Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Deka.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story started struggling with weight as a child. I went up and down in weight and always wanted to “look better.” I continued my struggle as a teenager, college student and young adult. I became obsessed with new ways to lose weight fast. Working out, diet pills, laxatives, starving myself than eating everything all at once became my regular routine. It all started to catch up to me. My body was slowly declining from all the damage I was doing without even knowing. I was diagnosed with bulimia and binge eating disorder. I had to learn a new way of life. I began to put on weight heavily due to the fear of going back to my old ways.
After years of struggling, I was tired and over the fear! I had to make a change. I had to learn and understand my relationship with myself, food and working out. I learned to take a lifestyle change day by day and to give myself grace because we are not perfect.
I started Think Health by AshyD to help others and encourage them that they are not alone. A healthy lifestyle has ups and downs, but I can understand the pressures put on us in society to be or look a certain way. Self-love and being the healthiest you is the most important part of life. Health isn’t a size!
With the right tools, guidance and will to want to be your best, you can do anything you put your mind to.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I wish I could say it was “easy,” but just like the saying if it was easy everyone would be doing it. My struggles with weight and food although started in a negative way, have positively helped me to grow my business and help those I coach. I have learned that my purpose is so much greater than what I ever imagined. Through my eating disorders, I have learned to overcome fear and be the best me I can be. Self-love is so important to stay consistent, motivated and wanting to be your best self. Love who you are and taking care of your body should be a priority for living a full life.
The best advice I can pass on is to take fitness and food one step at a time, one goal at a time. No goal is too small or too big. You can do it all, just give yourself time and trust the process. Give yourself grace we are not perfect. Setting realistic goals and hold yourself accountable, check in on your goals whether they are weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly.
What should we know about Think Health by AshyD? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Certified Fitness Instructor and Accountability Coach based out of Atlanta, Georgia. I have a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and a minor in Business. I’m licensed in Strong by Zumba and Zumba Basic 1.
I teach boot-camps every Monday for Angie’s Camp at Old Fourth Ward Park from 6:30-7:30 PM, I teach Strong by Zumba pop up classes in Marietta and Sandy Springs and I’m a Burn Ambassador for Burn Bootcamp Sandy Springs location. I look forward to sharing new classes and events in 2020.
I am a member of the She Wins Society Network and on the Choice Coaches Council as a Fitness & Accountability Coach. I’m a member of Pretty Girls Sweat Atlanta Chapter.
My passion is health and fitness and I work with clients online and in person. My blog and website offer recipes, workouts and fitness tips.
I enjoy coaching clients others how to live a healthy lifestyle that fits their life with realistic expectations. I set myself apart from others because I have an understanding that this is a lifestyle and we must not put so much pressure on ourselves. I take pride in helping others on their journey and helping women love themselves and get to their healthiest self.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I believe the struggles I went through as a child and young adult of trying to “fit in” and lose weight have helped me understand the negative sides of the fitness industry. With the negativity circling around the fitness industry such as fat-shaming, bullying, fad diets, unrealistic goals I have overcome these to turn fitness and health into something extremely positive for myself and those I coach. The struggle you face is developing the strength you need for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thinkhealthbyashyd.com
- Email: thinkhealthbyashyd@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thinkhealthbyashyd
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thinkhealthbyashyd
Image Credit:
Photos by Keiara Janai
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
