Fitness Professional? That’s my title but sometimes it feels like more like an expectation, an assumption and even sometimes a fabrication. While I am equipped with the necessary knowledge and “certifications”, empowering me to lead a fulfilling life and effectively manage my fitness, health, and overall well-being, the reality is that there are times when consistently translating this understanding into practical action and daily habits presents a significant hurdle, a noticeable gap between what I know and what I actually do. In this new series of blog posts I will hopefully become your imperfect ally, helping you find health and fitness in the midst of real life.
I “do” fitness for a living! Many people often tell me how lucky I am that I teach 15 plus fitness classes a week and have a fully equipped gym in my home. They assume that I must be in incredible shape and never have to worry about gaining weight, carrying extra body fat and feeling my best. They also assume that since I “know” so much about nutrition that unhealthy foods must never enter my mouth. As a yoga instructor, people assume I’m perpetually grounded, centered, and at peace all of the time as well.
Unfortunately, all of these assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. That’s precisely why I’m so excited to share my real, unfiltered experience with you. I believe that true transformation and lasting well-being come not from some unattainable ideal, but from embracing our imperfections, learning from our struggles, and finding the courage to be authentically ourselves, every single day, regardless of what others might expect or assume about us.
My job is getting in the way of my fitness
Before the pandemic in 2020 I had an office job. I had to fit in all of my workouts early in the morning and fit in as many fitness classes as I could in the evenings and weekends. Back then I was teaching some classes back then but nowhere near the classes I teach today. I like many of you constantly complained that my job was getting in the way of my fitness and dreamed of a day where the two would seamlessly coexist. That was one reason why I got into the fitness business. I thought, if I did fitness for a living I would never have to worry about working out or dieting.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. The “exercise” I do daily has become a part of my body natural movements. My body no longer sees it as exercise. If I don’t continue to challenge my body and fuel it with healthy foods I put on weight just like the rest of you. I have an even harder time now fitting fitness into my schedule. After teaching 15 plus classes a week, who wants to go home and exercise?
I’m imperfect and it’s ok
I frequently find myself battling with making truly healthy food choices, often succumbing to less-than-ideal options despite my knowledge. Skipping my morning workouts has become a recurring occurrence, primarily because I’m left feeling excessively tired or sore from the demanding activities of the previous day. Furthermore, I often experience persistent pain throughout my body, stemming from the cumulative effects of ingrained, unnatural movement patterns that have become habitual. Lastly, and perhaps most personally challenging, I encounter significant difficulties in centering my emotions and cultivating a sense of inner peace and spiritual well-being, which is something I am actively working on.
All of these struggles, I’ve tried to keep hidden, because who wants to work with an imperfect fitness professional? Although I am not obese, I am currently carrying more body fat than I need. This extra weight often contributes to how my body feels and performs. I am also dealing with early bone and muscle loss due to early menopause, resulting from a hysterectomy in my 30s and past damage from eating and exercise disorders in my teens and twenties. I know that I need to make some changes to my health and fitness but like you often struggle with the follow through.
Your Imperfect Ally
So, I’ve decided to take down the curtain and expose my true self. I will share my daily struggles with you. Instead of just telling you what you “should” do, I will share this journey with you. This act of exposing myself is a little scary because I still have the belief that nobody really wants to work with an imperfect fitness professional. But, trying to be something I am not doesn’t feel authentic or helpful to my clients.
Rather than continuing to focus on health and fitness topics that are readily available with a quick online search, I am now embarking on a new chapter by sharing my personal life story and real-life experiences with you. As Vitality Transformations is fundamentally about personal transformations and growth, this shift feels like a natural and exciting evolution for my business. I truly hope you find value and inspiration in these new, more authentic blog posts.
Interested in sharing this journey with me? You can work with me personally by checking out my work with me page or schedule a time for us to chat today.
