Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Langevin
Hi Nancy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved sports – I was continuously moving, jumping/running/biking/dancing, so it was only natural for my parents to enroll me in gymnastics at a young age. I became an international elite gymnast (member of the Mexican National Team) and qualified for World Championships – the Olympics qualifier. But, it was not meant to be; our government decided to halt all athlete international travel at the time, and my Olympic dreams were shattered. This was the 2nd time that I was seriously crushed; I had broken my back 2 years before, just when I made the National Team, and everyone gave up hope on me excelling in the sport – except me.
Adversity teaches us so many lessons, and when we learn to see challenges through a different lens, one of gratitude and opportunity, new wonderful paths appear.
I was awarded an NCAA gymnastics scholarship at a D1 school in Illinois, and then began to focus on academics. My professional career took many twists and turns, from Pre-Med/Chemistry to International Business and Languages, to Kinesiology and Coaching Education – but my love for science and sports guided me back to doing what I do now: I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist/Microbiologist working for a large hospital system in Florida, and after coaching gymnastics, tennis and physical training for many years, my business and life partner (a former gymnast as well), approached me about opening a fitness gym together in South Florida.
He owned a gym in Pennsylvania and moved to Florida 3 years ago to open with me Unbound Synergy Fitness. Starting a gym during COVID was not easy, but nothing worth doing ever is, so despite many serious bumps on the road, we kept going and here we are, celebrating our 3rd year in business. One of those serious challenges have been health issues for both; Felipe was diagnosed with lung cancer a couple months after USF was born and I have struggled with systemic lupus complications, but both of us feel the same way: our health challenges do not define us, they only make us stronger.
Through the process, we have learned that we want to reach a larger audience. We both have experienced valuable lessons in life, through sports and academics, health and life challenges, and we want to help others overcome similar situations achieving a happier, healthier and more successful life.
Personally, I want to help women feel empowered to overcome any challenge that comes their way: athletic injuries, serious illness, or any other major life obstacle. I want to help them discover their inner power and strength, and to guide them in creating a pathway towards their own and unique BREAKTHROUGH. No matter what life throws at us, we have the power within to overcome it, and consequently, reach any goal or dream that we seek to achieve.
Lastly, I have discovered that another very important mission for me is to be the voice for those who do not have one (or feel that they don’t have one): a child dealing with bullying or depression, an athlete having a serious injury and feeling like their life is over, an elderly patient who has no one to be their advocate, or an injured or lost animal. Every single life counts and deserves the best, and it is up to each and every one of us to look after one another and stand up for those who are less fortunate.
Besides our Functional Training and Boxing gym, Felipe and I have created an online academy to help others achieve a happier, healthier and more successful life through exercise, nutrition and most importantly, mindset shifts. We are truly blessed to have a gym where we can train and inspire athletes of all ages and aspirations, and with our new online academy, we hope to help many more navigate their journey towards success at all levels.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It never is, but that is what makes life interesting and worth living!
A broken back at the height of my athletic career, systemic lupus diagnosis, 2 brain aneurysm surgeries, divorce after 25 years of marriage (leaving all behind and starting a new life in Florida), difficulties finding a home for our gym, funding for the business acquisition denied due to previous owner’s history, lung cancer diagnosis/surgery for Felipe just months after opening the gym, having to create a new client list as we offered different services than those offered before, staff changes and financial challenges… all of this has taught us to be more resilient, resourceful and stronger, and to focus on solutions rather than problems. Most importantly, to begin every day with gratitude and to always focus on blessings and opportunities – they are always there and life is so much better when we do!!
As you know, we’re big fans of Unbound Synergy Fitness & Boxing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Felipe and I co-own/co-manage Unbound Synergy Fitness and Boxing in Pembroke Pines, FL. We offer boxing training for beginners, all the way to our Boxing Team, and we coach Functional Training/fitness for clients of all ages/levels. We are becoming more involved with the physical training aspect of the hockey players who train below our gym, at the Pines Ice Arena. The combination of our education (advanced degrees in Sports and Science) and experience as international elite gymnasts in addition to many years of coaching different sports and programs sets us apart from others- we know well what we are coaching as we have lived it at every level. Most of the people who know me say that I bring a warm and positive energy to everything I do, and that I don’t give up. I believe in inspiring others through our actions and behavior, and using positive and constructive criticism to teach.
Our goal is to create a community which supports, lifts and inspires one another, where everyone feels like a valued member and a very special human being. I am best known for my resilience, never giving up and always finding a way. We are all different, unique individuals, and what works for one person might not work for another – we take the time to listen to what people want, not what we think they need, and we do everything we can to help them to become happier and more successful. I am most proud of the work we do because it is not just a job to us, we want to make a difference in people’s lives, not just training them, but taking the time to really listen and find out what is missing. We want to give back and serve, especially those who are struggling or are less fortunate. I am also very proud of my 2 amazing kids who have grown into wonderful human beings, and for what we are creating with our gym and online academy. I can already feel that it is going to help so many people become happier and more empowered and that really motivates and excites me! And as a huge side bonus (very important to me), as we become more successful, I will be able to help animals in need on a larger scale. One of my dreams is to open an animal sanctuary (or assist others who are making a difference). VERY BLESSED and EXCITED FOR ALL OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD!
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up with the best 2 parents God could have chosen for me: my mom always supported our dreams and was behind everything we did in her quiet and nurturing way, and my dad was a larger-than-life figure who saw every day as a blessing, always demanding the best from us, setting up the bar very high. He was my rock; he expected perfection, which taught me that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to and that has helped me so much through life. My mom was my quiet cheerleader, always by my side, making me feel loved and supported – THE PERFECT BALANCE. I lost them both in the last 2 years, but I feel their loving presence and guidance every day and I am so grateful for that!
And… training and competing along my gymnastics family – so many fabulous memories which we still keep alive, having a yearly gymnastics reunion. Truly blessed in all areas of my life!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unboundsynergyfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unboundsynergy7/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unboundsynergyfitnessflorida
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.langevin.77/
Image Credits
N/A
