Today we’d like to introduce you to Ren Allen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I had everything a young girl could ever want: loving parents, solid roof over my head, friends, but as I look back, I would define the old me as someone who searched for acceptance in all the wrong places. I got caught up in some of the wrongs of the world simply to find failure when searching for success and approval from others. Three things changed my life and saved me from my own doom: God, loved ones, and dedication to a lifestyle of health and wellness.
Fitness became a way of life. It kept me sober and strong, choosing workouts and using food as fuel instead of other substances and unhealthy drinks. I had struggled with various eating issues throughout my 20’s as well. I knew I needed a change. I couldn’t keep running to harmful old ways. I needed to change my focus and dedicate myself to something healthy. My goal was to change my mental thinking about food consumption and to be confident in my own skin.
Family has always been my biggest influence. My parents purchased my first gym membership early in high school. But just working out in a globo gym was never enough for me. I have always been very competitive. It was from there I trained for my first half marathon in 10th grade, followed by a couple of NPC Bikini Competitions.
Being judged based on my appearance rather than skill provided its own mental challenges. I needed something different. My sister-in-law, Amanda, shared the ideology behind CrossFit: constantly varied measurable fitness. I instantly drank the Kool-aid. I watched my strength climb, my running times improve, and my self-love grows. Beyond that, I found a community that welcomed me with open arms. My life was changed and I wanted to help change other lives. I opened FLxR Fitness in April of 2015 and haven’t looked back.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Is being a small business owner ever smooth??? Being a gym owner seemed glorious on the outside but it has been a learning process every step of the way. I knew how to train and to train others. I learned to use food as fuel and I helped others do the same. What college and previous work experience did not prepare me for was all the behind the scene stuff such as people management, managing overhead expenses, city zoning permits, cranky neighbors…oh and all during a pandemic. I never gave up. I kept my head high and used every opportunity as a lesson to learn from and a way to grow stronger.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
FLxR Fitness has had the opportunity to transform 100s of lives through health and wellness. We work with individuals of all skill levels including first-time gym goers, teens and masters, and elite/professional athletes. We are a team of ten coaches who are passionate about transforming dreams into achievable results. We offer group fitness, personal training, team development, nutrition coaching and corporate wellness. Above all else, we offer a community of fun, friendship and accountability through bi-weekly events on and off-site.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love to live on the edge of life, chasing the next thrill. I am an outgoing, adrenaline junkie who loves to chase challenges. I practiced extreme and team sports including soccer, surf, swim, snowboarding and bmx riding. I continued my athletic journey and found a deep passion in strength training. I am a competitive athlete and have competed in the National Physique Committee (NPC), CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting.
I am a firefighter’s wife, a momma to a son (7) and daughter (1), a business owner, once employed by Corporate America as a software developer for Pharam, Co-Chairwomen for Corporate Wellness, and still a woman who understands the importance of living a fit life while juggling responsibilities.
Pricing:
- Group Fitness – $135 – $150
- Personal Training – $249 – $525
- Sports/Team Training – Ask for details
- Nutrition Coaching – $120 – $385
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.FLxRfitness.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/flxrfitness
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/flxrfitness
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/flxrfitness
