Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Benson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Fitness has always been a passion of mine! I started playing soccer when I was four years old. Growing up, I loved strength and conditioning and improving my game on and off the field. I reached my childhood goal of playing Division 1 soccer when I got to College. I had the best experience but after college, I found myself lost in the gym because I was no longer training for soccer season. That’s when I decided to compete with the WBFF (Worlds Beauty Fitness and Fashion).
My first fitness competition I won first place and my Pro card. Here is when my workouts have shifted from sports specific to more of a bodybuilding style. I started to learn how important nutrition and strength training became to change your physique. Body By Benson started after my first fitness competition. I wanted to encourage and inspire a woman to be the strongest and healthiest versions of themselves while living a balanced lifestyle.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing comes smoothly for me. Hard work and dedication is why I am where I am today.
Every day is a work in progress. I’ve had to overcome a lot throughout my fitness journey starting with reconstructive ankle surgery, a soccer career-ending concussion, depression and an eating disorder. My reconstructive ankle surgery was a long time injury due to soccer. The doctors told me I had to get this surgery if I wanted to continue playing soccer at the highest level. I had to take a year off from the one thing I loved to do. I had to learn how to walk again and build my strength back up enough to get back out on the field.
My senior year of college, I was able to get back out onto the field and lead my team as captain. Three weeks before my senior year, season was over, I sustained a horrible concussion leaving me out of soccer and school for two weeks. I was battling with severe post-concussion symptoms which leads to my depression. Weeks and weeks later after my concussion, I was still getting terrible headaches which lead to a 24/7 a migraine.
This migraine had affected my work, social life, training regimen, eating and sleep patterns. It totally took over my whole life. I was so depressed. It was hard for me to get up in the morning or find enjoyment in anything because I was in so much pain.
I was in and out of doctors, CT scans, physical therapy, vestibular therapy, nerve blocks, medications etc.- you name it I tried it. I finally came across a concussion doctor at Children’s Hospital who got me all the proper care I needed!
After months of struggle, I was finally feeling like myself again. Last but not least after I got my migraines under control this is when I could start training full force again and decided to compete in my first fitness show. After that show, I struggled a lot with accepting my body gaining weight again and had an unhealthy connection with food.
Luckily enough, with the support of family and friends, I was able to overcome the horrific battle. These life lessons have made me the person I am today. I never gave up. We all have our stories and battles but can overcome anything with hard work and perseverance.
Please tell us about Body By Benson.
Body By Benson is my own personal fitness/ Thai yoga massage business to help everyone and anyone live their healthiest life. I have a passion for helping and changing peoples lives. There is nothing more rewarding than a client reaching their goals. I am a personal trainer, performance enhancement specialist, fitness nutrition specialist and Thai yoga masseuse.
What sets my company apart from many others is that I reach all aspects of the holistic health approach. I am a firm believer that everything- nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, social, and spiritual health all need to work together for someone to achieve their goal. I create enjoyable yet challenging workout programs for my client’s specific goals.
My nutrition program helps my clients become more aware of healthier nutritional choices and helps them with balance in their life. You can eat healthy and also be social with friends! My Thai Yoga Massage is an amazing way to help with recovery, stress management, flexibility and range of motion. I am so thankful for my clients and all their love and support.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Absolutely not!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Bodybyhaleybenson.com
- Email: bodybyhaleybenson@gmail.com
- Instagram: @haley_anne_benson_wbffpro
Image Credit:
Nicollette Peterson
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