Beck BodeWhat do financial planning and your fitness routine have in common? More than you might think.
In this episode of the NoBondsCast, managing partners Ben Beck, CFP® and Jim Bode sit down with Ashley Cotler, Client Success Manager at Beck Bode, to explore the surprising parallels between fitness discipline and financial success.
"At CrossFit Dynamics our motto was 'change your fitness, change your life.' I feel the same way about finances – change your finances, change your future." – Ashley Cotler
Ashley's unique journey from Broadway performer to CrossFit gym owner to client success professional offers valuable perspective on how the principles that drive physical fitness can transform your approach to wealth building. Her experience coaching clients through fitness transformations translates remarkably well to guiding investors through their financial journeys.
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Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Start where you are: Just as you don't need to be fit before going to the gym, you don't need to have substantial wealth before working with a financial advisor.
- Focus on fundamentals: Master the basics first—both in fitness and finance—before adding complexity.
- Consistency beats perfection: Regular, disciplined habits create results in both fitness and investing.
- Everyone needs coaching: Even experienced individuals benefit from expert guidance and accountability.
- Life changes require resets: As your circumstances evolve, your fitness and financial plans need adjustment to stay aligned with your goals.
"It doesn't matter if you're coming into the gym or talking about your financial future. Having a conversation from a trusted professional is the place to begin." – Jim Bode
Q&A with Ashley Cotler on Fitness and Finance
Q: How did your background in fitness prepare you for a role in financial services?
Ashley Cotler: "I've always been a jack of all trades and never really understood why or how to bring it all together. Throughout my journey from running a CrossFit gym to joining Beck Bode, I've seen how my experience with coaching translates perfectly to financial guidance.
In the gym, when someone comes in with an injury, you have to pivot quickly to modify their workout while still helping them feel productive and successful. That same adaptability applies to finance—helping people navigate life changes while keeping them on track toward their goals.
The fitness philosophy we had at our gym was 'Change your fitness, change your life.' I see a similar philosophy in finance: change your finances, change your future. Both require the right guidance, programming, and support system."
Q: What parallels do you see between someone starting their fitness journey and someone beginning to invest?
Ashley Cotler: "There's so much intimidation in both worlds. People think they need to be in shape before they walk into a gym, and similarly, they think they need a million dollars before they can talk to a financial advisor.
In the gym, I actually preferred working with people who had no fitness background—they were like a blank slate without bad habits. We would bring everyone back to the basics: learning how to squat properly before adding weights or complexity.
With finances, it's the same approach—understanding the fundamentals before worrying about complex investment strategies. And just like in fitness, it doesn't matter where you start; you can always improve from there."
Ben Beck adds: "When someone might walk into our office, maybe they've been investing in their 401(k) their entire working life, but haven't experienced an in-depth financial plan. Just like Ashley talks about foundations in fitness, we focus on understanding the baseline first before building on that."
Q: How do you address the intimidation factor that many people feel about both fitness and financial planning?
Jim Bode: "I think the hardest thing, both in fitness and investing, is getting restarted after being out of it for a while. With investing, people are often embarrassed—maybe they don't have enough money, or didn't start funding their 401(k) early enough, or made mistakes.
That's exactly why we're in this business—to be coaches who help you get on the right track, no matter what stage you're at. Just like in fitness, by day 14, you're going to be off and running. The same applies to investing—once you get the process started with the right advisor, your confidence grows significantly."
"People in the gym think they need to be in shape before walking in, and people with investing think they need a million dollars before they can start too. That's unnecessary stress." – Ashley Cotler
Ashley Cotler adds: "It's really about just starting. People in the gym think they need to be in shape before walking in, and people with investing think they need a million dollars before they can start too. That's unnecessary stress. We don't go to doctors, therapists, or coaches because we're perfect—we go because we need guidance, whether for a minor tune-up or a major intervention."
Q: How does a financial plan need to evolve over time, similar to a fitness plan?
Jim Bode: "It's a reset. In fitness, you might be on a plan, cruising along, and then suddenly you're not seeing the same impact on your body or goals. Financial planning is no different—we put a plan together, but life changes, goals shift, and we need to reset that plan and adjust.
That's why having conversations with trusted professionals is so important, whether you're coming into the gym or talking about your financial future. It's the only way you'll get better."
Ashley Cotler: "Conversation and relationship are key in today's fast-paced, distraction-filled environment. We're in a climate where we have to know a little bit about everything, from doctor's appointments to kids' schedules to financial planning.
By surrounding yourself with a team of professionals who guide you through the process, you let people who know their craft help you understand the bigger picture. This allows you to avoid stressing about day-to-day fluctuations because there's enough of that in our everyday lives already."
Focus on Foundations: Connect With Us
If you're ready to apply the discipline and consistency of a good workout routine to your financial life, our team is here to help. Like a fitness coach who starts with proper form before adding weights, we begin with understanding your financial foundations before building your wealth strategy.
Ready to get financially fit? We're here to help.