January 2, 2019

Life and Work with Marcia Villavicencio

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcia Villavicencio.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Marcia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.

I started my fitness journey when I was pretty young. One of my favorite aunties was an aerobics instructor, and ever since I can remember she would take me to her classes and I would be the youngest participating member. At the age of 13, I ran my first 15k and to my surprise I placed 2nd; from then on I continued running and participating in all things fitness. I joined the military at 19 years old, and even though most people thought I wouldn’t make it… 14 years later, here I am, still proving them wrong. While in my military career, I became a fitness leader, which later helped me become a personal trainer and a running coach. I was so immersed in the fitness industry that I got certified as a Fitness Specialist , in addition to earning my BA in Journalism at SDSU. I never let anything stop me from achieving my goals, if I had my mind set on something, I would go after it!

As an athlete, I competed in many races and was part of the Cross Country Team at San Diego City College. Later, I became an independent running coach; most of my clients started with little to no experience and after training with me, they started participating in 5ks and up to half-marathons. As a strength training coach, I helped women become strong and confident. In my sessions we worked not only on the physical aspect, but also on their mindset, so they could achieve more than just physical fitness goals, but also goals in their daily life.

I also continued to push myself and competed in a bodybuilding show and powerlifting meets. All my training and life experiences led me to become a Life Empowerment Coach for Women Entrepreneurs, along with being Body Positive Fitness Coach. I wanted to be more than a trainer… I wanted to make an impact on a bigger scale, and help women find their purpose and reach their life goals.

Today, I continue to work with women helping them become the best version of themselves. I use my social media accounts on Instagram (@Marcia_peru and @webfit.pt) and Facebook, to constantly encourage women to love themselves above anything else, I empower them to live a life with purpose, and to know that they are unique and powerful beyond measure. If I can help one woman a day feel empowered by just sharing my message… that’s more than I could ask for.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road to success is never easy, and the struggles along the way just make us stronger and better. I’ve had to overcome many road-blocks. I worked many odd jobs in college while trying to get my degree, and then even after, I struggled with figuring out my purpose. However, I take every opportunity I’ve been given as a learning experience. My advice for other young women is to NOT give up when things get rough, to use those times as empowering lessons. Take the good and the bad as growth opportunities… and cry, scream, laugh, dance through the struggles… don’t hold anything back!

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I continue to be a body positive fitness coach and life empowerment coach for female entrepreneurs. As a brand, I’m most proud of being able to share a message that empowers women, helps them embrace their life and fitness journey, and gives them a space to have a voice. I’m currently focused on building my “Fit and Fearless” course, to help women live a sustainable and happy fitness lifestyle, so that they can feel confident in their own skin and take ownership over their own life!

Additionally, I’ve been working as a social media consultant for small businesses, mainly for fitness coaches. I help them brand themselves and get clarity on how to engage with their ideal audience in the social media world.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I have some very strong women in my family. My mom and aunties have always encouraged me to be my best, to not let anyone bring down my shine, and to never say “I can’t” without trying first. I was taught to push through the obstacles, to be persistent and driven, and to have the discipline to always follow through. I came to the U.S. from Peru at 17 years old, speaking very little English, and it wasn’t an easy transition. Thankfully, I was able to finish high school on time and joined the military two years after. I can say that I am one resilient woman, and I definitely owe it to the awesome women that raised me.

Contact Info:

Email: marciav.mediaprofesional@gmail.com
Instagram: @marcia_peru and @webfit.pt
Facebook: wwww.facebook.com/iammarciav and wwww.facebook.com/webfit.pt

Image Credit:
Mike Menegus Photography, Photos by JoJo, Wonder Woman Run

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