Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Allen.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started in 10th-grade weight training. I chose it as an elective, and by the end of the semester, I had fallen in love with weight training. Now, nine years later, I now am a Certified personal trainer and nutrition coach.
After losing 40 pounds in 6 months in 2016, and slowly working my way up to 40 pounds of muscle, my brand surrounds helping people find their best shape. I am dedicated to teaching people about their bodies, whether it regards their mental, physical or physiological health.
I believe it’s important for people to not strive for a certain number on the scale or physical attributes but strive to feel and be their best.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Long story short, no it has not been a smooth road. In a city where the BBL is king, I struggled and occasionally struggle with body image myself.
I believe it to be therapeutic to teach people, especially women, that they are beautiful. When I originally lost 40 pounds, I starved myself and did it with minimal training; this left me weak and inflexible. I went back into the gym and strived to be strong, rather than thin and accepted by society.
As I put my muscle back on, I faced criticism from people close to me and strangers alike. “Women shouldn’t lift weights,” “Don’t lift so heavy, you’ll bulk up,” “You’ll look like a man.” Being a woman in her late teens, and early 20s, hearing such criticism took a toll on my mental health.
I found loving myself right after the pandemic and decided I wanted people to love themselves throughout their fitness journey, and strive to meet realistic goals. Now at 24, I mentor young women who face the same criticisms and encourage them to fall in love with the journey and not the end result.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Now, after working with Orangetheory Fitness, I have decided to begin a business called In Your Best Shape (LLC). I’ve decided to take my knowledge about health, nutrition, and fitness, and take it to a podcast.
My specialization is in having hard conversations about fitness journeys. On social media, you see the better versions of people; many influencers show you much of their best with workouts and encouraging messages.
I intend on teaching people about nutrition and how important it is to nourish your body to achieve your goals, bring light to how exercise can improve all aspects of life (mental and emotional health), and the importance of building your own program to increase your strength, flexibility, and your body confidence.
I’m digging deep into the problems with social media and how it feeds people’s body image issues, and how exercise can improve your overall wellbeing. I want my future listeners to stay tuned.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Every BODY is different.
Genetics and circumstance play a major role in people’s physique; circumstance and environment play a major role in how people feel about themselves. I’ve had former drug addicts, new mothers, bodybuilders, elderly people, cancer survivors, and any client you can think of.
Developing interpersonal relationships with clientele has taught me that we’re all different, and every goal is different. From injuries to recent weight gains and losses, a regular exercise regimen (and good music), can change an individual quality of life.
That one hour of people’s lives can change their outlook on their situations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @inyourbestshape
