Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Clarke.
Ashley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In my late teens, I was diagnosed with hypertension and ultimately put on medication to regulate my blood pressure by the time I was 20. From the outside looking in, I was healthy and “thick”, but doctors were telling me I would have to take medicine for the rest of my life. Keeping a pill box and making sure I remember to take my meds to live is not how I envisioned things, especially after seeing my grandma do that for years. I was determined to break the cycle, so I put my all into getting my life back. I was working out consistently already, but the key to finally being able to throw the pills away was changing my relationship with food. When friends started to see my transformation, they would ask what I was doing and if I could help them as well. I never envisioned getting into health & wellness, but through my own journey, it became my passion, and I felt it would be selfish to keep this knowledge to myself.
This is how Your Health Matters was birthed. I feel it’s my personal mission to inspire others to take control of their health and develop habits that will improve their quality of life and provide balance.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. Because we’re in such a “microwave” society where everyone wants instant results, the biggest challenge really has been helping people understand that this journey is a marathon and not a sprint. Being able to lose 20 pounds in two weeks sounds amazing, but that method isn’t sustainable. Sticking to my principles, and not being influenced by what may be the hot thing for weight loss is what allows me to continue to impact lives and help people truly make wellness a lifestyle.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Through Your Health Matters, I provide online nutrition coaching, group fitness instruction, and in-person workshops. I’ve facilitated nutrition workshops for companies such as WarnerMedia (formerly Turner Broadcasting), Good Samaritan Health Center, and the American Heart Association. I’m most proud of the opportunities to impact the lives of professionals in the corporate space. Being that I also work full-time for a corporation, I understand the challenges of trying to develop a healthy lifestyle while also working long hours and being in environments that may not support it. This is how I’m able to resonate with other professionals and craft solutions that aren’t overwhelming. I help clients change their lives by opening their minds to new ideas and cutting through the noise of the complicated and sometimes misleading fitness industry.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta has a unique spirit, and I believe it’s a great city for a business like mine. Unlike some other major cities, the fitness community is very close-knit and supportive. We all want to see each other win. Starting out here, I’d recommend getting out as much as possible. Go to different fitness events and meet other trainers, coaches, nutritionists, fitness enthusiasts etc. Not just to network, but to really build relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: yourhealthmattersllc.com
- Email: info@yourhealthmattersllc.com
- Instagram: @yourhealthmattersllc
- Facebook: facebook.com/yourhealthmattersllc
Image Credit:
The AMP Image
Feel This Moment Photography
Kaptured by Kiki
RevUp Fitness
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