Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaure Moorehead.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Isaure. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since the age of seven, I’ve been involved in various sports; however, I found myself most dominant in track and field. Although I did not pursue sports in college, I maintained an extremely active lifestyle and could always be found running around campus or in the gym, throwing around the weights like the best of them.
One day, after being rushed off to the hospital due to a bad case of rhabdomyolysis (a disorder caused by “traumatic injury to the body” which, in my case, was overexertion in the weight room coupled with a lack of water and proper food consumption- Without my knowledge, my muscle tissue had broken down and gotten into my bloodstream causing kidney failure.) Approximately a month later, I noticed that I was twitching often and losing control of my movements. In January of 2007, I was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. I went from the “fit chick” to the “sick chick” in a blink of an eye.
As years went on, I struggled with bouts of severe depression (influenced by drug abuse, alcoholism, and low self-esteem), masqueraded by a thriving social life, loud laugh, and hectic work schedule – when suddenly it dawned on me, I can’t live this way anymore. I was having seizures on a regular bases without any obvious triggers. I had lost all control of my life- both physically and mentally. So, December 2012, I made the decision to quit my job in Chicago, IL and move home to Houston, TX and focus on regaining not only my health but my sense of self and well-being.
After participating in a study conducted by Mark Harris on the effects of Ketogenic Diets, Exercise, and Fatloss, I noticed my seizures slowly start to decimate. It was around this time that I also reignited my passion for fitness. I began to train for my very first bodybuilding show (within the bikini division) and stepped on stage November 2014. Exactly one year later, I won my first show. On September 3, 2016, I received my Pro Card at the Poseidon Classic.
During this time, I focused on truly learning about dieting and how the body uses and reacts to the foods that we consume. I began working with a nutritionist, Keith Klein and doing a plethora of investigative work on my own while also working as a volunteer for The Epilepsy Foundation in their Get Fit program – where I later was hired as a trainer. I also completed graduate school at Rice University while receiving my personal training certification as well. In addition, I began participating in triathlons, completing my first half IRONMAN70.3 on October 30, 2016, and my first full IRONMAN140.6 on April 20, 2017. I’ve even ventured over to China to compete in one for the worlds top 5 most difficult marathons: The Great Wall Marathon. Let’s be real, I thought I was going to die of dehydration… but I MADE IT! I even, more recently, finished my first MS150.
On May 21, 2016, I completed my masters program by presenting my capstone entitled, “Scared Stiff: Epilepsy and the Effects of Ketogenic Diets and Exercise” which created an in-depth picture of my personal struggle with epilepsy and how proper nutrition and increased exercise has taken me from consuming 14 pills a day to ZERO (except for emergency situations).
I am proud to say that all of these experiences are the building blocks and solid foundation for my own personal training company, IzzyMo Fitness & Nutrition.
So, to bring this long-winded story to an end, MY PASSION FOR FITNESS AND NUTRITION STEMS FROM MY CONSTANT DESIRE TO THRIVE, NOT MERELY TO SURVIVE! I urge everyone to live a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE and live their lives to the absolute fullest.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
God never said life was going to be easy. So I never expect things to run smoothly. I expect obstacles and tribulations. I expect to fail… over… and over. Until, BOOM, I win! God didn’t put us on this earth to fail. And this is exactly how I live my life. Prior to returning to Houston in January 2013, I struggled with alcohol and drug abuse. I would even go to the extent of describing myself as a functioning alcoholic. However, I would bypass the functioning part. I was KNOWN for over drinking and having seizures on the regular. It was so common that even my friends would carry extra medicine on them just as back up. However, my seizures had gotten so bad that I no longer even knew my triggers. Actually, let me share a story with you to properly describe the extent of my situation:
“My disappearance has gone unnoticed. My shortness of breath is presenting itself and I’m swaying back and forth, eyes closed, trying to stay steady on a rickety bar stool. The guard approaches me and tells me I need to leave. I reinforce that I’m not drunk. That I gave up drinking for lent. That I am going to have a seizure. But he aggressively grabs me by the arm anyway. My vision starts to cut out as I stumble, trying to keep up with the guard and not vomit. He pushes through the crowd and drags me to the first floor. I am no longer walking in any true fashion. Simply stumbling. I don’t remember going outside. I don’t remember anything. All I know is that it’s the middle of winter in Chicago, IL and the group of girls, whom with I originally went to the club, is standing over me in a side alley. Apparently, I was thrown out and placed on the pavement. Discarded like trash. Mistaken for a drunkard. How can you leave me to die? Does he not realize that there is snow and ice on the ground? Can he not see that I have no jacket and my shaking is the result of a seizure? Of course, he does. But how can you not care? We all get in a taxi and go home. I have been outside in the cold for approximately 30-45 minutes but fully recovered from a sudden epileptic attack. My energy is back, but I still can’t fully understand how I ended up in my nice slacks and heals on the frozen cement. If it weren’t for God, I would be dead. Why won’t He just let me die? This just isn’t fair.”
After my return to Houston, after finishing my graduate schooling at Rice, after firmly deciding that I, indeed, have no desire to return to corporate America, I found myself faced with the fear of success. Yes, that is a real thing. I would ask myself, “What if you really do pull this off? What is it all for?” Coming up with the answer to my “why” proved to be much more difficult that I could imagine. Ultimately, I uncovered that I am not on a journey of personal success, but I am on one for my future children. I am determined to be the building block for generational wealth within my family. I wish to have something that my children can either maintain or sell.
