Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia McIntosh.
Hi Alicia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my health and fitness journey at a very young age. I was in my pre-teens and at that age is when most young girls are noticing their body image. Not knowing better, I took to extreme measures to fit into what I believed was an ideal body for myself. We can thank the media for that, lol.
After many years of body extremes which led to two knee surgeries, I decided to learn to help myself, so I pursued a degree in Sports Medicine. Shortly after graduation, I was hired at a high-end gym here in Miami. It was a great place with so many great coaches. It gave me so much insight about myself as a black “female” trainer. Working in that specific environment helped set the foundation for me to build myself and connect with what health and fitness truly meant to me. At the time, I was still questioning my image and my place in the health and fitness industry, and it did not help that I didn’t see many women like me. Because of that, my imposter syndrome took me for a ride. A little after, I left and started methods to help my mindset, including lots of inner work.
While on the journey to myself, I realized a lot of similarities in the people who were seeking my services. The women I attracted were fun outspoken, driven, brave, but some of those brave women suffered from their self-image. I remember having a moment after reading reviews one day and thought to myself. This is my natural path. I am here to help remind the women around me of who they are and amplify everything within them when they can’t see it or have forgotten it.
I am here to build confidence in others. I remind my clients that health and fitness is more than looking a certain way and that it all works together the mind-body and spirit. The work I do now is very much so physical, but it is also about mental and emotional health. Serving the women in my community started with learning how to serve and discover myself. This is why I coach the way I do. I help guide women to what’s already there. We work together to break boundaries both mentally and physically.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It was not a smooth journey! It was tough not seeing the representation of other women who looked like me in my area. I know they exist, but at that time, I didn’t know or see many, so what I was seeking felt a little out of reach. Believing in my ability to transform lives seemed grand at that point in my life, but as I learned my purpose in the fitness industry, those challenges became smaller. I now magnify all I can offer to the women in my community. Some people need guidance, and I am grateful that I get to be the person to provide the necessary support.
Also, when I decided to be independent, it was a little scary lol okay, a lot scary not to be backed by any entity. But because I serve from a genuine place, I have always been blessed. I am thankful for what I learned on the not-so-smooth road. It allowed me to discover myself and become confident in the ways that I produce. Life is constantly demanding for expansion in some way, and I’m looking forward to growing and meeting any obstacle. I will continue to highlight the reason I coach whenever I am met with a new challenge. No obstacle is more significant than my reason why I coach unless I decide it to be so.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in coaching busy women. I create an environment to help the women I work with to ensure they take care of their minds and bodies as they nurture everything else around them. It’s easy to lose ourselves in the fast pace of life, motherhood, and work. My specialty is making sure women show up for themselves. In my process, I help with behavioral modifications as well as body transformations. My method is designed to diminish limiting beliefs while reaching fitness goals. Working in this way helps to create a conscious living that will impact all areas of my client’s lives and, in return creating a better quality of life.
During my time with clients, I identify all internal and external needs. It is an intuitive journey as much as it’s a calculated process. Together, my clients and I create healthy boundaries that allow them to be the healthiest version of themselves while enjoying life like vacationing date nights and spending quality time with friends and family. No one person is the same. Therefore, the lifestyle created is unique to each person no more yo-yo dieting and no more long hours in the gym.
I am a lifestyle coach, and what’s important to me is to develop something long-lasting and sustainable for the women I work with.
I love helping women from all walks of life figure out and attain the best version of themselves. I’m most proud of the self-love my clients gain. I help women learn to love themselves at every stage of themselves. I want them to understand that it’s okay to have goals but not to associate self-love and worthiness with an exterior attachment.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely! I have learned that life is all about pivoting and staying true to what you believe in. Covid helped shine a spotlight on what could happen in life, meaning nothing is guaranteed in this existence. Covid has helped me learn even more about myself in extreme times. No one planned for such a life changing event that affected our health, mentality, finances, and confidence. The most important thing I learned is that life is valuable, and nothing compares to human connection.
Another important detail I have learned in the time of Covid is the importance of community. The community around us is far more powerful than anything we could ever create and sustain as individuals. Meaning isolation is not our friend. We all crave love, and the connection is its life-breathing, and I’m so grateful for the community I have.
Contact Info:
- Email: trainingbyali@gmail.com
- Website: trainingbyali.com
- Instagram: trainingbyali
- Youtube: trainingbyali
Image Credits
Bikini by Micheal Ernie Hall Tan clothing Micheal Ernie Hall Instagram Micheal Ernie Hall
