Life and Work with Isabelle Atkinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabelle Atkinson.

Isabelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up being unathletic and always wanted to find a way to become a strong, athletic woman. When I was in college, my personal trainer told me to try a fitness competition and see what I thought. I ended up signing for Cathy Savage Fitness and participated in 5 different fitness competitions, 4 of which I took home a trophy. I absolutely loved it… learning how to be both physically and mentally strong. I also loved the community aspect that fitness had brought into my life.

A big component for why fitness was so important to me is because I have struggled with body dysmorphia since I was 13 and was desperately seeking a way to feel better about my body, and find ways to feel more confident, and strength training and lifting really gave me that outlet, and helped me learn to appreciate my body and how strong it is.

I knew since my early 20’s that I should be in the fitness industry, but I was too scared to leave my corporate job and stability. Finally this past January, after years of debating quitting, I did it and faced my fear. I have been fitness instructing for a few months now and I absolutely love it.

Fitness is much more than just “looking good” to me. I love the empowerment aspect. I love seeing my clients showing up for themselves, putting themselves first, and becoming the best version of themselves. Not only are they physically becoming stronger, but they are becoming mentally and emotionally stronger and are more confident.

My overall goal is to really help women know their worth and feel confident and happy in their own skin.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been very bumpy. I found myself extremely depressed the past two years because I was working a job that gave me zero fulfillment, working 70 hours a week, and was so drained. I knew I had to muster up the courage to quit but it took me a long time to get there.

I have been having so much fun being in the fitness industry and teaching classes, but it hasn’t been an easy transition. I am broke, I am working 7 days a week, and am working long days.

My advice for other women who want to pursue their dreams or passion is to DO IT and be all in. If you are only partially committed, it will never work out. It took me years to fully be committed to changing careers, to being okay with being broke, giving up my weekends, and starting over. You have to be ready – but once you are, do it! the world is changing and it’s amazing that so many women are starting to create their own career paths and do what sets their soul on fire. Always pursue what you love and know that you can do anything with hard work and passion. Always be your own cheerleader and believe in yourself, and when people doubt you, ignore them and keep on pushing forward. Surround yourself with people who encourage, support, and motivate you!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Burnin’ By Ray – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a NASM-CPT (certified personal trainer) and currently teach classes at Burnin’ By Ray in Belmont, MA. I will be teaching at our new upcoming Seaport location this summer.

I am also getting my Precision Nutrition certification right now.

I specialize in helping people feel their best – physically and mentally. I am a firm believer in self-love and help women know their worth and learn to love themselves and become their most badass version of themselves.

I am most proud of the women I have helped reach their full potential and have pushed themselves to reach their goals – whether it’s a new job, a fitness related goal or anything else.

I am also proud of the health & wellness program I had created at my corporate job which helped my co-workers take time for themselves and have fun while becoming healthier!

What sets me apart from others is my past and my positivity. The experiences I have been through are so relatable and translatable to so many. I have a rough past with self-hate, body dysmorphia, challenging issues with food, being in abusive relationships. I have been able to turn all of the challenging, negative experiences I have gone through into my destiny – helping other women, creating community, teaching others to be strong, and love themselves.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Yes, I do. My mother is a very strong, resilient, outspoken, hard-working woman. She taught me from a very young age to never doubt myself, always own my beauty, and to do anything I wanted to.

My mother’s attitude and the way she raised me has had a huge impact on me and has allowed me to know that I can do anything I want, even if it’s untraditional or unconventional. As long as I am happy and know my worth, I can do anything I set my mind to.

Pricing:

• Burnin’ By Ray classes – first class is $15

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bodybalancewithizzy.com
• Email: izzy@burninbyray.com, ihatkinson18@gmail.com
• Instagram: izzy.atkinson

Image Credit:
Strong Fitness Magazine, Paul Buceta

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