FR Member of the Month: Emily Balton

In the summer of 2011, I decided to make one of the most profound changes of my life. My aunt, Terry Dutcher Balton, had recently joined a new fitness program and was telling our family how fantastic it was. When I heard the words describing it as “boot camp,” I was intimidated. Terry reassured me that while the classes were challenging, the program was set up to accommodate all levels of experience. For me, that meant starting out with very minimal familiarity with all things fitness and nutrition. I soon came to find a wealth of knowledge and expertise that Amanda and Dexter Tenison were eager to share with their clients. I didn’t expect lifestyle changes to come over night—my main goal walking into this was to rearrange my life in order to promote health and happiness.

With that being said, my main goal held strong as smaller goals began to grow and transform along with myself as a person. I learned to forgive myself when I faltered, to maintain a forward movement toward my overall goal regardless of sidesteps along the way. Sickness, injuries, everyday life happenings, and mistakes will always find a way to present themselves. With each of those that I encountered, I made a conscious effort to learn and grow stronger as a result. I think one of my favorite realizations I have made from Dexter’s advice has to be that success is not simply point A to point B. We are human, we make mistakes. He posted a graph to display how success truly should be displayed: a series of ups and downs that, on average, move in an upward motion. I have since modeled my outlook on this. Never as an excuse, as I have learned to leave those at the front door before stepping foot into Fitness Revolution. Instead, I use it to understand myself, others, and in general—the world around me.

In the beginning, I struggled with the simplest of workouts. I hardly had any muscle to speak of, and certainly no definition due to the lack thereof. But I refused to give in to anything but the notion that, with time, I would someday overcome these challenges set before me. And that’s exactly what I have done, and continue to do. I have begun to understand my strengths and my weaknesses, both mental and physical. I’ve learned to love myself the way I am, and to seek happiness in the small achievements that bring me closer to my goals. No longer is my life shrouded by a cloud of unhappiness, but rather filled with the brightness of positivity and several opportunities to improve and grow.

The most fantastic part of this entire process was the simplicity of change once you are willing to take the first steps toward it. With the guidance of exceptional trainers at Fitness Revolution, I have gained new perspectives on maintaining a lifestyle that is dedicated to the pursuit of good health. The goal here is to confront issues regarding fitness and nutrition in an honest and realistic fashion that anyone can benefit from. With that comes proper education regarding each fundamental part of leading healthy lives. The realistic, educated approach offered by this program is so welcoming to those seeking guidance and support. Members of each class become a network of support that functions as a way to inspire one another to aspire to their full potential. It becomes a group effort with a collective goal and camaraderie, and helps to maintain a sense of accountability.

As a result of these things, you are left with a fitness program that facilitates the creation of healthy bodies and minds alike. It is a haven for people to go to when they are ready to make positive changes in their lives. It’s a change I will forever be thankful to have made, because without the help of those at Fitness Revolution—I would still be stumbling in the dark.  THANKS to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey so far, I am excited to see where it continues to take me!