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Nice to meet you!

Hello! I’m Heike Yates. As a single mom with two kids, I turned my passion for helping midlife women into two successful businesses. We focus on rediscovering health and strength, breaking through limiting beliefs, and supporting each other. Welcome to our community, where we inspire and empower each other on this journey!


From 9 – 5 To Living My Dream

Years ago, I was caught up in the 9-to-5 grind, feeling like there had to be something more out there for me. Taking a leap of faith, I packed up and moved to Washington, D.C., ready to chase new opportunities. That move changed everything.

Life took another turn when I became a mom. Being a parent was deeply rewarding, but it also came with challenges. I felt stuck, managing life at home and questioning how to move forward.

In 1987, a friend introduced me to the fitness world, and I was instantly hooked. It didn’t just transform my body; it gave me a sense of purpose and confidence that spilled into every area of my life. After my first pregnancy, I lost 50 pounds through consistent exercise, proving what was possible with commitment and self-belief.

When my kids were just 4 and 8 years old, I made the tough decision to get divorced. Suddenly, I was rebuilding our lives from the ground up on just $300 a month. It was one of the most challenging times in my life, but I was determined to create a better future for us. That’s when fitness became my lifeline—a source of strength, joy, and resilience.

Fast-forward to 2010. One of my proudest moments came when I developed Pilates with Resist-A-Ball, a unique fitness program designed to be gentle on the joints while still incredibly effective. It filled a gap I saw in traditional fitness routines and allowed me to help so many people feel strong and capable without pain holding them back.

But I didn’t stop there. Over the years, I’ve pushed myself in every direction, earning certifications in Pilates, strength training, and nutrition while taking on challenges like bodybuilding and Ironman Triathlons. These experiences shaped me into the coach I am today—someone who truly understands the ups and downs of a fitness journey, especially for those navigating midlife changes.

In 2012, I took everything I’d learned and created Pursue Your Spark. This isn’t just a business to me; it’s a mission. Through Pursue Your Spark, I’ve been able to help countless midlife women break free from limiting beliefs and rediscover their energy, confidence, and purpose. Watching women thrive, gain strength, and embrace what’s possible for them has been the most fulfilling part of my journey.

If my story tells you anything, it’s that no matter where you’re starting from, change is possible. You can create a life filled with energy, strength, and joy—one step at a time.

My philosophy is simple: Wellness should be accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. Small, consistent changes can lead to significant results. I’m here to support you every step of the way, providing you with the knowledge, tools, and encouragement you need to succeed.

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A Little About Me

I love the outdoors, and that’s where you will find me most of the time.

Spending time with my two kids makes my heart sing (even if they live on opposite sides of the world).

Becoming a first-time grandma is incredible, and I thought I was all cool about it.

I have been known to say, “Exercise is good for you.” (Okay…I say it a lot).

Eating healthy is important to me, but I keep my ingredients to around 10 for each dish 😉

My positivity and energy are contagious.


I love working with Heike! She is always positive, gives excellent feedback, is very responsive to questions, and has made a difference in my fitness level. I work with her online, and even though we’ve never met in person, I feel like I know her! She keeps my workouts varied, so I don’t get bored, challenging but not impossible, so I improve but don’t get frustrated, and she is a great cheerleader who always congratulates you on your successes and encourages you through your tough times. Catherine J.


start small. start simple

START HERE!

Special Podcast Episode

Give me 20 Minutes, and I’ll show you how to get “Unstuck And Thrive.” This special episode is not on any of our podcasts. Understand why there’s a frustrating gap between where you are and where you want to be. Don’t miss it!

midlife reset

Reset Your Health In Midlife!

Discover three powerful ways to reset your health and feel more energized daily. Learn how to fit more movement into your routine, take care of yourself with easy self-care steps, and build lasting habits that actually stick.

Intermittent Fasting For Health!

Are you curious about intermittent fasting but not sure where to start? This free cheat sheet is perfect for beginners. It provides simple, easy-to-follow steps to start fasting and eat smarter during midlife. It’s the ideal guide to start!