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 Tara Hesch, who is one of our VIP members. Tara been such an amazingly supportive member of our community from Day 1 – attending classes very regularly, always pushing herself out of her comfort zone and being a beacon of positivity and camaraderie in our Facebook group. We also really appreciate how she’s shown up to support other members of our community during these unprecedented times 🙂
Her lovely spirit, incredible wit and willingness to be vulnerable makes her a joy to teach and we could not be more proud of her journey.
This month, TARA, 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?
Since October 2019. In the beginning of 2019 I decided to focus on finding a more balanced lifestyle. I didn’t want to look into another ‘diet’ per se, I was more interested in whole body health. I joined a healthy eating challenge and really started looking into my relationship with food. That was followed by an amazing at home exercise routine that helped me the ‘whys’ of my thought process and how to make positive changes.
Eventually I realized that I was at a point in my life where I need more personalized coaching. I knew that I had to keep active but struggled with the motivation to keep at it by myself. I came across a Loyobo FIT ad, decided to check it out and was hooked after my very first visit. The inclusiveness of the studio, the passion of the instructors and the various classes that were offered fit extremely well into my busy lifestyle.
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
a) to live a more balanced lifestyle: body, mind and spirit.
b) to continue learning about myself through exercise and movement, by pushing boundaries and surpassing personal bests.
c) to enter my 50s at my fittest!
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?
I suffer from poor posture and sciatica, and when left unchecked it can impact not only my balance but my strength and over well-being. When I engage in the proper physical activity it helps to strengthen my body AND give my confidence levels a boost. Living a healthier lifestyle that incorporates Loyobo FIT helps to keep the pain at bay!
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
I’ve always led an active lifestyle but I lacked consistency. I was often trapped in a vicious cycle of an all or nothing approach which left me feeling defeated when I didn’t live up to my own unreasonable expectations. I would look at myself and my body as failures.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
Ha! What has changed!? My goodness, what hasn’t? Loyobo FIT has given me the opportunity to accomplish EXACTLY what I set out to do, work on a healthy whole life balance. From getting my heart rate up in Step Class to learning how to help heal my body in Pilates…..I’m even practicing Yoga, something I never thought I needed until I attended my first class.
What is your favorite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
Authentic Dance with Katie was an amazing class! Music was played and we all simply moved to the rhythm. We weren’t listening so much as we were feeling the music. A very liberating experience. Loyobo FIT is such a safe and inviting space, the opportunity to cast aside inhibitions and self doubts was uplifting to say the least!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
Remember that life is simply a series of best practices as you continue on your journey. There is no perfection or end goal….
What is your favorite class and why?
This is like asking me to pick a favorite child! Each class has something different to offer and they all really help to bring about the whole health balance I have been seeking.
But, one that has helped me greatly is Pilates. I suffer from sciatica and lower back pain and Pilates targets these areas and helps to elevate the pain. Also, I am learning various stretching techniques that can help the flare ups from even happening.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” I truly believe that we should celebrate all accomplishments no matter how big or small, and leave all else as learning experiences.
Anything else you would like to share?
I am extremely grateful for all that Loyobo FIT has done for not only myself but my better half as well as we are both active members. Even during these unprecedented times, Loyobo FIT continues to offer amazing live virtual classes and ongoing support.
We didn’t just join a gym, we found a community that welcomed us!
Congratulations Tara! 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, generosity and energy 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 virtual class today with our 30 day trial for first time participants. Our online classes are a source of love, support, community and strength as we navigate the uncertainty that surrounds us!
See you all again soon!
– Sobia