Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Florez.
Carolina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Lost my dad to a heart attack when I was 10 years old. He was depressed and very overweight at the time. Doctors had warned him to take care of himself. Two days later, he never woke up again. My mother and I had moved to the United States from Colombia two years prior to his death. My dad wanted me to grow up in America like he did and ultimately, have an opportunity for a better life. After he passed, I went into a ten-year depression and during this time, I did not treat myself well. I was a very anxious kid and nothing about my life was healthy. Not the way I ate, the way I moved or the way I treated myself. At some point, I was in such a low place in my life that I had no choice but to rise. I ended up working as a janitor at a gym and began learning the trade hands-on as well as building my own wellness journey. I became passionate about fitness and realized I wanted to help people who struggle internally like my dad did. People who do not have good relationships with food and themselves. Ever since then, my mission has been to light a fire in people’s hearts. The fire that burns away everything that stops them from being at their fullest potential; mentally, physically and spiritually.
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?
My biggest trouble was being a young immigrant kid. My future was uncertain and I was always in fear that I or my mom would be deported. This added to the mental illness issue that my family already had. During my late teen years, depression hit me harder than ever. I didn’t feel worthy of anything good in my life. I thought the world was out to get me and all I wanted to do was numb myself away from the pain I carried within me. It wasn’t until I got tired of being numb that I decided to change my life. I moved very slow but I moved away from everything that no longer served my growth. My biggest advice to young women is to become as courageous as you can. Have the courage to re-write the story of your life from a new perspective. One that promotes growth and expansion. Dare to reprogram your mind and start new beginnings. I had to let go of friends and even divorce my first love. I started from zero but it gave me a blank canvas to create the kind of life I wanted to live. It was tough and lonely at times but I never looked back. Today, I can honestly say I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into CaroFlow story. Tell us more about the business.
I am certified in personal training and integrative stretching. I currently work for Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs in East Boston, the after-school program at The Advent school in Beacon Hill and for my own private clients. I love working with children as it gives me the chance to plant the seed of wellness at a very young age. Most of my adult clients have sedentary jobs and/or struggle with mental illness. I truly believe fitness starts within. If we aren’t okay in our own hearts, there is no squat or push-up that is going to save us from ourselves. My style of physical training is meditative and versatile. I focus a lot on healthy breathing, core engagement and being present through muscle contraction. Helping my clients get into the wellness flow without obsessing with numbers and destinations is what usually sets me apart. Ultimately, I am helping them build a lifestyle. I am most proud when my clients come in feeling down and walk out feeling great. This is when I know that movement is therapy and I wanna share this with as many people as possible.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
The fitness industry is mostly made up of men which creates a challenge for any woman that wants to pursue a career in it. This can be very intimidating but it can also serve as an opportunity to stand out from the bunch. One of the biggest barriers is the idea that women can’t give the same quality workouts a man can. I feel as it stems from the notion that women are weak so our workouts wouldn’t be as efficient. Although it can be a downer to realize this, it is also a challenge for every woman in the industry to be strong as possible and help change the perspective of the female in the fitness industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: Healwithcarolina.com
- Email: realizingfitness@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/caroflow_
- Facebook: Facebook.com/healwithcarolina
- Twitter: Twitter.com/carolinaflow_
Image Credit:
@ncoskyphoto, @cross.eie
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