Today we’d like to introduce you to Tomika Ross-Willett.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born an only child, and my love for fitness started at a young age. I was never really a “sports girl,” although I was a cheerleader in elementary school, and I did play volleyball from junior high into high school. What I really loved was exercising along with workout videos, and taking fitness classes at the gym–something about the music, the movement, and the motivation pulled me in.
Even while working a desk job at a non-profit for many years, I always knew deep down that one day I wanted to be the one running those classes–a Group Fitness Instructor. But fear held me back for the longest time.
When I quit my desk job of 18 years to stay at home with my son, I knew that when I entered the workforce again, it would be to do something I LOVED, something that didn’t feel like a job to me. When my son was about 8 years old, I decided to follow my dreams and become certified through ACE Fitness to teach group classes.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Although I was always very active, I lacked focus on healthy eating habits. Despite my activity level, from my late-teens into early adult-hood, I became overweight. When my high school sweetheart and I set a wedding date, I decided to lose weight (although I did so by fad dieting, and not lifestyle change). After marrying, I continued to struggle off and on with my weight and body image for quite some time.
When both of my parents passed away at 55 years old, 3 years apart from one another (my mom 2 weeks before the birth of my son), I decided to become extremely serious about my health. I gave birth to my son at the age of 35, and I wanted to be healthy with an amazing quality of life for many years to come for my baby and my husband. I began really fine-tuning my eating habits and commitment to being consistent so that I could share my experience and motivate others.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that you’re not just another face to me. I love getting to know my people and engaging in conversation after class, and even while teaching! Instructing a class is a relationship to me, it’s a two-way street. I want you loud and engaging! I want to hear laughter from you or even a little fussing as you’re holding that squat and I ask you to go deeper. I want you dancing in between sets if the music hits you just right, because you’re SURE going to see me dancing in between sets! Ha! Being sassy and loud is highly encouraged and appreciated in my classes.
This ideology birthed the idea of Rap, Reps & Recovery, my fitness class that I teach in Olathe, KS. We work hard, share laughs and have fun while doing strength and cardio, all while listening to the bass-filled sounds of Hip-Hop. We then slow it down to some smooth R&B jams while transitioning to the mobility and stretch portion of the class, followed by a Vegan Snack Social where we hang out, chat and munch on vegan goodies I’ve made.
I also think I am known for being relatable, as I love ALL types of people–all ages, backgrounds and races. Our differences are what makes us all SO beautiful. We can always learn from one another, and one of the reasons we are put on this earth is for fellowship. I think group fitness is a wonderful reminder of that!
Additionally, fitness should be accessible to EVERYONE. I remember being a stay-at-home mom, and occasionally having difficulty with retaining a gym membership due to financial limitations. I created Meek Functional Fitness (my online fitness subscription) so that such roadblocks are less of an issue. Affordable fitness, unstoppable you! I’m so happy to provide low-cost workouts that you can do from home with little equipment, when you’re short on time and for all fitness levels.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think most people would be surprised to find out that I’m almost 50 years old–I turned 47 in May of this year. There is such a stigma associated with aging (especially for women), that it’s the beginning of the end. Or, that you look or have to dress a certain way. I don’t buy into any of that! I think fitness is the fountain of youth, and I am determined to live my best, youngest life until I absolutely can’t any longer. It’s crop-tops and burpees for me, baby! I’m going to continue to treat my body like a temple and encourage others to do the same! Fitness is a celebration of movement!
Pricing:
- Rap, Reps & Recovery $10 Monthly In-Person Classes (strength, cardio & mobility followed by a Vegan Snack Social)
- Meek Functional Fitness $15 Monthly Online Fitness Subscription (on-demand, home workouts, live workouts, fitness motivation & accountability, recipes, healthy eating tips & community)
Contact Info:
- Website: Meek Functional Fitness https://forms.gle/Zj4nxBip9br3ZkQv9
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meekfitnessfreak/
- Facebook: Rap, Reps & Recovery https://www.facebook.com/groups/1045178687113939
