A little background information on me I’ve always been somewhat overweight my whole life and never really cared about my health like that just because such habits weren’t put on to me. Fast forward to my first year of college while dorming, I ended up gaining the infamous freshmen 15. I was standing at my heaviest back in November 2020. That was my last straw I knew I had to change something regarding my health because it now started affecting my mental health. I hated the way I looked and felt. It was sometimes difficult to do basic tasks and no 18 year old should truly be going through that. Obviously, with the pandemic, I was dazed and confused about how I was gonna begin my journey without the gym. So I first started with HIIT workouts at home from Youtube and daily runs. By the beginning of January 2021 I ended up losing 10 pounds on my own but I would say I was plateauing. Then I remembered about Navid Fitness and knew immediately I had to sign up. At this point, I’m at home doing my spring semester remotely and I am really praying that a spot on Navid’s waitlist opens up (because so many people wanna train with him!!) and to my surprise one did. I was so excited to truly learn more about fitness, health, and my well-being.

The second week of January 2021 rolls around and I finally am able to start training with Navid. I thought I’ll be able to do lifting right off the bat and get to work with a barbell on my first session, but boy was I wrong. From me previously running trails weekly with the bad form I ended up really messing up my hips and legs and Navid automatically was able to pinpoint my issues. Some physical issues I dealt with were tight psoas, back flair ups and rotated hips. It truly amazed me all the knowledge Navid has about human anatomy and body mechanics. I looked up to Navid dearly for this reason he was always so eager to learn and truly willing to help everyone and anyone he can. I trained with Navid for about 5 to 6 months and he set me up for the rest of my life. The beginning of this journey with him was truly difficult going through all the rehab and terrible foam rolling sessions lol but I knew at the end of the day it would be all worth it. I vividly remember the day I finally got to work out with the barbell it was March 7th, 2021. The past two months we have been working up to this from building strength in my legs and core and learning hinging patterns. I finally was able to start deadlifting and wow it was so invigorating. Finally seeing how those rehab sessions were worth the pain. I was deadlifting with great form and no pain at all because of Navid! Soon as time passes I learned how to squat and bench and truly train my body to become strong. My goals for fitness took a complete 360 after working out with Navid. Mentally I had a negative connotation of myself and didn’t like how I looked. However, Navid truly empowered me and let me get a taste of what my body is truly capable of. I became focused on becoming the strongest version of myself rather than just focusing on my looks. 

I don’t think any words will truly be able to depict how much Navid has changed my life for the better. It felt as if I was reborn once I started lifting. The gym ended up becoming my outlet, my second home, and my safe space. Working out wasn’t a chore for me anymore it was rather something I looked forward to and excited me. Not only did it help me physically but also mentally. I struggled severely with anxiety at times and the gym allowed me to get out of my head and let all those thoughts go. It became a place where I could solely focus on myself. The gym also became a place where I have met some great people that have become my friends. The growth I experienced with the 5 to 6 months with Navid was like no other. From being afraid and intimidated by the gym let alone the weight section to finally being confident and empowered in it. Not to also mention I finally loved the person I saw in the mirror. 

Many of us have to realize the gift we were given with our bodies. I am forever grateful every day to step into the gym and be able to work out because unfortunately, not everyone has this luxury. Truly please don’t take your body for granted because so many individuals may have wished they were in your shoes. Instead, rather challenge yourself and see how far you can take yourself physically. Strength is such a beauty and everyone should experience it. Thank you again, Navid for changing my life for the better and allowing me to regain my confidence and self back. It was such an honor being trained by him and him passing down his knowledge to me. Everyone needs to get trained by Navid once in their life! Trust me you won’t regret it.