Today we’d like to introduce you to Latonya Ashley.
Hi Latonya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Public Health | ACE-Certified Personal Trainer | Certified Health Coach | Senior Fitness Specialist | Flexibility Coach | STOTT Pilates trained teacher
As the great physician Hippocrates once said: “A wise man ought to realize that health is his most valuable possession.” and I co-sign this quote. I began my wellness journey while in college, initially studying to be a nurse. Before declaring a major, I realized that I enjoyed promotion of health and wellness but I soon realized that I didn’t enjoy the clinical side of health. And my GPA didn’t quite measure up to the nursing school’s standards. After graduating, I got my first shot at fitness training as a wellness coach while working at many YMCA’s in the metro Atlanta area. Throughout my time serving members of the Y, I also enhanced my own health journey and started to prioritize receiving the credentials necessary to excel in the fitness profession.
When the pandemic hit, we all had to take a step back and really reevaluate how we want to live life. I became more intentional on how I was going to be utilizing my time and expertise and launched Total Transformation Wellness. I advocate for the promotion of the balanced integration of physical health, emotional awareness, and spiritual growth that completely transforms one’s quality of life. I infused my passion of transforming my mind, body and soul with my mission to reach individuals of all shapes, conditions and sizes through the teachings of Pilates.
My signature service, Purple Pilates is designed to be therapeutic, rooted in healing and rehabilitation, to re-structure overworked or underdeveloped muscles as well as increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles deep within the body. Pilates provides an invigorating core workout and can improve flexibility and strength for everyone- from the rehabilitative client to the fitness enthusiast. I help individuals with chronic pain and health complications improve their physical wellness so that they can transform into the best version of themselves.
Fitness is the easiest commitment to make but the hardest commitment to keep. I dedicate my life inspiring individuals to make the commitment to improve their health and to KEEP the commitment throughout their lives. I designed my home-based Purple Healing Room to create an environment for complete healing, increase self-awareness of mind-body-spirit, and I infuse private Pilates sessions with levity and humor.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth whatsoever. But that’s the beauty in coming out on the other side. I can reflect and say “wow, after all that hard work ethic, I came out a better trainer, teacher and person”. When beginning your career in fitness, your schedule looks a little like this: wake up at 4:30am, train clients at varying times between 5:30am- 9pm, squeeze a lunch break somewhere, maybe work a second or third job to cover your livelihood and hope you can get home to meal prep for the rest of the week (which was more times not likely, due to the varying hours you have to commit to training clients.) I have to also admit, the compensation in the beginning had me debating whether I can even last in this field. The competition is stiff simply because of how lucrative this career path can be once you get established.
I also did not have a vehicle my first two years of living and working in Atlanta, so that made traveling to my many jobs extremely challenging. It made my time even more crucial and I think at one point, I would get angry when a client didn’t show to their session. Nowadays, I know that it comes with the territory and it doesn’t disappoint me as much.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When I launched Total Transformation Wellness, I was very intentional in branding this business as a holistic wellness practice that focuses on multiple dimensions of wellness. I advocate for the promotion of the balanced integration of physical health, emotional awareness, and spiritual growth that completely transforms one’s quality of life.
My signature service, Purple Pilates is designed to be therapeutic, rooted in healing and rehabilitation, to re-structure overworked or underdeveloped muscles as well as increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles deep within the body. Pilates provides an invigorating core workout and can improve flexibility and strength for everyone- from the rehabilitative client to the fitness enthusiast. I help individuals with chronic pain and health complications improve their physical wellness so that they can transform into the best version of themselves. My primary equipment choice for teaching Pilates is the Balanced Body Allegro® 2 Reformer. I also utilize the spine corrector, magic circle and jump board to add variety to any workout.
All private Pilates services are held at my private, home-based studio, that I designated as the “Purple Healing Room”. I went with the purple brand color because the color purple symbolizes creativity by awakening our senses while promoting the meditation necessary to tap into your intuition. Purple creates a harmonious balance of awareness and peace. My goal was to create an environment for complete healing and increase self-awareness of mind-body-spirit.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always delighted to reach people through any avenue that best suits them. Individuals interested in learning more about Pilates, fitness and any area of health can contact me at totaltransformationwellness@gmail.com or (678)-404-2979. The website www.totaltransformationwellness.com is also a great source for seeing all that I have to offer.
Contact Info:
- Email: totaltransformationwellness@gmail.com
- Website: www.totaltransformationwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthcoachtonya_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransformFabulously1
Image Credits
Corey Reese Photography Shutterstock
