Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Allen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Monique. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As a young girl, when I started the change in life at age nine, I started to become ill. By age 11, I had to take pain medication and birth control due to female issues and severe cramping. By age 17, I had my 1st surgery for an ovarian cyst the size of a tennis ball and appendicitis. At age 18, I had grown multiple cysts on each ovary in had to go back into surgery. At the age of 19 is when I found out I had endometriosis and was in stage 4. That was rough because it’s m it affected the possibility of having children. At the age of 19, I had to decide to try to have a child because it was being or never and at that point, it was already maybe a 10% chance. It took two years to get pregnant actively trying and doing my ovulation charts. In the process, I was still having surgeries every year. At age 21, I finally got pregnant with my son and was on bed rest for nine months. After my son was born, I was supposed to get better but I did not. I had to go back into surgery at age 22 due to the endometriosis. I had another surgery by the age of 24, I had blacked out at work from blood loss and had to face a hysterectomy. At age 25, I had to have a total radical hysterectomy. Once that was done, I had to be rushed back to ICU Due to a massive infection from the hysterectomy. After being in ICU for two weeks and a blood transfusion, I finally recovered. Fast forward to October 29th, 2011, I had a major motorcycle accident Sustaining major injuries including a traumatic brain injury bleeding in the brain in muscle inflammation head to toe. Throughout my health history, the common denominator that has pulled me through has been The physical strength and condition of my body. Doctors have always said if I wasn’t as strong as I am and so physically fit, I would not have recovered from those surgeries nor the motorcycle accident. That’s why I am so focused on reaching out to others to be healthy. That’s also the big meaning behind the name of the gym. Fitness is my sickness, my illness is not my sickness 😊.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely not been easy but well worth all of the ups and downs. As far as dealing with my health issues, I definitely had to learn my body and learn to listen to it. Take your time and be patient with yourself and your journey. Everyone and every body type is different. Don’t compare yourself to others.
On the business side, I have learned a lot as well. Make sure you do your homework and learn all of the ins and outs of the business you are going into. But at the end of the day, follow your passion! You have one life to live to go out and live it!
What should we know about Fitness Is My Sickness? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fitness Is My Sickness also offers a signature Sign&Sweat program that I created to integrate the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. As a Sign language instructor and interpreter, I hear the needs of the deaf community. I wanted to combine my passions of ASL and fitness to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be fit and healthy. The hearing community gets the opportunity to learn a few signs while working out and the Deaf community gets to be included.
I have also started a non-profit to provide fitness classes as well as nutrition classes to those in need. For example: group homes, those with disabilities, senior facilities, battered women’s shelters, etc.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I feel the biggest hurdle is being taken seriously. That’s why I say always be firm in your choices an be confident. When I purchased my gym, the question the landlord asked was “Are you sure you want to do this young lady? This is a big investment,” I advised I am the provided in my household and yes I am sure because I am looking out for the well being of my son as well as my future and could we stick to the business at hand, please.
Always be professional but firm.
Pricing:
- Monthly membership starts at $29.99 a month
- Personal Training $250 for 1 time a week for 5 weeks
- We also offer class packages at 35.99 a month
Contact Info:
- Address: Fitness Is My Sickness
7202 El Cajon Blvd Suite B San Diego, Ca 92115 - Website: fimswomen.com
- Phone: 619 741 2833
- Email: monique@fimswomen.com
- Instagram: @fitnessismysickness
- Facebook: fitness Is My Sickness
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