This is dedicated to Mr. Imperfect Fitness, the trainer who helped me redefine fitness for myself, especially as a woman of color. He pushed me beyond the physical, challenging my mind and aligning with my mission of MindFitness. Because let’s be real: whatever you tell your mind, your body will follow.
Growing up, my relationship with fitness was complicated. Society tells women—especially women of color—what we should look like, how we should move, and what beauty is. For me, it wasn’t just about feeling “enough.” Constant comparisons chipped away at my confidence. I admired women who owned their appearance, but that wasn’t how I saw myself.
My mom always said, “What makes you truly beautiful is what’s on the inside—it will shine outward.” It was sweet advice, but it was hard to believe when I was that awkward, chubby middle-schooler with my unibrow and hours under the hairdryer to “fit in,” while I watched the “pretty girls” who seemed to have it all together.
Psychologist Erik Erikson talks about the “Industry vs. Inferiority” stage in childhood, where we start comparing ourselves to others. For me, it was always about appearance, and I often felt like I didn’t measure up. I wasn’t the fastest, the smallest, or the loudest—I was just in-between, and that feeling stayed with me.
Then in high school, I hit Erikson’s “Identity vs. Role Confusion” stage. I found something that made me feel proud: sports. I played softball and joined the marching band, discovering that my body wasn’t just for looks; it could do things. I felt strong for the first time.
In college, this grew further. I started going to the gym, walking everywhere, and using fashion to express myself. It wasn’t just about how I looked—it was about how I felt. How I styled my hair and my clothes became part of my personal brand. I wasn’t confused about who I was anymore; I was presenting a clear, confident version of me.
After college, I realized something major: accountability is everything. I do best when someone’s guiding me, pushing me, and calling me out when I slack. My mind responds to structure, and it’s the same with MindFitness. Self-accountability sounds great, but having a community or a guide keeps me consistent.
I was lucky to work with three amazing trainers. Each one pushed me beyond my limits in ways I didn’t know were possible. They taught me about goal-setting, the mental side of training, and the power of consistency. One of the biggest lessons? Muscle failure isn’t failure—it’s proof you’re pushing hard. It’s a sign of growth. This principle shapes MindFitness too: failure is just a step on the road to progress.
Which brings me to Imperfect Fitness. This isn’t just a brand—it’s a mindset. It’s about showing up, even when it’s messy, even when you don’t feel like it. After I moved to PG, my brother introduced me to this space. From the first consultation, I knew I’d found my fitness home. My trainer there was knowledgeable about the body but knew the mind needed engagement first. We started slow—one day a week, focusing on nutrition, because that’s the foundation, right? Then we added days, always building consistency.
Consistency is a quiet but powerful thing. It’s like water shaping a rock—not in a day or a month, but over time. You can’t fake consistency; it shows up in the smallest moments, like overcoming that fall/winter slump. When holidays slow things down, you keep moving because, come spring, everyone’s rushing to the gym. That’s where consistency shines: it’s built in the seasons when no one’s watching.
My journey with Imperfect Fitness became more than just getting in shape. It became a lifestyle. I invested in myself, learning the value of showing up and putting in the work. My body? It’s shaped by this process. But so is my mind.
Today, fitness is a non-negotiable part of my life. I attend classes 3-4 times a week and have added softer practices—massage, journaling, prayer, meditation. Fitness isn’t just something I “do”; it’s part of who I “am.” And community? That’s been a huge part of my success. The people I’ve met through Imperfect Fitness and beyond are part of my journey.
So here’s my gratitude to Mr. Imperfect Fitness and the other trainers who paved the way: You were the stepping stones to a version of myself I didn’t know existed. I’m no longer comparing myself to others—I’m connecting with my own strength, inside and out. You didn’t just help me train my body; you helped me train my mind, and for that, I’m forever grateful.
Here’s to embracing Imperfect Fitness—because the most important thing is showing up, just as you are.
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