We recently connected with Crystal Winfrey-Ellington and have shared our conversation below.

Crystal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I would like to say it’s a blend of taking a risk and having faith! After getting myself established in the health and fitness industry, and what it’s really is like after graduating college, and then going and applying what I learned, in the real world, I found out that in order to find my potential, I would have to step out in faith and take some risks. My first risk and step in faith occurred after an unexpected circumstance involving a unique fitness facility I worked for, shut down. I was dealt with the decision of if I should look for another gym to work in or what my next move would/should be. With a lot of prayer and guidance, I made the decision to start my own business, called 4Star Fitness, LLC. I was conflicted with how to set up my foundation and more so, the fear of taking the risk of starting this business from scratch, to see where it would go. I did well for myself, connecting with community and clients I worked with previously. I then got married and moved out of the city. There was a lot of change, a new city, new people, and new decisions.

I took to the work force, ended up putting 4Star Fitness, LLC to the side so that I could get my bearings. I worked as a personal trainer for a medically-based facility for a couple years, and then an opportunity came. The opportunity would allow me to grow in my career, but I looked at it as a bit of a risk because I was stepping into unfamiliar territory yet again. I questioned myself in taking this step because at that time I was just a personal trainer and I doubted my capabilities, and I assumed all of the what if’s. What I didn’t realize at the time was, I did possess the potential to do the job. I was offered and I accepted the position of Health and Wellness Director for a YMCA.

From there, my career blossomed and opened up other doors as my journey continued, and yes other risks had to be taken, especially when you start a family. It was because of encouragement and support that helped me walk in faith. Looking back, had I not taken the chance on myself and let the what if’s weigh me down, I would have missed out on all that I gained in so many dimensions.

Crystal, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have been an athlete since the age of 6, following in the footsteps of my father when he began playing racquetball. I would sit and watch him play, and I became fascinated with the game. That was the beginning of what would build a foundation of learning discipline, leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, community and just LIFE. My father was my first ever coach. I decided I wanted to pick up a racquet, learn the game and eventually begin playing competitively. I did, and traveled the country winning local, state, regional and world titles in my age division. I learned so MUCH, not just from the game, but from all of the people I had the opportunity to meet and build relationships with. In my years playing, I had many inspirational coaches/mentors, that helped me, but my father stayed my number 1. I go back to a lot of the principles I learned in my racquetball days, and apply them still in my life today.

I attended college as a student-athlete with a full ride scholarship to Ball State University. I was recruited as a 400m track athlete. I chose the school because of their track program and most importantly, they were ranked at the time as one of the top human performance labs in the country. So I knew going into a field of study learning about human anatomy, I was in the right place. I received my degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. I chose that degree so that I could learn all I could about the beautiful work of the human body. I also wanted to be that liaison for my family, knowing my family history. I could be the family member who could speak with the doctor, or simply sit in on doctor visits, if needed to help my family feel comfortable. That ultimately lead into my decision to branch into the health, wellness, fitness career.

I have evolved A LOT in my career when it comes to health and fitness. My core focus has been Corporate Health and Fitness Management (working for companies who need programs, and structure for their local community and/or employees), but I work with my 4Star Fitness clients online.
I learned it’s not so much the services that are provided, but the RELATIONSHIPS that are built within it. If you can have a great relationship with your client(s), that is what brings on the success. I have been blessed to work with a diverise (diverse) group of people in my career, leading them into a confident way of life that works for them.

My primary focus is on the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions, which is what the 4Stars in 4Star fitness represent. Health and fitness is not one size fits all, so when I can connect with a client on more than one dimension, it makes our journey together so much more sustainable and realistic.
I offer free health and fitness consultations for potential clients who are looking for accountability, support, direction, education, programming, and a foundation to build on in their health and fitness journey. Connecting in this consultation allows me to get to know the person, and vice versa, depending on the goals the client has in mind, I can then provide referrals and next steps.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After two straight, successful years as a student-athlete, life took a turn at the end of my sophomore year. Just coming off of winning a championship and personal best, I got injured. My injury would sideline me for my remaining two years. At the time, I was still hopeful that I would get back on my feet. I did everything right, listened to what the doctors, and athletic trainers told me to do, but it wasnt the plan for me to get back on the track. I was either in a boot or crutches throughout the last two years of my track career and had gained a lot of weight. I didn’t recognize myself and ended up going into depression. It hurt me to the core!! God had other plans for me, and I had to go through the storm to find out. God placed some remarkable people in my life through college. Had it not been for my teammates, friends who became brothers and sisters and my family, I would be a mess.

I had to refocus and re-align my purpose of, without track, who is Crystal? I had to learn that track didn’t define me and I had so much more value. My Head Coach saw something in me, and kept me as Captain to help lead and encourage my team. That helped immensely. I kept myself in church, attended bible studies with teammates, and focused on my studies. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it all. I got back on my feet.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

That you can make everyone happy. HA!

I had to re-learn You CAN’T make everyone happy. It’s OK to say no.
In essence, if you are always trying to make others happy, you forget about what makes YOU happy.

I have always had an heart, and still do, but I have definitely matured.

Years ago I took a role within my church to lead a group. This role allowed leaders to choose what kind of group they wanted to lead and how they wanted to lead it. I had been doing this for about a year, and I was approached by the Leadership Coordinator with an opportunity to become a Coach and help train them on how to lead groups.

This was a bigger commitment and something I considered, however I had to be real with myself. With everything I had going on in my life, would adding another commitment be good for me?

When I met up with the Leadership Coordinator, I regretfully declined the role. To my surprise, with a comforting smile, she looked at me and said “I am happy you chose for you, and not to try and please me. A lot of people say yes and it becomes stressful because they have taken on too much of a load. Good for you Crystal.”

Contact Info:

• Website: www.4starfitness.com
• Instagram: @4starfitchic42
• Facebook: facebook.com/4starfitness
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/crystal-winfrey-ellington
• Youtube: youtube.com/@4starfitchic42
• Other: www.tiktok.com@4starfitchic42

Image Credits
Bobbi and Harold Townes