My Story, My Journey
by Melinda Riego de Dios
Like most females, since adolescence I had an ongoing battle with self image, especially when it came down to weight. Society forces us to constantly look at our bodies – we see it in magazines, on TV, at school, at the office… everywhere we go, we can’t avoid it. We are all guilty of criticizing ourselves but also comparing our bodies to others. “I want to look like her, how do I do it?! And how can I do it quickly!”
As I grew older, I started to learn more about being aware of my health. I followed the rules of Health Magazine, Cosmo, Fitness Magazine, etc. I searched online to read the latest and greatest guilt-free recipes and workout regimens. I was losing weight! But now was fighting a different battle… How do I keep the weight off?
By the time I hit 30 I wanted to find an alternative way of living a healthier lifestyle. But I also used my emergency back surgery that I had at 24 as an excuse to not try other exercises or classes offered. The best neurosurgeons in Boston at a very prestigious hospital told me, “You will most likely never be able to run as part of your exercise routine anymore. And, would highly recommend you not, and find another type of exercise that will be less aggressive on your body.” Frustrated, bored, even depressed at times, I did what any woman would do… confided in her friends while having cocktails. My best friends from college encouraged me to meet Ally. I asked all sorts of questions – Who is this person? What makes her classes so different from any other class offered at the gym? Why do I have to meet her? Will her workouts make my back injury worse? – the list of questions went on.
“Mel, will you listen to us? Go and meet her. She knows what she’s doing.”
After our Girls night, I did just that. As soon as I met her, asked her my list of questions, told her about my concerns; I knew at that very moment she was the right fitness fit. I accepted her challenge, and she took my portfolio measurements and weight (ugh!). From that day forward, she changed my world. Over the years I have been fortunate to watch the lives of other students transform. During her classes of 15 and upwards to 20 students, Ally modified the routines for me; she made sure my form and the given exercise did not impact my existing injury. I felt as if I were the only student in class with her. She even went as far as touching base with me after class to see how I was doing and feeling. She cared. And in less than six months I was doing the drills with everyone else, not having to modify them!
Within a year, she opened her own studio. At that point, I decided to quit my gym altogether and join Ally’s, where I signed up for her unlimited hour classes. It was the best investment I’ve made for my life. Four years later, I’ve watched myself transform, mentally and physically. I gained more control over a healthier and active lifestyle. My self confidence continued to increase while decreasing mountains of stress. I am fortunate to have seen several students transform, and it is amazing to see how many lives that have come into Ally’s studio changed. Even though some have left while others stayed; bottom line, their lives and their body have forever changed for the better. I’m happy with my body and no longer compare myself to others. I’m me and I’ve worked hard to sculpt my body, my mind and my life proudly and with confidence.
As I grew older, I started to learn more about being aware of my health. I followed the rules of Health Magazine, Cosmo, Fitness Magazine, etc. I searched online to read the latest and greatest guilt-free recipes and workout regimens. I was losing weight! But now was fighting a different battle… How do I keep the weight off?
By the time I hit 30 I wanted to find an alternative way of living a healthier lifestyle. But I also used my emergency back surgery that I had at 24 as an excuse to not try other exercises or classes offered. The best neurosurgeons in Boston at a very prestigious hospital told me, “You will most likely never be able to run as part of your exercise routine anymore. And, would highly recommend you not, and find another type of exercise that will be less aggressive on your body.” Frustrated, bored, even depressed at times, I did what any woman would do… confided in her friends while having cocktails. My best friends from college encouraged me to meet Ally. I asked all sorts of questions – Who is this person? What makes her classes so different from any other class offered at the gym? Why do I have to meet her? Will her workouts make my back injury worse? – the list of questions went on.
“Mel, will you listen to us? Go and meet her. She knows what she’s doing.”
After our Girls night, I did just that. As soon as I met her, asked her my list of questions, told her about my concerns; I knew at that very moment she was the right fitness fit. I accepted her challenge, and she took my portfolio measurements and weight (ugh!). From that day forward, she changed my world. Over the years I have been fortunate to watch the lives of other students transform. During her classes of 15 and upwards to 20 students, Ally modified the routines for me; she made sure my form and the given exercise did not impact my existing injury. I felt as if I were the only student in class with her. She even went as far as touching base with me after class to see how I was doing and feeling. She cared. And in less than six months I was doing the drills with everyone else, not having to modify them!
Within a year, she opened her own studio. At that point, I decided to quit my gym altogether and join Ally’s, where I signed up for her unlimited hour classes. It was the best investment I’ve made for my life. Four years later, I’ve watched myself transform, mentally and physically. I gained more control over a healthier and active lifestyle. My self confidence continued to increase while decreasing mountains of stress. I am fortunate to have seen several students transform, and it is amazing to see how many lives that have come into Ally’s studio changed. Even though some have left while others stayed; bottom line, their lives and their body have forever changed for the better. I’m happy with my body and no longer compare myself to others. I’m me and I’ve worked hard to sculpt my body, my mind and my life proudly and with confidence.
Before Ally
|
Working out with Ally
|
Teresa's Tale - by Teresa M.
Aidan's Amazing Journey - Aidan Flaherty
Read what others have had to say about their experiences at Ally's!
Aidan's Amazing Journey - Aidan Flaherty
Read what others have had to say about their experiences at Ally's!
