Ali M

As a young athlete, I competed in cross-country and long-distance track as well as dance and gymnastics. I was drawn to independent sports where you rely on yourself and push yourself to succeed. Fitness and the pursuit of improved health can often be an independent journey but finding a community that is supportive makes integrating fitness into a healthy lifestyle easier and more sustainable long-term. In 2017 I was introduced to functional fitness in a community-based gym and my passion for fitness was reignited. With a background in law, I primarily work with older populations and see the impact that fitness has on general well-being, mobility, and longevity. The ability to age in place is a desire for many people but it starts with a strong body.

Social media and magazines talk about weight loss, fad diets, and getting skinny quick fixes. Most of these “solutions” are not sustainable and have a damaging impact on generations of kids, teens, and adults. A turning point for me was realizing fitness is not just about losing weight but about moving weight – being strong and being healthy. One of my first goals was to be able to do a single pull-up. Crushing those goals keeps me moving.