6 Lessons on the Road to Fitness
Hello my name is Lisa Cournoyer Mongeau, founder of Body Soul Inspired Personal Training. My company was created, and grew from my life’s personal experiences. I believe the greatest thing in life is to be able to give back what you have learned.
I started my lifestyle change when I was in 8th grade. My mother had secretly set up an appointment with my doctor because she was worried about my weight. During the appointment, my doctor told me I should pick a sport and get active because I was becoming overweight.
When he said this, it awakened something inside me. It was summertime and I had the choice to do something about it…only me. No one else could do it for me. (Lesson #1: Decide you’re worth it!) I thought long and hard, and decided to try out for the middle school basketball team.
Because I was 4’11, some people thought I could not make it. (Lesson #2: Get rid of the naysayers in your life and surround yourself with people who believe, love and support you.) I did not listen to the naysayers and I made the team. That was the beginning of a life-long lifestyle change.
From there, I played basketball through high school and college. After college, I found myself gaining weight back and not working out! I hated the way I felt when I wasn’t active, and did not like what I was seeing in the mirror. Also, I wanted to find a guy to be with, which was a motivator, too! (Lesson #3: Know Your Why?)
At the time, my brother was doing triathlons and I thought I needed to do something different. My first triathlon led me straight to my fitness career. Over the years, I achieved my certificates in personal training, nutrition, Reiki, yoga, massage and have attended numerous wellness seminars.
My belief is there are so many different ways that people can help awaken the strength within. (Lesson #4: Who supports you? The key is to want to find someone that will guide you.)
Since my first triathlon, I have also completed many marathons, an Ironman, numerous 5Ks and sprint triathlons. My personal desire is and always has been, to help others find their inner strength.
After 17 years of serving East Side Providence’s community as a local Health & Fitness Director, I was let go with a number of other managers. The universe had delivered a new challenge. After the shock, I quickly moved to establish my own company, deciding to bring fitness directly to clients - in their home, at their workplace or in a studio. Body Soul Inspired Personal Training was born. (Lesson #5: You can overcome your challenges!)
Now, over ten years later, I am humbled by the changes and choices that have presented themselves to me, combined with the love, support and guidance from the amazing people in my life. I have been able to create a team of Body Soul Trainers that hold identical values: Treat people the way you want to be treated; and surround yourself with people who believe, love, support and motivate you!
Yes, even personal trainers, nutritionists and fitness experts have their own personal journey and challenges. My mission is to help you awaken what is already within you! (Lesson #6: Anyone can achieve the things they want - and with support and guidance - you’ll soar!)