Living Your Best Encore: April Hattori

What is (or was) your career, and how many years have you dedicated to it?

I spent 25 years in communications—about five years as a journalist and 20 years in corporate communications in the financial and education sectors, working at firms such as Standard & Poor’s and McGraw-Hill Education in New York. I thrived in that work, especially the challenge of translating complex information for business leaders and educators. My days ranged from interviewing government and business officials to managing press releases, long-term projects, and major trade shows. I’ve always wanted a career that helped people, and journalism and communications allowed me to do that—though indirectly.

Was there a defining moment that led you here?

I’ve always loved fitness, and while working in New York, I earned my personal training certification in 2014 at age 52. Because I still had a full-time job, I focused on helping my family, including my mom, through online training sessions. Three years later, at 55, I made a major life decision to leave New York and my communications career to live with my mother in Nevada. I continued freelance public relations work but felt it was the right moment to reevaluate my path. With my certification already in hand, I became a trainer at a local gym. As the oldest trainer there, I naturally gravitated toward working with older adults, many of whom hadn’t exercised in years and discovered how meaningful and rewarding that work could be.

How do you define success or fulfillment today compared to earlier in life?

Earlier in life, success meant having a career that felt purposeful and allowed me to enjoy life outside of work. Today, fulfillment comes from making a direct, positive impact, helping people stay active, get stronger, and live healthier lives. That shift toward meaningful connection and service has become my true measure of success.

What is one powerful lesson you learned later in life that you wish you could have whispered to your younger self?

I spent my early years majoring in biology and even attending dental school. I worked hard but didn’t find joy or a sense of alignment in that path. I would whisper to my younger self: Lean into your natural interests and gifts. Let them guide you. Had I done that sooner, I likely would have found my passion for communications and personal training earlier in life.

Please complete this sentence: The thing I value most about where I am in life right now is…

...having the opportunity to help people around the world improve their health and being able to do it alongside my mom, who inspires me and so many others every day.

April Hattori is a certified personal trainer and the creator of the yes2next YouTube channel, launched in 2020 to help her clients stay active during the pandemic. She and her 85-year-old mother lead accessible and uplifting free workouts designed for older adults, beginner exercisers, and anyone with limited mobility. Today, yes2next has grown to more than 570,000 subscribers and 60 million views, all united by one mission: inspiring people everywhere to say “yes to their next steps toward fitness and joy.” Learn more about yes2next at yes2next.com

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