BWW Weighs In: Story of Glory by Laura Heywood

Story of Glory: Laura Heywood

At MFF, many Ninjas learn that getting the most out of running their race means taking risks and stepping outside of their comfort zones. This featured Ninja reaped the rewards of stepping into the arena and realizing her full-fledged unicorn glory! Ninja Army, meet Laura Heywood!

Down the Rabbit Hole

What if, when Alice fell down the rabbit hole to Wonderland, she suddenly knew that's where she had always belonged? What if, instead of seeming uncomfortable and awry, this strange world with its extraordinary creatures and customs felt like home?

Mark Fisher Fitness is my Wonderland. It is my one place to truly let go of pretension, surrender to my weirdness, celebrate the hugeness of my potential, and grow in unimaginable ways.

My outward transformation - dropping from a size 12 to a 6, losing a total of 25 pounds - is the most tangible example of how significantly MFF has changed my life, but it's hardly the only one - or even the most important.

What I Learned

I've learned to take risks. I've learned that I can be vulnerable while still feeling safe. I've learned that it's okay not to be good at everything the first time I try it. I've learned that failure can be a gift. I've learned that beautiful people come in all shapes and sizes. I've learned that my own body is beautiful no matter what size I wear, how much makeup I have on, or how heavy the weights are when I lift. I've learned that kindness and generosity surround me. I've learned not to apologize for my joy. Most significantly, I've learned the crucial importance of showing up consistently for my community and myself.

I've also learned that I can change at my own pace.

I had heard for years about Snatched in Six Weeks, the intensive fitness and nutrition program upon which Mark Fisher built his reputation. I kept it in the back of my head, but knew it would be a long time before I had the money, time, and discipline to dive into something so intense. "Maybe someday," I told myself. I didn't know that MFF also offered ongoing classes I could sign up for based on my own schedule, budget and needs.

I had seen incredible before-and-after photos from Snatched. I never imagined that I'd be able to undergo just as dramatic a transformation on my own terms.

But that's exactly what I did! Initially I thought I'd take classes as a "warm up" while I saved for Snatched. As it turned out, the clubhouse atmosphere, and the commitment it inspired in me, were exactly what I needed to make the changes my body & soul so craved.

Community

In seeking a place to work out, I found a community that has inspired me show up for so much more than my health & hotness. After over a decade in New York, I finally found my family. I found my tribe.

At the end of every class at Mark Fisher Fitness, we take three deep breaths as a group. Inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale - in unison. But I have a confession to make: I do the group breaths backwards. When the rest of the class exhales, I breathe in deep. Taking in my classmates' air reminds me that I carry their energy with me long after class has ended, and that I am made stronger by every aspect and member of this community.

Thank you, Mark Fisher Fitness. As I continue my personal growth & journey, I am forever changed.

Are you a Ninja who has a kick-ass MFF journey to share? We are literally wet with anticipation to hear your story. Tell us here!