Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica.
Hi Monica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began as a Physical Therapist Assistant working in various settings. My main focus was outpatient orthopedics. I was a student athlete in high school and college. As I continued in my own personal journey with health and fitness as an adult, I moved to Monticello, AR in 1998 as a college student and wife. I immediately grew a desire to find a way for the community to have a recreational center for all walks of life for improving health. My husband and I began training and coaching in CrossFit in 2011 in a local gym and we were staying active with our children’s sports and fitness. Fast forward 32 years and the gym that my husband was coaching at became available to purchase. In 2020 we took ownership of Paradigm Fitness. I left my full time position as a PTA in 2021 to work at the business full time and dedicate myself to improving and growing the health of our community. In January 2025 we moved our business to a larger building/location and have been able to expand our services, classes and have grown our members exponentially.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The same time that we were presented with the gym purchase opportunity, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer and COVID19 hit. We purchased the gym on March 1 and had to close the doors on March 24th due to government regulations and COVID restrictions. However, we were able to keep the business going by offering outdoor workouts and renting our equipment for home workouts. We supplied the programming as well as virtual coaching and even offered free workouts to the community that we provided outdoors. All at the same time that my mother was dying of cancer. I was traveling 250 miles to care for her and spent her last few months living with her to provide her care. My husband ran the business at home while I was away. She passed in July of 2020 and I returned home in August to work part time at Paradigm and part time as a PTA.
As you know, we’re big fans of Paradigm Fitness. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Paradigm Fitness is Monticello’s premier health and wellness facility, dedicated to empowering individuals of all fitness levels to achieve their goals. More than just a gym, Paradigm Fitness offers a dynamic and supportive community where members can transform their health through expert coaching, innovative training programs, and a welcoming and fun environment.
With a focus on functional fitness, strength training, and overall well-being, Paradigm Fitness provides a diverse range of workout options, including group fitness classes including Cross-training and Fitness Shift, personal training, and specialized programs designed to improve strength, endurance, and mobility. Our experienced coaches and trainers are committed to guiding each member through their fitness journey, whether they’re just getting started or pushing toward elite performance.
We combine expert fitness coaching, physical therapy, and wellness services to support our members in building strength, improving mobility, and enhancing overall well-being.
Our gym features Matrix fixed-position machines, free weights like dumbbells and barbells, and strength training stations designed for isolated muscle group exercises. They prioritize resistance training, muscle building, and structured weightlifting routines, often catering to individuals focused on bodybuilding, strength training, or general fitness.
Our physical therapy services provide individualized care for injury recovery, pain management, and movement optimization. Whether you’re an athlete looking to prevent injuries, recovering from surgery, or seeking relief from chronic pain, our licensed physical therapy team offers hands-on treatment, corrective exercises, and movement assessments to help you regain function and perform at your best.
We believe in a proactive approach to health, empowering our members with the tools and support they need to live stronger, healthier lives.
As a locally owned and operated business, we foster a fun, motivating, supportive, and results-driven environment where members can thrive. Whether you’re looking to recover, rebuild, or reach new levels of fitness, Paradigm Fitness is here to guide you every step of the way.
Company’s core values and mission statement:
Core Values:
Community & Connection – We foster a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels encouraged and valued.
Health & Longevity – We believe fitness is more than just workouts—it’s a lifelong journey of movement, strength, recovery, and overall well-being.
Leadership & Impact – We take pride in guiding and inspiring others to embrace a healthier lifestyle, creating a ripple effect of positive change in our community.Mission Statement:
At Paradigm Fitness, our mission is to connect with people, see their needs, and serve them by providing a safe and supportive environment where health and fitness thrive. We are dedicated to promoting quality movement and proper form, ensuring that every individual feels empowered, educated, and encouraged on their journey to better health.
We strive to lead with compassion, integrity, and a servant’s heart. Through expert coaching, community-driven support, and faith-centered encouragement, we help individuals of all fitness levels build strength, confidence, and resilience—both inside and outside the gym.
At Paradigm Fitness, we believe that true wellness is not just physical but also spiritual and emotional. Our goal is to create a space where individuals feel seen, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential in fitness and in life.
Principle 1: HAVE FUN!
We believe that repeating the same dull exercises over and over isn’t the key to success. That’s why every day in the gym presents a new challenge, incorporating different movements and a variety of tests to keep things exciting and engaging.
Principle 2: MOVE NATURALLY!
Fitness should reflect real life—lifting, carrying, chasing, and getting up off the ground. If it’s something we do at home or work, we should be practicing it in the gym to build strength and confidence for everyday activities.
Principle 3: WORK HARD!
Success comes to those who put in the effort. Whether it’s losing weight, gaining strength, or rebuilding confidence, progress requires stepping outside our comfort zone. We welcome the challenge and embrace the hard work it takes to grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck. But I do believe in blessings. I have been blessed beyond measure. When you work hard for God with the right intentions of loving people, being kind and sharing the love of Christ, God rewards you with abundant blessings. It’s not been without hard times and trials but I stay focused on my mission and purpose.
Pricing:
- $100/month. individual Premier training
- $40/month, Strength Foundations training (equipment use only)
- $175/month Family training
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paradigm-fitness.net
- Instagram: paradigm.fitness
- Facebook: paradigm.fitness