However, with ZERO education on business/entrepreneurship I find myself “stuck” from time to time and scared to make a move in ANY direction in fear of- what?- IT ACTUALLY WORKING?! Once, I overcome that fear, I always end up with an amazing outcome. But it always cycles back around again.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with IzzyMo Fitness & Nutrition, LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
IzzyMo Fitness and Nutrition is more than just a personal training company. Yes, we focus on transformations, but not in the typical sense. I have found that all transformations start with the mind. Knowing WHY a client comes to me is imperative. It’s never as simple as they say. It’s never, “Oh, I want to shrink/grow my butt.” or “I want to get abs.” It’s always deeper. Many people come looking for happiness and validation or seeking a safe place to vent or disappear from the stress of their “real life” for a few minutes. Yes, I can make you burn 800 calories in an hour, but if you are psychologically in bad shape, you will never reap the reward. Why? It’s highly possible that your cortisol levels are through the roof simply due to worry or stress or you’re an emotional eater (either consuming too much or too little calories in a seating).
However, mental health isn’t only a factor for “lifestyle” clients. If you are a fitness competitor, body dysmorphia plays a huge role. Caloric and macro counting can start to run your life. Foods may become a reward and punishment system. All to stand on a stage and be judged by people who will ultimately tell you if you look up to par using subjective measures.
As a CEO, I have devised a particular training method that I have called The IzzyMo Method, which is a built around creating healthy, sustainable lifestyles tailored for the individual. First, we tackle the psychological component. I look for energy shifts (How do you feel when you walk into the gym? How hard are you working while with me? Are you voluntarily looking for ways to expedite your process? Are you complaining about your work/life/family less? Do you even bother to show up?) We discuss 30, 60, 90-day goals and your “overall goal.” and then devise a plan working backward.
I’d love to say that I’m known for my results – but I’m not. I’m known for my positive energy. I truly believe that everyone is created in God’s image and He simply doesn’t make any mistakes. Everyone has the right to FEEL beautiful and confident, regardless of what stage you are in your journey. My opinion on what you should look like is irrelevant. I want you to be able to stand in the mirror and love everything about yourself. Then from there, see what you can improve on. I care about a person’s health way before I care about their appearance. Once, your mental health is in check, your interior health (blood pressure, high cholesterol, visceral fat, etc.) will follow, and the physical exterior will naturally reveal itself.
I personally specialize in body sculpting and weight management. I have a deep interest in nutrition and the role it plays in weight management. My training style, as I’m told, appears relatively intimidating. However, LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING! I tailor my programs based on the individual’s abilities. I love creative plyometric movements, but I’m also aware that every “advanced movement” need a “beginner” and “intermediate” step. That beginner step typically is a functional movement where the focus is on hip/knee alignment, balance/core strength, and cardiovascular and muscular endurance. I attempt to introduce various mediums of training styles to accomplish this lifestyle transition including, but not limited to, battle ropes, kettlebells, triathlon training (swim, bike, run), resistance training, HIIT workouts.
In addition, I offer different class settings. I have small groups, semi-private, and private training options for clients to choose from. I’ve learned that accountability is the key to success, so I encourage a family feel. You can find my clients doing extra cardio together. In addition, we may all come together for breakfast or dinner. I find these perfect feeding times ideal for teaching HOW to order food in a healthy manner. I think this is pertinent to success because, even though we trainers advocate for clients to cook their own meals, we must recognize that dining out with friends and family is simply part of a NORMAL lifestyle.
As a company, I am proud of what we stand for. I invite everyone to join the IzzyMo Movement. It’s a movement designed to IMPROVE you as a person, not CHANGE you. I’m not in the business of redesigning God’s creations. First of all, THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU! However, none of us are perfect. The IzzyMo Movement fosters healthy minds, bodies, and spirits by building confidence, acceptance, and understanding of one’s self and using this as fuel to ploy through any and all physical fitness goals. I think this is what sets IzzyMo Fitness apart from everyone else. My main focus is on simply making you happy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am excited to announce that I am actively building out my own team of personal trainers that will specialize in a variety of things. I believe the key word is “personal.” I am not the best fit for everyone. I come with a bubbly, talkative personality that may not vibe well with you. And guess what… THAT’S OKAY! My team will be as diverse as our clientele ranging from PT, endurance, body sculpting, nutritionists, and lifestyle coaches. I think that our team will be an amazing one-stop shop for people’s TOTAL WELLNESS needs.
Additionally, I will be participating in speaking engagements not only pertaining to fitness related topics, but also to bring awareness on issues such as Epilepsy, mental health, and overcoming obstacles.
My goal is to touch and help as many individuals as possible.
Pricing:
- Rise and Grind: Group Training focusing on total body weightloss – 20 session for $200/mo
- 30 min Private and Semi Private Training Packages – Starting as low as $35/session
- 60 min Private and Semi Private Training Packages – Starting as low as $65/session
Contact Info:
- Address: 4665 Southwest Freeway,
Houston, Texas 77027 - Website: www.IzzyMoFitness.com
- Phone: 281.627.6681
- Email: izzymofitness@gmail.com
- Instagram: @IzzyMoFitness
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/izzymo-fitness-and-nutrition-houston
Image Credit:
Pictured: Isaure Elizabeth Moorehead (me); Photographer: James Allen (Jedi picture), Charming Charlton (pink picture)
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.
