#FitGirlMagic: Tameika G
Where do we begin with Tameika G? Twelve years ago, she set her mind to take control of her health. Sparked by a a New Year’s Resolution, Tameika has lost over 90 pounds and kept it off. Now, she is sharing her zest for life and love of fitness and adventure with others as a personal trainer. Wait, there’s more!
In her mid-20s, Tameika felt a nudge to set out on an uncomfortable path. She left her job and family in Toronto, Canada and moved to Hong Kong. You know, just because! She has traveled to over 40 countries, lives a nomadic lifestyle, and has combined her love for travel and fitness to build The Whole Experience Health Retreats - all-inclusive retreats that bring groups of women together and empowers them on their own journey to wellness. Let’s get a little deeper into Tameika’s journey.
When and how did you fall in love with the fitness industry?
In the process of losing 100 pounds, I fell in love with moving my body and getting stronger. It was so empowering for me that I wanted to share the joy I have found with others. That's when I became a certified personal trainer.
What piece of fitness advice do you find yourself repeating to your clients?
Make sustainable goals that work with your lifestyle! If you can't see yourself going to the gym 6 days a week or eating only broccoli and chicken forever, don't start your journey doing those things. Make reasonable changes that you can maintain for the long haul.
What is your favorite workout?
Anything that involves weights! I lift 4 days a week, focusing on different muscle groups each day.
What is your biggest fitness struggle?
Staying fit while abroad! Because I'm often in a new country every two weeks, keeping fit is a challenge. I make it work with a lot of planning ahead.
When you are not picking up weights, you are...?
Experiencing new cultures! I travel full-time while running my businesses and I love visiting new places and seeing new things.
What drove you to start The Whole Experience retreat?
I was living in Bali, the retreat center of the world and noticed that the women attending yoga retreats all fit a narrow profile and demographic. Even as a fitness professional, I felt intimidated to think about joining such a retreat. I felt that there needed to be retreats for women of diverse shapes and backgrounds.
Why did you feel it was important?
Not only did I want to see retreats with diverse attendees, I wanted to see diverse offerings like boot camps and cultural experiences in addition to yoga/mindfulness. I believe in balance and the Whole Experience is a manifestation of this belief.
What do you hope to achieve through the retreat?
I want to create a beautiful and invigorating environment for women who value wellness and travel. Many of our attendees have wanted to travel but are tired of waiting for a friend to come along. These women come alone and leave as part of an amazing tribe!
Why is a focus on overall wellness, not just health and fitness, important for women of color?
Women of color carry so much emotionally, and it's tempting to put our well-being last on our list of priorities. I want to see this change so that women of color are thriving in mind, body and spirit.
Why is it important to have diversity in the fitness industry?
This is simple. We all need inspiration and it's easier to be inspired when you can relate to the people out front.
Ready to dial-in for your own wellness journey or retreat? What’s your getaway destination for the summer?