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LaTonya Smalls

“She makes us beginners feel very comfortable.”

 “LaTonya makes me happy! J Very positive and energetic, especially her stretch up and ‘shake down’.”

These are just a few of the many unsolicited comments that LaTonya Smalls’ exercise students take the time to share in writing.  Why are they so grateful to this woman?  Because she makes them feel good, and feel good about themselves.  In a culture that worships youthful perfection, LaTonya is making a difference in the lives of REAL women. 

Her own fitness journey began over 12 years ago.  Although she had been active and athletic all her life, after experiencing the loss of a child, she struggled with depression for a year.  Then, she started to realize the impact it was having on her health.  “I saw a picture of me that was taken that year and I didn’t recognize myself,” she explains, “That really woke me up!”  She began to improve her eating and exercise habits.  It was slow going at first.  “Walking around my block was quite a chore,” LaTonya recalls, “But I was consistent.”  She lost 65 pounds. 

Prompted by a desire to share her success, she became a Certified Personal Trainer.  “I knew that others were in the same situation I had come out of, and I wanted to share my new found energy, self-esteem, and motivation with others,” she explains.  LaTonya began training clients at Women’s Wellness & Fitness.  The club manager suggested that she might be a good aerobics instructor for the Easy Does It class.  The manager proved to be right.  LaTonya became a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and as she puts it, “Life hasn’t been the same since!”  

Ten years later, LaTonya still teaches 4 classes per week.  And she enjoys the privilege of ministering to a very special group of women.  “I really love teaching the beginner to intermediate classes because it is so rewarding to see someone who thought they were too heavy, or too old, or too uncoordinated, do a class and finish it,” LaTonya emphasizes, “Exercise really is something everybody can do if you find the level and activity that is right for you.”  Her philosophy?  “No matter what your age, size, or fitness level, you really can start right where you are today and be healthier!” 

LaTonya Smalls has found her niche.  With her warm smile, her enthusiasm, and her example, she is transforming women who “didn’t think they could do it” into women who “don’t want to miss it”.  She is truly, quietly, making a difference… one class at a time.  As one of her students wrote to us recently, “LaTonya’s demeanor is one of kindness, patience, and encouragement.  And yet, at the same time, she is a strong motivator who makes each of us enjoy working to our maximum stamina.  She is an inspiration to me personally, and I have heard many positive comments about her from others in class.  We all leave her classes feeling glad we came.  She is really fantastic!”