Client Spotlight: Raquel Tobian

Dec 20, 2021

 by Hannah Bouldin

I started my fitness journey (again) in September 2020 and joined FabYOUlous fitness shortly thereafter. At the time, the stress of COVID had led to weight gain, an even more sedentary lifestyle (courtesy of telehealth), and no balance between work and my personal life. I was unhappy with how I looked and felt physically and tired of burning myself out at my job. I wanted to get back in control of my life by finding balance and prioritizing my own needs and well-being. I am a therapist, so I tell my patients the importance of this ALL THE TIME. I have embraced this sentiment at various times throughout my life, but had got really off track with the stressful changes due to COVID and allowed my job to run over into my personal time which left me feeling exhausted and unmotivated.

I started by leaving work on time, changing my diet, and then introduced exercise. I joined FabYOUlous Fitness in the fall to ensure that when my motivation waned over the winter months, I had accountability and support to keep me going. I have loved FabYOUlous fitness since day one. I have never felt judged there, have had MANY laughs, and look forward to my classes. I am not a person who loves to work out, particularly when I am 'out of shape,' but the amazing women at Fab make it an enjoyable atmosphere filled with encouragement. I actually want to go to my workouts and get pretty salty if I have to miss them. In my time there, I have gained strength, dropped 2 pants sizes, lost 25 pounds (and counting), and learned to actually love my body again. I am still at a weight, which at a former time in my life would have been 'heavy,' but I look in the mirror and love what I see because I love my body for what it can do, how strong it is. I have more energy, sleep better, and am finding my balance (both literally and figuratively). For anyone considering joining, I strongly encourage you to do it. You will never regret investing in yourself and your health. This is one investment that always pays off.

Q & A with Raquel

Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote? 

"Once in a while you get shone in the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right." --Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead. For me, this means that even in the darkest of times or when things aren't going well, you sometimes get a revelation or epiphany if you're able to change your thinking. As a therapist, this really resonates with me. I was also a bit of a hippy in high school, so this has been my favorite quote for more years than I care to admit.

Q: What are your personal health and fitness goals? 

When I was younger, my goals were always around weight loss. As I have matured and really come into the person I want to be, my goals have shifted to focusing on my health and well-being. My goals are centered around feeling stronger and appreciating my body for what it can do.

Q: What ONE thing keeps you most focused and motivated to continue to work hard to reach your goals? 

Seeing the positive changes in how I feel physically and emotionally. This has shown up in many ways, I have more energy, I sleep better, I am stronger, and my clothes fitting better doesn't hurt either. From an emotional standpoint, I manage my stress better and have been able to have a more balanced life.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with us? 

I found FabYOUlous Fitness online, through Facebook, at a time when I had just started making a healthy transition and really wanted to make a full commitment to my health and knew I needed the support to be consistent.

Q: What kinds of milestones have you accomplished and what specific results have you achieved so far? 

I have lost over 25 pounds! My strength and endurance has improved tremendously and was able to start running again. I have also had success in changing my diet by meal prepping lunches and cooking more at home.

Q: What is your “word” of the year?!

Balance

Q. What made you decide to want to join FabYOUlous Fitness?

My first day there I felt completely welcomed and I have felt that everyday since. There is no judgement there, lots of laughter, and all the support and encouragement you can imagine.

Q. What kinds of results have you achieved so far?

I have lost 25 pounds, dropped 2 pant sizes, and become much stronger. I actually love my body again and that is the best result.

Q. What would you say to someone on the fence about making a change & committing to their goals?

You will never regret investing in yourself and your health. This is one investment that always pays off.