Hey there. Yesterday on Instagram, I invited my followers to ask me anything. I don't have the "Ask Me Anything" sticker feature in my stories, likely because I operate a business account linked to my Your Level Fitness Facebook page. This setup also restricts me from adding music to my stories, a common limitation for business profiles.
One question that stood out was: "Why do you do what you do?" Reflecting on this, I realized that about a year ago, I discovered I could discuss health and fitness without the stigma often associated with my cerebral palsy. Social media platforms have provided a space where I'm not immediately categorized by my disability, allowing me to engage on a level playing field. This realization motivated me to fully commit to helping others navigate their fitness journeys.
I've always been passionate about exercise. At 14, my orthopedic specialist recommended regular physical activity, and by 17, I was consistently working out about four times a week—a routine I've maintained since 1999. Despite this commitment, I, like many, grappled with the pervasive messages from the fitness industry that equate happiness with achieving a specific weight or body composition. These narratives often imply that rapid weight loss is the norm and that struggling to shed pounds quickly suggests a personal failing.
During my college years in the late '90s and early 2000s, before the rise of social media, I found myself constantly strategizing my workouts and diet plans, influenced by articles in fitness magazines. It wasn't until later that I realized many others shared these experiences. After college, I ventured into sales and customer service roles, where I encountered systemic challenges that often hindered genuine customer support. These experiences highlighted my innate desire to help others, even when organizational structures made it difficult.
In 2011, at 29, I earned a personal training certification, though I didn't immediately act on it. It wasn't until 2014 that I launched Your Level Fitness, initially offering group fitness classes and in-home personal training. Transitioning from a side hustle to my main focus was challenging, and I faced setbacks. However, I view these not as failures but as integral parts of my ongoing journey. Working at a marketing agency provided me with valuable experience in product and service development, from ideation to implementation. This comprehensive understanding reinforced the importance of perseverance and surrounding oneself with supportive, like-minded individuals.
Social media has been instrumental in connecting me with others who share similar goals, whether in weight loss or entrepreneurial endeavors. Engaging with a community that values hard work and consistency has been uplifting. Fitness, much like any worthwhile pursuit, requires embracing the grind and finding joy in the process, even on challenging days. Having a supportive network to lean on during these times is invaluable.
Currently, I'm focused on changing perceptions around fitness and weight loss. I aim to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with exercise and nutrition, moving away from viewing workouts as obligations and restrictive diets as the only path to success. By emphasizing consistent effort and self-acceptance, I believe we can achieve sustainable, long-term results.
If you're looking to embark on a transformative fitness journey with a supportive community, I invite you to join The YLF Experience. Together, we can work towards your personal fitness goals in a positive and encouraging environment.