Hello everyone!
We are so excited to bring you our next 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 Ty Henshaw, who is one of our All In Virtual Members. Our entire team is so impressed with Ty’s dedication and consistency towards his health and fitness goals, his efforts to stay connected with other members via our Facebook group and his overall enthusiastic support of our community!
Ty’s been working so hard to break out of his comfort zone, try new things, and continue showing up for himself and we couldn’t be prouder of his journey!
This month, TY, 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?
My friends Katrina and Maude Stephany recommended trying out classes at Loyobo FIT via the Energy Exchange program in January 2020. I knew that I needed to be getting regular exercise and I wasn’t able to get started by myself.
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
My top three health and fitness goals are:
1) Increasing my flexibility
2) Building core muscle strength and;
3) Increasing my stamina for cardio.
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?
One of the challenges I have found in my health/fitness journey is that motivation for moving does not always come before the movement itself. For me, this means that I commit to showing up and doing the exercise knowing that the motivation will come once I start moving my body.
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
I am an introverted guy who used to shy away from gyms and anywhere where I would feel noticed. I fought my way through a lot of social anxiety that held me back from connecting with others. As a trans man, I was also early on in my social transition and wasn’t sure how I was going to fit in physically or socially. I felt awkward in my body and unsure of myself around others who seemed quite extroverted and knowledgeable. I am a dog walker, but before Loyobo FIT that was pretty much the only exercise I was getting.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
I feel much more energized, centred and excited as a result of working out regularly! I am more confident taking up space and much less worried about “making mistakes”. Instead of avoiding movement, I now crave it in my body and in my mind. Also, it doesn’t hurt when you find yourself checking out your muscles in the mirror at the gym or at home! 😉 I am currently doing classes virtually and working on overcoming being camera shy on Zoom. I know I will get there and turn my video on.
What is your favourite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
My favourite memory comes from a Sculpt and Sweat in-studio class with Lori. I had a rough day and Lori was talking about how we all have some amount of pent up COVID Rage. She told us to bring a weighted ball or pillow to class without saying why. Then she demonstrated a movement where you would squat forward and slam your object into the ground. Without hesitating I slammed my pillow into the floor and it felt so good! Lori pointed at me and said “Yes Ty!” as I was the only one in studio to just go for it!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
Don’t be afraid to go for it and start a new class. It’s okay to be a bit scared or intimidated by what the people around you are able to do (they may be doing it for a longer time than you and probably felt the same when they first started out!). It’s all about your own learning, understanding and listening to your body and going at a pace that you can handle. Also, your body can do more than you think it can. Both Courtney and Lori remind me that what you look like working out doesn’t matter, it’s how you feel about your body that really counts.
What is your favourite class and why?
LoYoga classes with Sobia are my favourite. She is a very skilled yogi who has such a big heart and a passion for Yoga. For a long time it would be just Sobia and I in studio with others joining in virtually. I always feel safe trying new poses and very relaxed after every session.
What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is to one day write a novel about my journey through mental health struggles and my experience transitioning. I also hope to continue on with my education to become a counsellor or a psychologist.
Anything else you would like to share?
I would love to make more gym friends. You can find me on Facebook or on Instagram @thetynextdoor. I am still coming out of my shell as time goes on, but the Loyobo FIT community and family encourages me to keep going. Also, none of this journey would be possible without Courtney. She has created a female owned and operated small business that gives us all a passion for fitness and finding joy in movement. The future is female!
Congratulations Ty!
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 can become part of our loving and supportive community that will enable you to make a lasting lifestyle change.
Our Membership doors are currently OPEN! Book a Meet & Greet with one of our coaches to learn more about Loyobo FIT, discuss your needs and find out if we are the right fit for you.
We can’t wait to support you in your health and wellness journey!