Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlena Groomer.
Marlena, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started teaching swimming when I was 16. I was asked to teach children with special needs private lessons and loved it. From there, I got into weight training and teaching fitness classes. Then, at 18, I started a yoga course, personally for anxiety and insomnia. I received my degree in Geology and Philosophy yet never used them for my career. I just loved fitness too much. After a car accident, I was introduced to the Pilates Reformer as my rehab. Helping people, especially those, outside of what we’d consider normal, was and is my absolute favorite. Special populations, children with special needs, athletes with injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation and wounded combat vets became my focus.
I moved to Los Angeles and for a few years, I worked with the West L.A. VA and Wounded Warrior Project teaching yoga and guided meditation to those realizing with physical injuries, PTSD, and TBI. I also worked with several other veteran non-profits. I studied and honed in on MFR to add to my mix. When I moved back to Houston, I (re)started my private boutique business, now, Fitness MisFITs, combining my 26 years of Swimming and Aquatic Rehab, Yoga and Pilates Reformer. I don’t fit the mold of a zenned out yoga instructor. I can’t do half that shit you see on social media. I am a bit unorthodox. There are bad words, talking during classes and laughing. Walls are down. No judgments. I believe no 2 people are the same. They are unique. Different. And, my approach to each persons fitness and wellness is different. Personal. Unique. MisFITs unite!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Haha, definitely not a smooth road! You think you have things under control and life is good. Then the curve balls – divorce(s), yep, plural, bad business partnerships, disasters that halt business. It’s hard being your own boss. No lie. But if you truly love what you do, the money comes. I have started my life over from scratch 5 times now. Worth it every time. I never teach a class, client or lesson and wonder if life could be better. At that moment, even the hard ones – the scared child, the Vet has a flashback, the downright bitchy soccer mom whose shit don’t stink who decides to use her cell phone during your yoga class… it’s still the best.
Please tell us about Fitness MisFITS.
I specialize in the MisFITs. The ones who are different. The injured. The frightened. The nervous. Beginners. Athletes. I don’t care who you are or what happened to you. I want to help and I want to know as much as I can about you (and your injuries). I have ridiculous patience but will push you to do and be your best. I really love my work and you’ll see how differently I do things. You’ll feel better. You’ll learn. Your kids will learn. And, you’ll tell your friends.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Because of my father’s recent cancer diagnosis, I am currently reading books about anti-inflammatory diets. So many diseases are preventable. Both Mark Hyman – What the Heck Should I Eat. And The Gut Balance Revolution by Gerard Mullin.
Pricing:
- Private Swimming, Aquatic Therapy $50/half hour
- Private Yoga, Pilates Reformer $100/hr.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fitnessmisfits.com
- Instagram: the_blonde_misfit
- Facebook: Fitness MisFITs
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
