Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Cunningham.
Hi Marissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My story started actually with my own fitness journey. After having two babies back-to-back (1 year and 9 days apart), I experienced postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Some of the issues that I dealt with due to postpartum included low energy, lack of motivation, loss of appetite, and more. I was 30 lbs UNDER weight. My confidence was at an all-time low and I just did not feel like myself
In an effort to help me combat these symptoms and to “get my body back”, my husband suggested that I join him in the gym. Of course, I was reluctant at first, but I thought hey an hour on the elliptical won’t be so bad. Well, that is NOT what he had in mind!!! On day one we were in the weight room and I was terrified, literally on the floor crying by the end of the workout. But as the days and weeks went by, I continued to show up (mostly for the kid-free hour) and I got stronger, I got the confidence boost I needed, and I actually enjoyed working out!
Rewind just a few short months prior to this pivotal experience, I had just graduated from cosmetology school and started my new career as a licensed cosmetologist. I was very proud of my accomplishments, graduating in nine months, passing the state boards, and securing a job before I even graduated. But there was just one problem… I SUCKED at doing hair!!! Let’s just say it wasn’t my calling.
As I continued to work on my cosmetology skills, what I quickly realized is that I absolutely LOVED all things fitness! So, I decided to trade in my shears for barbells and I never looked back! My fitness career started as many fit pros do, as a group fitness instructor at my local YMCA, from there I began to offer personal training services as well as small group training. I’ve trained clients and taught classes from the east coast to the west coast and it is truly my favorite thing to do!
After almost a decade in the industry, my work experience as well as my own journey to wellness has evolved the way that I choose to operate as a fitness professional. My focus is geared towards helping busy women create a healthy lifestyle with simple steps, small changes and zero overwhelm.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve definitely experienced challenges along the way, both personal and professional. As a fitness professional, specifically a group fitness instructor having a loyal following is extremely important. It’s the way you gain more clients, have successful fitness classes and be more successful in the industry.
Well, having moved from coast-to-coast and back (we lived in Greenville moved to San Diego, and back to Greenville) the shift in clientele, finding new gym homes, and building up credibility is quite challenging.
But I like to think of challenges as a way to level up! These obstacles allowed me to think outside the box and come up with new ways to operate in my business, like offering online services and products for my long-distance and at times local clientele.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Body By MC?
As a fitness professional and wellness coach, it is my goal to inspire healthy living one body at a time. More specifically, I work with women on developing a healthy lifestyle that suits their needs, not what diet culture says is “the way”.
What I am most excited about is the offering that I am currently developing, set to launch at the beginning of 2022. Due to my own experiences, I have a soft spot for working with women through all stages of our hormonal cycle. So, I have created a fitness program designed to fit what women need in each stage from puberty to post-menopausal.
This program is going to educate women on the importance of our hormones, what they do for us, and how we can best support them during all stages.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite podcasts are The Chalene Show, The Angie Lee Show, Slay Girl Slay, Myleik Teele’s Podcast, No Rain No Rainbows, and Build Your Tribe. Currently, I am reading: In The Flo by Alissa Vitti, and Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab.
Contact Info:
- Email: Marissa@bodybymc.com
- Website: www.bodybymc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marissabcunningham/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BodyByMC/
Image Credits
Alexis Torres of AATorres Photography
