Finding Strength in Vulnerability: A Gym Owner, Personal Trainer, & Health & Wellness Coach's Journey
Hey everyone, Marie here! I'm excited to be back on the blog and even more excited to share a bit of personal vulnerability with you all. As a Studio Owner, Personal Trainer, and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, I have spent and do spend a lot of time guiding others on their journeys to well-being. But the hard truth is that even coaches need coaching!
The past few months haven't been the easiest. I have been faced with challenges with my team at the studio. My personal relationship sometimes suffers because I am a recovering workaholic, and I am learning how to lean into my fiancée for support versus taking the entire world on my shoulders. On top of still navigating my physical recovery, working through my own personal health challenges has brought the importance of balance into sharp focus. Let's say those old patterns I help so many clients overcome have a way of sneaking back in because they are familiar and the default for my subconscious.
Now, I'm no stranger to overcoming physical obstacles. As the owner of Momentum Fit here in Ponte Vedra Beach, I've helped clients overcome obstacles, limitations, and injuries. Over the last three years, my two back surgeries and a hysterectomy have definitely tested my resilience. These experiences, on top of everything else, can lead to some serious overthinking in the gym and in daily life.
That's where my incredible team at Momentum Fit has truly stepped up. Kent Campbell and Mackenzie Perttu have become my workout anchors. Let's face it: sometimes, I need someone else to design the plan and hold me accountable. We all do. Between the surgeries and the nerve damage, it's refreshing to hand over the reins and focus on doing the hard work. Trusting their expertise frees up mental space, allowing me to make the most of every workout. If you want to know more about Momentum, follow this link. https://getmomentumfit.com/
Physical therapy has also been a key part of my journey. Mick Janusko of Magnify Health & Rehabilitation and Stephanie Bush of SB Physical Therapy & Wellness have been instrumental in helping me navigate the realities of my injuries. While the first back surgery in 2021 hinted at permanent nerve damage, the reality of limitations became clearer after the last surgery in September 2023. Accepting this "new normal" hasn't been easy. There's definitely a pang of loss for the athlete I once was.
But here's the thing: acceptance doesn't have to mean giving up. It's about finding new ways to express myself and new ways to move my body. It's about celebrating small victories and embracing the journey, even when it's messy.
By sharing my story, I hope to remind you that we're all human. We all face challenges. Even health and wellness coaches need a support system. We need to prioritize self-care and be kind to ourselves throughout the process.
So, what are you struggling with today? How can I, or the amazing team at Momentum Fit, help you on your path to well-being? Let's open the conversation because together, we're stronger.
In health,
Marie Merritt