We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melissa Monsefi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Melissa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

One of the most rewarding moments of my work in this field was when things were starting to open up after COVID. I had small groups of women who would come to workout in my indoor/outdoor gym. It was still a time when we were wearing masks outdoors and people were still awkwardly uncomfortable. We had, as human beings, been locked up with no connection with one another.

After our workout one day, one of the women walked up to me in tears and said, “Thank you so much for this…I really needed this.” It was a time when we felt defeated as humans, and we had been drinking and eating our sorrows away. It was like the clouds opened up that day.

We united to get connected, laugh, sweat and get healthy again . It was so beautiful to feel connected over a workout. This became our safe place to come and spend an hour a day getting mentally and physically healthy again. We laughed and cried and supported each other in our fitness journey. All these women continue to come to this day. With the social support and my pushing them beyond their limits, they all managed to lose their “COVID weight.” They look and feel amazing. It was so rewarding getting flowers and cards thanking me for helping them feel good again. This was much more than just a physical transformation – it was a mental one as well.

I knew then that this was my calling. Day after day, I hear the words “thank you so much, you changed my life”. I feel so fulfilled knowing I can bring some positivity and change to people’s lives.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

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From my earliest memories, I have been captivated by the world of sports and the incredible potential of the human body. Physical activity has always served as both my mental and physical therapy, a powerful medicine that can address a range of challenges like depression and anxiety. Fueling my curiosity, I immersed myself into the realms of nutrition and fitness, absorbing knowledge and constantly finding myself offering advice to others.

After becoming a parent, I made a the decision to pursue a career as a nutrition coach and personal trainer. I was driven to stand out in this field, and I realized that fostering accountability would be my distinguishing factor. Thus, I formed tight-knit groups of individuals from diverse corners of the world. I have come to learn that accountability is the most potent motivator when it comes to helping people achieve their fitness aspirations. The profound sense of connection, particularly among women, is of great importance. Working out together with a shared purpose: dedicating an hour each day to nurturing our physical and mental well-being.

I firmly believe that every individual possesses the potential to become the best version of themselves. However, it is crucial to recognize that this “version” will vary for each person. The key to achieving lasting results lies in altering our daily habits, forging a healthier and sustainable lifestyle. I do not believe in fad diets or the elimination of entire food groups for the sake of weight loss. Instead, I advocate for making mindful, healthy choices throughout the day, understanding that it is not deprivation but nourishment for our bodies. By consistently fueling ourselves with nutritious foods and remaining active, we can maintain a metabolism that effectively burns unwanted calories.

In essence, my approach to weight loss and fitness is rooted in realism. It is an approach that can be embraced for a lifetime, allowing individuals to feel incredible every step of the way.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe that my genuine passion for empowering individuals to transform their lives and embrace a healthier lifestyle resonates strongly through my actions. My clients can sense the authenticity, care, and dedication I invest in educating and guiding them on their personal journey.

Through a combination of education, motivation, inspiration, and unwavering commitment, I have the ability to shift my clients’ perspectives on fitness and nutrition. I firmly believe that knowledge is power, and by equipping individuals with the right information and empowering them to make informed choices, I can truly facilitate meaningful change.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of energetic enthusiasm and a no-nonsense, tough love approach to fitness. People are naturally drawn to the positive and lively atmosphere I create, but they also appreciate my direct and honest guidance. I deliver results by teaching individuals a realistic way of life, emphasizing sustainable habits and long-term solutions rather than quick fixes or short-lived trends.

Ultimately, my approach is focused on fostering a positive and enjoyable fitness journey while instilling the necessary discipline and commitment. By combining fun, energy, and a touch of tough love, I empower my clients to achieve lasting results and embrace a healthier, happier lifestyle.

As a result, my clients form a connection with me that last for years to come and are always updating me on their fitness.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could turn back time and relive my life, I would have embarked on my journey as a fitness coach and nutritionist much earlier than I actually did. The sense of fulfillment I experience on a daily basis is immeasurable, witnessing the incredible transformations and the profound impact I have on my clients’ lives.

It’s truly remarkable to witness the journey of my clients unfold before my eyes. As they embark on their path towards a healthier lifestyle, I observe their newfound confidence blossoming. Their smiles radiate happiness, and sometimes tears of gratitude flow when they express their heartfelt thanks for changing the way they feel about themselves.

It’s remarkable to see how my work not only affects my clients but also ripples out to those around them. I’ve had partners of my clients approach me, expressing their gratitude for the positive changes they’ve witnessed in their loved ones. They attribute the newfound happiness and improved well-being of their partners to the transformative impact of our work together. It’s a testament to the fact that how we feel about ourselves resonates deeply in all aspects of our lives, from our relationships and parenting to our interactions with colleagues in the workplace.

Knowing that I’ve played a role in fostering these positive transformations and the ripple effect it has on my clients’ lives is truly rewarding. It fuels my passion and motivates me to continue making a difference, spreading the joy and empowering individuals to lead happier, healthier lives.

If I had the chance to rewrite my past, I would undoubtedly choose to embark on this incredible journey as a fitness coach and nutritionist much earlier. The profound impact and the daily rewards I experience are a testament to the importance of following one’s true calling and embracing the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.melissamonsefi.com
• Instagram: Melissa Monsefi Fitness
• Facebook: Melissa Monsefi

Image Credits
Robert Randall Photography