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 Leah Parolin, who is one of our VIP members. Our entire team has been so impressed with Leah’s personal growth and commitment towards her health and the positive energy she brings to classes. She has worked hard to overcome a lot of barriers and has accomplished so much in a very short period of time – including celebrating getting medical clearance to jump for the first time in months!
Leah joined Loyobo FIT after the pandemic hit and since then has embraced our Virtual and Outdoor classes – and we absolutely love seeing her move her body with joy!
This month, LEAH, 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?
Photo credits: @stoneandflint
I joined the 30 Day Spring Challenge at the end of April 2020. I originally reached out to Courtney because I didn’t know what else to do! I was trying to navigate a health issue that left my physical mobility very limited – no bouncing, no jumping, no impact, no weights, no fun! I was struggling to find ways to release energy and gain mental capacity. I knew LOYOBO was not your typical gym and very inclusive. Courtney even connected with my physiotherapist to determine what classes I could do safely. I started with Mind/Body Unwind.
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
Moving my body regularly for enjoyment
Creating space for meditation and gratitude
Being mindful about nutrition and movement
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?
The biggest challenge I faced was accepting the limitations my body had while working thorough my health issue. My body seemed foreign to me. The type of exercise I did in the past was inaccessible now. I didn’t know how to help myself. The process to overcome this was mental – to look at my thoughts and abilities under a different lens. I needed to do what I could do physical with my body now, and not compare it to my previous ability. I needed to understand this was not permanent and my body would change again. I needed to trust that small steps added up to big ones.
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
Before LOYOBO I was active but in a busy, go-go-go kind of way. I enjoyed my life but didn’t make movement a priority. I have been learning to love my body for a long time and joining LOYOBO added a physical layer.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
I feel like part of a community again. With everything going on with the pandemic and physical distancing, I’m thankful that LOYOBO has maintained ways for people to feel connected and safe.
What is your favorite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
My favourite memory is celebrating my 50th class at outdoor Zumba in the rain! After 6 months of not being allowed to, my achievement was being able to jump again.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
Do it for you. Be genuinely ready. Listen to your body.
What is your favorite class and why?
Anything bouncy – Zumba and Step
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
Grateful for where I’m at. Excited about where I’m going.
Anything else you would like to share?
It’s hard, and sometimes embarrassing, but don’t be scared to ask for help. There are so many good people out there who will.
Congratulations Leah! 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! Join our 30 day trial and become part of a loving and supportive community that will enable you to make a lasting lifestyle change.