I discovered FiA quite by accident. I have always been fitness minded- working out 6 days a week, running, and knowing my way around when it comes to weights and exercising. A good friend of mine convinced me to tagalong to a Saturday workout. It was love at first sight. I found a community of women who are passionate about creating workouts, but also passionate about community. It quickly became a full fledge addiction. I loved the people. I loved the challenge. I loved it all. Shortly after, I was pushed towards Qing (leading) a workout. That’s when I dove in head first. How could I push the limits and challenge people the way I was first challenged? Game on. It’s been a fun ride ever since. From socials, to terrain races, to early morning beat downs- these are my people and I love them! FiA gives me a place to fit in while also inspiring me to be the best version of myself!

-Valor

I can’t express enough how much FiA has impacted my life. But if I had to sum it up, the words that come to mind are Game Changer! I went not knowing what to expect. Yes a workout, but what I have experienced with each workout is so much more!! I have made some really great friends that not only inspire me to live my best life but I have found that I can be of service to them & my community just as much. That is an incredibly empowering feeling! About a year ago my family & I made a bitter-sweet, state to state move. It was exciting & sad at the same time. But with that brought on a great deal of emotions for me. I was lonely, anxious, & I was feeling depressed! Not my usual self. So a couple more words come to mind. Answered prayers! I believe with everything in me that I was meant for FiA & FiA was meant for me! They have made me feel that important! I will forever be grateful to my FiA sisters!!

-Kodak

FIA has changed my life immensely.  I've never been one to enjoy working out.  I've belonged to gyms for years and would go consistently for a while and then slack off.  I saw on Facebook thru a friend's page that they were starting a new bootcamp style workout that was FREE so I decided to go that first time and have been hooked ever since.  I've been going since Cherokee started in 2017 and kept with it.  I have had health issues and had to modify and I'm never judged for that.  The ladies are always so encouraging and helpful with modifications.  Best of all, I've made true friends and enjoy working out with them weekly.  I've found something that I enjoy being a part of and found lifetime friends. #bettertogether

-Straight Shooter

When my sister started with this work out group that met up at 5:30 am, and was only for women, I thought that she was crazy. I saw the changes she was making and said man I should really give it try. My first day was a Saturday, and I was so confused, thinking to myself what in the heck did I get into! Since then, FiA has challenged and strengthened me not only physically, but mentally. I have met some of the RADEST women around and learned a new workout language. I have completed 5k’s, started rucking, lost 25lbs, traveled to help new AO’s, and am leading workouts. These are all things that I NEVER thought that I would do just a year ago. While the initial intent to join FiA was to reach my fitness goals, the friendships and community that I have been blessed with have changed me more than just meeting fitness goals ever could. I Love FiA!

F - friends for life; there are women I never would have met without FiA and my life would be incomplete without them. I look forward to hearing the ups and downs of these ladies’ lives and being together through it all.
I - intense workouts; I never thought I’d be in this good of shape at my age without playing soccer. Each Beatdown is different so my muscles are always working hard and I’m so proud of myself for sticking with a workout plan this last 1.5 years!
A - Actively living; the 5:30 start times were tough at first but now I am thankful to start my day three or four times a week with friends and some good sweat!
C - charity work; We call it FiAlanthropy and it means giving back and helping others in our community. We strive to chip in when an emergent need arises as well as give in planned ways (Christmas giving, February feminine supply collections, etc).
H - honoring each other; at the end of every workout we participate in a Circle of Trust where we offer prayer requests and praises to the group and then go around and celebrate each one that is there that time.
E - everyone is welcome; this is a free group that is peer led and we are open to anyone who wants to be a part of it. We do have guidelines to maintain safety and trust that we are all expected to follow. Women of all ages (kids may come with a parent or caregiver) are welcome.
R - room for growth; our motto of Better Together allows each person to get support as she strives toward her personal goals; I never thought I’d be able to do many of the physical things I’ve accomplished at my age and it’s been possible because of the support.
O - OMG - I love FiA!!
K - keep going; my husband is battling recurrent kidney cancer and some days are just really hard emotionally but with FiA I know I can share my burden and keep going be a they will pray for me and support me.
E - excitement; many of the ladies are very creative and it’s fun to see what they come up with for workouts!
E - everyone succeeds; whether you’re in top notch shape or just starting out, we believe that joining us means success even if that’s once a month or 7 days a week!

The love & support I’ve seen & experienced since joining this beautiful group of ladies has been amazing. I get serious anxiety being in front of people & when I first started coming to FiA said to myself, I could never lead a workout. With the support & encouragement of all these beautiful ladies I ate my words & led a workout! FiA has been life changing for me.