The following is a testimonial provided by Ilissa Goines for Fitness In Training by Monda:
"I was going through pictures of my son's fourth birthday. That's when I saw her, the woman that my son called mommy, and I didn't recognize her. I didn't recognize myself. At some point, I had lost myself. I got caught up in all the 'doing' of life and forgot the 'being' part. I knew I had to do something and I needed some motivation. So I started making a list. I included things like how I wanted my husband to see me and how I wanted to feel. I did not include being skinny. In fact, I have never been 'skinny.' I remember a younger, more athletic version of myself, but being thin is not my goal. I just wanted to learn to love what I see when I am looking in a mirror or at a picture. I wanted what was already in my closet to fit again. I just wanted to feel like me. So, I made the decision to change it.
"I spent a few weeks working out at a gym with my husband, but it was not keeping my interest. I found myself making excuses not to go and finding reason after reason that I wasn't good at working out. I was intimidated by the atmosphere and felt like I had no idea what I was doing. Discouraged and feeling defeated, I quit going.
"Then, one day while at work, a patient mentioned that she was working out at a new women's-only gym just down the road called F.I.T. by Monda. I have never had much of an outgoing personality, but I knew that if I was serious about changing my lifestyle, then I would have to step out of my comfort zone. Jan. 29, 2014, was the first day of my journey. I did my first Crossfire class with amazing women who were incredibly encouraging. I was hooked. As I allowed myself to open up, I discovered that these women were just like me. We each had our own journey and we all had different destinations and goals, but we were there to discover the best version of ourselves.
"The most significant part of what we do at F.I.T. is a spiritual transformation. My devotion to Jesus is a huge part of my lifestyle. Not only are we encouraged to grow in our spirituality, but the trainers at F.I.T. help to nurture it. From the music, to the literal writing on the walls, to the conversations among friends, I always leave feeling like I am growing in my relationship with God and my relationship with other women. There is nothing like true community and friendship. We are called to do life together and be in community with others. That is my favorite part!
"I cannot say enough about the trainers at F.I.T. Outside of my closest family and friends, I have never had anyone believe in me quite like these ladies. They celebrate every accomplishment, big or small. Every pound, every push-up, every drop of blood, sweat or tear, means something. It's all part of this grand journey toward fitness. And it's celebrated! They truly love and believe in what they do and that passion pours out into each workout.
"I saw a pin on Pinterest that said, 'Fitness is a journey, not a destination.' It's about discovering your best self and truly seeing who you were meant to be. We are 'fearfully and wonderfully made.' There are no mistakes. We just have to see how much we are loved before we can truly love ourselves. My journey will take a lifetime. But I am so excited to see where it takes me. I am a F.I.T. girl for life. #nevergoingback"
F.I.T. by Monda is located at 1331 Airport Road, Suite L. For more information, call 501-760-1157.
Business on 02/16/2015