Meet Trailblazer Lucia Aguilar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucia Aguilar.

Lucia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in the small town of Parlier, Ca, a city of mostly Latinos and seasonal migrant laborers. Have two older sisters, a younger brother and role models for parents. I grew up in a time where playing sports on the street with the neighborhood kids was obligatory and played sports throughout my high school years, but was usually kicked out mid-season because of bad grades. As a rock-loving gothic teen (no I will not show you photos), I dreamed of escaping the small-town life and living in a big city – Hello LA! In my 20s, I desperately tried to do what society expected from me and I compared myself to others and their success. I mostly worked in medical offices while attending college for many years trying to figure out my reason for being there. The funny thing is that during all these years, I was always enrolled in at least two P.E. classes per semester because it was the only thing that would motivate me to get me out the door. Never did it occur to me during those years that my calling was in fitness and it that it was staring me in the face.

After taking countless P.E classes with Coach Hazel, at El Camino college he asked if I’d ever given a career in fitness some thought. His suggestion didn’t quite sink in until years later when unfulfilled with the way I spent my time that it finally made sense. Coach Hazel doesn’t know this, nor does he know he planted that seed, but I am forever grateful to him and for what he saw in me. He’s getting a very nice thank you letter from me after this interview!

So, there I go, marching home one day, drop the big news of my new found calling to my husband, google “how to become a personal trainer”, do the work, plus some, and become a Certified Personal Trainer, Group Training Specialist, and Thai Yoga Practitioner. I then quit all the jobs and talked myself and my poor husband (through many tears of fear) into working for myself as a mobile business, Lucia Aguilar Fitness. I used to think I was introverted, but since I’ve followed my heart, I have met so many great people and have made friends with so many amazing women who have trusted in my guidance with their health. They have gained confidence, have found joy in weight training, improved feelings of negative body image, and have built a healthier relationship with food – I love my job!

Great, 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?
The struggles never end- ever. I think it is important to let that sink in and accept it as a life-long battle.
Looking back at day one of my official start dates on my own, I had this idea that once I became a personal trainer, clients would magically appear, I’d have my schedule booked and every single one of them would make noticeable improvements by reaching all their goals within months. I was dreaming. What can I say, I’m a glass-half-full kind ‘a girl!

Shortly after beginning my mobile journey, someone close to me made a gut-wrenching comment by comparing me to my sisters and said I would never succeed for reasons I cannot even remember. I kept my angry tears internal until I was alone and used those discouraging words as motivation to propel me and prove to myself that I was worth it because deep inside, I believed every-single-painful-word. Many nights, I would vent to my husband by second guessing my decision and constantly wanting to throw in the towel, but he encouraged me to keep moving forward because he believed that I was on the right path.

So, if your journey is just beginning, be patient, pray and be grateful for every single little blessing that comes your way, journal your thoughts and ideas, limit your time with negative people, and trust what you’re attracted to in life.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Personal Training and Thai Yoga have helped fulfill my longing for helping women of all ages learn the importance of weight-training and proper muscle recovery. Many women have the misconception that if they lift any more than 10 pounds, they will look like a bodybuilder- false! Yes, weight training will result in more muscle mass (what many women refer to as “toned”) and give your physique a sculpted look along with proper nutrition.

A typical one-hour session will include 50 min. of weight training and 10 min of Thai Yoga stretches done by me at the end of each workout to aid muscle recovery and mobility. One to three hour Thai Yoga sessions are available for those who are already active, need assistance in improving flexibility or are in need a little pampering.

Many women are shocked to discover that I do not require eliminating an entire food group. You heard right ladies, carbs are your friend. I am honest to all about what I love: beer and burgers, like a good ol’ American girl and constantly remind everyone that a “fad” diet cannot be sustained for a lifetime. If you are like me and enjoy a carb-rich meal every once in a while, you will fail on a strict diet. Be realistic and set realistic goals so if that means you can enjoy your “guilty pleasure” while training hard, and still see results, you’re winning. The wonderful things in life were given to us to enjoy, but when abused can become a problem, so moderation and control are key in maintaining sanity. Let me warn you: Although I am friendly and soft-spoken, you will train hard, you will be sore, and I will eventually get you to love weight training while maintaining a healthy relationship with food- Now, that’s something to be proud of! So, let’s, “Lift, Stretch, Flex, Repeat”- my motto.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Podcasts for work motivation: How I built this and Ask Mr. Wonderful.

Podcasts for personal and spiritual growth: Do Something Beautiful, Catholic Stuff You Should Know, and How to Catholic.

Books: There are so many, but one in particular that stands out is, Feel Free to Prosper by Marilyn Jenett.

Contact Info:

• Website: getfitwithlucia.net
• Phone: (424) 290-1847
• Email: getfitwithlucia@gmail.com
• Instagram: lucia_aguilar_fitness
• Facebook: @LuciaAguilarFitness

Image Credit:
Lily B.

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