Welcome to the next edition of our Member of the Month series (the last one for 2020!), where we feature some of the amazing people who are part of our Loyobo FIT family. We think it is important to share their stories to help inspire others and to celebrate their amazing accomplishments!
This month that member is Taylor Infantino, who is one of our All In Virtual Members. Our entire team truly appreciates her enthusiastic support of our community and is extremely impressed with her willingness to try new things and push herself out of her comfort zone.
Taylor participated in both our September Team Challenge and our November Movement Challenge and we love this new mom’s dedication and commitment towards her health and fitness goals 🙂
This month, TAYLOR, we celebrate YOU! We are so grateful to know you. Thank you for being a part of our family and for sharing your story with us!
How long have you been coming to Loyobo FIT and what initially inspired you to try a class?
I started coming to classes at Loyobo FIT in September 2019. I was a few months postpartum, and not really sure how to start exercising again. My friend Marisa had told me about Loyobo a few months prior, and encouraged me to try some classes. She assured me that Loyobo FIT was a welcoming environment with a variety of classes to suit my fitness level. She was very right!
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
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Be consistent with daily movement.
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Continue to strengthen my relationship with my body, for myself and to set a good example for my daughter.
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25 plank pushups (I’m so close!)
What is one of the challenges that you have faced in your health/fitness journey? What have you found most helpful in working to overcome it?
Definitely viewing exercise as a reward, rather than a punishment (whoops, I ate a giant brownie, guess I’ll have to workout later) *cue eye roll*.
My body has done so much for me (hello birthing a human), and the language used in the Loyobo FIT community has really helped me reframe that mindset. Now, I see movement as a way to do something good for my body.
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
I was never a big fan of traditional gyms, or workout programs. I tried a few things here and there, but nothing ever really stuck. I love being outdoors, and most of my ‘exercise’ came from trail hikes or the occasional run on the treadmill. I had some pretty unkind feelings about my body. When I started working a 9-5 desk job after University, it really took a toll on my overall health, and I didn’t really do anything to intervene. A lot of times, I would see pictures and not even recognize myself. There were some feelings of shame for sure.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
A whole freaking lot. My confidence has increased tenfold. I’m super proud of what I’ve accomplished in the last year, and I have made major strides in repairing my relationship with my body. Not to mention, I just FEEL so much better on a day to day basis. I used to dread working out, and now I look forward to classes throughout the week.
What is your favorite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
I have a few (‘naked’ Zumba sticks out), but I’ll share one of the early ones, where being a member at Loyobo FIT really clicked. When I first started classes at Loyobo FIT, I was sticking to Tone & Flex for the most part, since I could modify moves but still get in a good strength workout. For the longest time, I couldn’t get through the whole choreography of the lunge track ‘Forget You’. I still remember the day I made it through the whole track without breaking, and I felt insanely proud. It was so great to see the progression, and feel that my body was actually getting stronger.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
During the 21 Day Challenge, the mantra going around was “you can do hard things’. Which is absolutely true. But, give yourself some grace. It’s okay to start slow, and work your way up. I love what Courtney says, “It’s about progress, not perfection.”
What is your favourite class and why?
I have to choose just one!? Tone & Flex will always be a favourite, choreographed weightlifting is just too much fun. But I’ve really been loving Barre lately! I am not a ‘dance’ person by any means, let alone ballet, but Donna kicks my butt in Barre.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
I’m going to go with the quote, since it’s been a BIG help; “You can love your body and still want to improve it.”
Anything else you would like to share?
I am just insanely grateful to be a part of the Loyobo FIT community. The instructors and members have changed my life in a BIG way, and I am slightly obsessed. Thank you all for bringing an amazing variety of classes every week, and especially for keeping us moving, motivated and connected during the pandemic.
Sending a whole lot of love to you all.
Congratulations Taylor! You deserve this moment in the spotlight as we celebrate the awesomeness that is YOU. THANK YOU for including us as part of your journey and for sharing your story. Your positive spirit, perseverance and determination inspires us all and we are so grateful to have you as part of our Loyobo Family!
Feeling inspired? You could be our next Member of the Month! Sign up for a membership with us before the doors close for 2020 on December 15th! Become part of a loving and supportive community that will enable you to make a lasting lifestyle change.
Our membership closes soon – so the time to act is NOW!
Not ready to try classes or have some questions? Email us to book a FREE Love Your Body Orientation session with one of our coaches to discuss your needs and find out if we are the right fit for you.