Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Donahue.
Alexandra, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always enjoyed being active. At an early age, I was an active kid trying out any activity I could from jazz, tap, ballet, gymnastics and eventually Shotokan karate. Age 13 was the start of my martial arts days ending too soon around the age of 18. Within these five years, I had a hand in sparring, grappling, kata and sparring competitions as well as assisting my coach with some women’s self-defense classes. Sadly, like many before, I quit and moved on. I gave up right before testing for my black belt. Young and foolish, it’s one of my biggest regrets. This is also where I was introduced to kickboxing. As a teenager, other things were of higher interest consuming my time and attention.
Being body conscious for as long as I can remember, I never lost my desire to be “fit”. However, I did lose focus throughout my early 20’s. I moved to Atlanta, where serving and bartending were my main source of income and no known goals in mind. Honestly, I was just living my life trying to have fun, not a care in the world. I lost myself in this lifestyle for a few years. Constantly wondering if I was where I was mean to be eventually, realizing it wasn’t where I wanted to be. Usually self-sabotaging my job. Years later, I learned I had social anxiety and I used tequila, specifically, to overcome that. Leading to foolishness. I was active again but still trying to live both lifestyles. The distractive bar life was hindering any progress I ever intended on making.
I finally saw this and turned my focus onto becoming a better version of myself. This is when I joined Village Fitness in EAV over six years ago. Where I currently train and lead two kickboxing classes a week. It is not much later that I discover my love for lifting heavyweights. While other forms of exercise were great, they just didn’t give me that feeling and aesthetics I so desired. I began to research on my own. Lots of trial and error here and I am still learning what works best for me. This time I haven’t given and don’t intend to. I’ve learned so much with each trial and tribulation and I cant wait to see where I go with this. I hope to open my own gym next year so keep an eye out.
Has it been a smooth road?
Currently, I’m learning a lot in my search to correct a muscular imbalance in my body. This has been a huge set back in my progress. One that I try to not let get to me, but it can be very daunting. Let me just say when there is an imbalance in the body, and it’s given enough time to compensate for itself, things can get messy and very painful. This will only lead to a longer road of recovery so, pay attention now! Or get the help you need while you’re ahead.
The past couple of years I have dialed into what feels best and works best for my body. Working in mobility and flexibility, homing in on form, technique and those minor muscles. AKA the boring stuff. Or so I thought, but those are the little things that build longevity. Listening to my body, getting out of my head… and the mirror, I then learned to Love the Process.
Today I walk around in my strongest body yet and most importantly my strongest mind. From newfound confidence to an admiration for becoming the absolute best me, I can be and I’m just getting started. In the last few years I’ve, in a way, become obsessed with discovering what works best for me. Now I yearn to teach and show others, women especially, that weights are not scary, fitness and working out do NOT have to be boring, and yes, you get to eat! Heavily restricting your food is not necessary. I never would have guessed I’d lose weight and or burn fat eating MORE CARBS!
I want to help others and I’m always open to answering questions. If I don’t know the answer, I will point you in the best direction I know. Also, watch who you follow out there. Just because their following is high or they look cute doesn’t mean they know what’s best or what they’re talking about.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a certified personal trainer and kickboxing instructor. I have a couple personal clients I train throughout the week and a kickboxing class every Tuesday and Thursday evenings @6:30. I’m proud to help out others with the very questions I asked myself. Guiding and helping others be and feel their best. My dream of a weight lifting gym with kickboxing might be the thing that sets me aside someday soon.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Instagram keeps me fueled. I’m constantly admiring women that are strong and always working to better themselves.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6786030339
- Email: Alexandrajd0425@gmail.com
- Instagram: Alexandra_donahue_lift
Image Credit:
Nate Dorn
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