Hello everyone!
Welcome to another edition of our Member of the Month series, 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 Heather Morgan, who is one of our VIP members. Our instructor team and members would agree that Heather is one of the most inspiring people to work out with! She brings a wonderfully positive energy into classes, puts her best effort into everything and is always ready to try new things!
She is a joy to teach and we could not be more proud of her journey.
This month, HEATHER, 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 have been a member since January 2019 and took my first class after seeing Lori post about this new gym (Lori and I know each other outside of fitness!). I was hooked right away. I knew I had stepped into a VERY special space. However, I want to share (and Courtney doesn’t know this story), that I almost walked out of my first class. It started with the “What’s your name? And Tell us ___.” And I thought – “Wait – what!? I don’t need to share anything. I’m here to workout and leave. I’m not here to get to know people!!” Ugh – I was so wrong, and now embarrassed that I had that immediate, judgmental reaction. I’m so glad I stayed. I get it now. We’re a community, and getting to know each other is vital so we can support each other and feel a sense of belonging. Now I will NEVER LEAVE.
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
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Feel good about myself inside and out.
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Keep increasing weights in Tone & Flex – get outside of my comfort zone and lift heavy!
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Try new ways to move my body – not getting stuck too much on routine or sameness, so being brave and doing something different (hello Square Dancing, Belly Dance, Burlesque!)
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?
My biggest challenge has been feeling guilty about going to the gym and therefore not being home with my family. It can be hard working full-time while raising kids! I have challenged my thinking and I remind myself that being healthy, feeling good about myself, and taking some time just for me makes me a better Wife and Mom. I know that being active and exercising is important for my mental health too, to reduce stress. I am extremely lucky and thankful to have a very supportive husband (thank you, Chris!).
How has your life changed since becoming a member of Loyobo FIT?
Since joining Loyobo FIT, I have an extremely different outlook on what a gym experience is. It sounds SO redundant, but the truth is, Loyobo really is UNLIKE ANY OTHER GYM. Loyobo FIT has truly become my church. It’s a place for welcoming, inclusion, support. A place for making friends, connecting with others, giving back. A place to really feel yourself, be yourself, and not be judged. I can honestly say I cannot envision my life without Loyobo FIT.
What is your favorite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
I have a few:
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The very recent HIIA (high intensity interval art) class. SO MUCH FUN! “Can we do this every week??”
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Zumba One-Hit Wonder Dance Party
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Doing a secret Santa exchange… like what other gym does that? We do. That’s who!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
Get to a class, have an open mind, have fun. Don’t be too hard on yourself! Find joyful ways to move your body, and commit. You deserve it!
What is your favorite class and why?
I love Tone & Flex – it makes me feel so strong! Pound FIT is also a fantastic workout. I love Zumba too! And I dabble in Kickboxing. I also like Strong by Zumba when scheduling allows. Body Sculpt & Sweat is always great. Step It Up is my favorite although I can’t get to many of those classes. So… ALL of them! I really love variety. I especially love the Friday Happy Hour classes. I’ve tried so many! What a fun concept.
What is your favorite healthy snack?
I make a chia pudding with cinnamon, cocoa powder, and some maple syrup. I also love baked edamame (just olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan).
Anything else you would like to share?
I’m just so grateful that Loyobo FIT is part of my life. What an amazing environment filled with truly wonderful people – both instructors and Loyobo-ies (Loyobo groupies). As I get closer and closer to my big 4-0, I am taking my health seriously, focusing on feeling good, and working hard to build a strong body that will take me another 40 years into this precious life. I couldn’t and wouldn’t be doing it without Loyobo. Thank you to all the wonderful instructors and supportive friends I have made. #imnotcryingyourecrying
Congratulations Heather! 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 resilience, lovely smile and incredibly positive presence 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! Try a class today with our 30 day trial for first time participants or contact us to book a free Love Your Body Orientation Session to find out what we are all about. And make sure to say hi if you see Heather around the studio!
See you all again soon!
– Sobia