What Doesn’t Challenge You, Doesn’t Change You

By Caitlin Kelly

Special to Lakeshore News Reporter

It has been more than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic turned the lives of many people upside down. Between early fears of the unknown, ever-changing restrictions, and lockdowns, the pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of many. Additionally, the pandemic has impacted small businesses everywhere. One of those small businesses required to adapt to the restrictions was AshAttack Fitness Training. 

AshAttack offers virtual personal training, and both indoor and outdoor in-person bootcamps. Ashley Marchand, owner/operator of AshAttack Fitness Training, indicated she has always been active, stating “I always loved to move my body in a way that feels good”. 

At 18 years old, Ashley started a job in the daycare at a local gym. Ashley recalled watching aerobics classes, hearing the music playing, the instructor’s motivating words, and seeing the way the participants looked up to the instructors. It was then Ashley reported she began to idolize the instructors, watching and learning as much as she could, recognizing a desire to work in the fitness industry.

Fast forward six months and Ashley had completed her first Personal Training Certificate and she slowly and with a lot of hard work was able to build her own clientele. 

Ashley soon realized she wanted more and felt driven to push her limits. Ashley reported taking a “leap of faith” and decided to open her own fitness training business. In May 2015, Ashley was ready to start advertising the opening of AshAttack Fitness Training. 

The journey opening a successful fitness training business was not always smooth. As a young adult, Ashley described being faced with depression and anxiety, often turning to alcohol to cope with these feelings. Through therapy, healing, and learning healthier ways to cope with mental health symptoms, she stated she developed love for herself and her body. She described incorporating mindful movement into her routine as a healthy way to cope with heavy emotions. Today, Ashley stated she is able to maintain a physically and mentally healthy life, which allows her to be the best version of herself and, in turn, the best motivator and support for her clients. 

During the pandemic, Ashley recognized the impact the restrictions and uncertainty were having on her own mental health and that of her clients. From her own experience, Ashley was aware of the benefits of movement and staying active. Early in the pandemic, Ashley began posting virtual fitness challenges to keep her clients active. During the second lockdown, Ashley took this a step further and began offering her bootcamps in virtual format. The clients were not the only ones to benefit from the virtual classes. Ashley reported feeling a shift in her own mental wellness, highlighting the positivity she felt having families join classes from the comfort of their homes, “witnessing the happiness and joy while the world was falling apart”.

One of Ashley’s long-term clients, Tina H., credited Ashley’s open and authentic training style with assisting her to remain motivated. Tina indicated Ashley has been able to create a special fitness family, where everyone feels welcome and accepted regardless of their experience level. 

Ashley focusses her classes on body positivity and positive self-talk, seeking to help every client feel comfortable in their own skin. Ashley prides herself on creating a safe space for clients to work on their physical and mental wellness, and she provides a unique opportunity for clients to become part of the AshAttack “fitfam”, where they will find support, encouragement and positivity. 

AshAttack Fitness Training has the motto “what doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you” and Ashley provides a supportive, accepting outlet for clients to learn just that. If you are ready to make a commitment to yourself and your health, AshAttack Fitness Training can be found on Facebook, or Ashley accepts email inquiries at pomainville90.fitt@gmail.com.