to guide women toward a future where their best years are still to come.
The Reward of Helping Others Achieve Health Transformation
For Ellen, the most rewarding aspect of her work is helping others. She has always found joy in supporting her family and clients, and her role as an IHP has only deepened this passion. Ellen enjoys the balance of working from home, where she connects with clients virtually. Moreover, this helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Ellen’s commitment to her own growth and her clients’ success recently led her to participate in the EquiLife Centurion Mentorship program, a challenging and transformative experience. “This program pushed me outside of my comfort zone,” Ellen admits. “But it also provided me with invaluable knowledge and skills.”
Additionally, the mentorship program deepened Ellen's understanding of at-home functional medicine labs and protocols, enhancing her ability to address her clients’ toxicities and deficiencies effectively. Her experience emphasized the importance of how she makes clients feel, a lesson that deeply influences her health coaching approach. Reflecting on the program, Ellen says, “On both a professional and personal level, this has been a positive and rewarding experience that has profoundly transformed me.”
Embracing Challenges for Health Transformation
Ellen believes true growth happens outside of our comfort zones. She encourages clients to embrace the discomfort of change, as it’s often the first step toward health transformation. Whether it’s adjusting bedtime routines or incorporating new dietary habits, Ellen guides her clients with compassion and understanding. Her work continues to transform lives, one client at a time.
As Ellen reflects on her journey, she remains committed to helping others achieve their own health transformation. “My job is to be understanding and to guide my clients with compassion as they are challenged with choices that push them out of their comfort zones,” she says.
One of the most significant health transformations Ellen facilitated was that of her husband, who was struggling with severe heart issues, including tachycardia and bradycardia. Despite being under medical care, his condition worsened, leading to multiple daily episodes. Ellen's determination to find a solution led her to explore integrative health practices.
“I knew I had to do something,” Ellen recalls. “I couldn't just sit back and watch his health deteriorate.”
Using the knowledge she gained from IHPI, Ellen developed a plan that included dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments. Rather than focusing on a diagnosis, attention was placed on her husband's underlying toxicities and deficiencies. Indeed, this approach aimed to rebalance his body and support its healing.
Over time, her husband’s health began to improve, with the episodes decreasing significantly, and eventually subsiding altogether. Consequently, this experience solidified Ellen’s belief in the power of integrative health and further fueled her passion for helping others achieve their own health transformation.
Ellen Savary Long’s Impact on Health Transformation
Ellen Savary Long's story is a powerful example of how the right knowledge and dedication can lead to profound health transformation. Her experience as a bodybuilder and her education at IHPI have made her a beacon of hope and guidance for those looking to transform their health. Her journey underscores the importance of planning, measuring progress, and embracing a holistic approach to wellness.
Ellen continues to make an impact on her clients' lives, serving as an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to embark on your own health transformation journey. If you’re interested in connecting with Ellen or learning more about her work, you can find her on Facebook at Ellen Savary Long and MenoBossLady. She’s also on Instagram and TikTok under MenoBossLady. Additionally, you can visit her websites at LongLifeWellness.org and MenoBossLady.com.
Start Your Own Health Transformation with the Integrative Health Practitioner Institute
Inspired by Ellen's journey? You, too, can begin your own health transformation with the right education and support. IHPI offers comprehensive Health Coaching Certification programs that empower you to make a meaningful difference in your life and the lives of others. Whether you’re looking to enhance your health or start a new career in integrative health, our programs provide the tools and knowledge you need.
Take the first step today by scheduling a call with one of our Admissions Counselors. They can guide you through the process and help you find the program that best suits your goals. Start your journey towards becoming a Certified IHP Health Coach and transform your life from the inside out.
