For some, fitness is an obstacle, a challenge
to be overcome through self denial. For others, it is an
inconvenience, something that interferes with other priorities. For
others still, it is an awakening, the sudden realization that you
are capable of much more that you had ever dreamt possible.
Meet Lift for Life.com
Model of the Month Mona Liza Reyes, an athlete who discovered the third path.
Mona, or "Mo" as she is often called, filled
her early years with restless activity. Spilling life like water on
a floor, flowing seamlessly between basketball and
track to softball and volleyball. Youth doesn't need an excuse to
be, it just is.
Photo Credit - see
below
As youth
gives way to adolescence, careless abandonment often yields to
insecurities as ones self image falters in the vapor light of peer
pressure. So it was for Mona who suddenly found herself immersed in a world
of self doubt, and doubt is an anchor. It binds the potential of
countless millions and holds them like still life images of what they
might have done if only,,,,,,,,,.
Sports
were a thing of the past, feeling as if she weren't good enough, she no
longer tried. Doubt led to neglect and neglect led to lethargy, and our
model who once carried the title of athlete now wore the moniker of
"Thunder Thighs".
Fueled
by the empty calories of alcohol and fast food, her early twenties found
Mona packing 143 lbs on her barely 5'2" frame. Self esteem faded like a
forgotten dream in the mornings as she tried to force herself into jeans
that would no longer accept her body.
The worst excuse is the one that you can live
with, the one that you believe, but Mona's belief was beginning to
falter. She was tired of how she felt, she was tired of being
overweight, and she was tired of excuses. She knew that she could change
and that the only thing that she needed to do was START.
And
start she did! It was a six month training program in preparation for
the Honolulu Marathon that kindled Mona's physical fire. Perhaps what
fueled the flames even higher were the bets against her.
It was grueling. The hours passed and with each step the
pavement echoed her blows with greater intensity. Legs swelling
in rejection of the abuse, she fought to keep her mind clear and
on the goal, and the goal was simply to finish. No matter how
much it hurt, no matter how stiff she became, no matter how
violently her chest heaved, she only had to finish.
How long does it take to change a life?
7 hours, 19 minuets and 22 seconds. As she crossed the finish
line, the furry of her breath and the pounding of her heart gave
birth to a new world of possibilities.
"If I can do this, what else can
I do?"
Seven months later she became
a figure competitor.
"Seeing the transformation the took place as I dieted, trained
and lifted weights created a healthy addiction, where competing
became my newfound love and passion. I quickly abandoned my old
habits of late night drinking and partying."
Mona Liza Reyes continues to train, compete and inspire others
to accept the possibilities that lies within them. As a
volunteer coach with "Girls on the Run" Mona teaches young girls
the art of fitness as she prepares them to compete a 5K race
during a 12 week program. She also discusses topics to instill
self value, positive body image and self acceptance. Far from
cosmetic, these characteristics have real and lasting value that
these girls will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Because of her commitment to a
healthy lifestyle, for leading by
example, and for helping others to find their own inner strengths,
Lift for Life.com is honored to feature Mona Liza Reyes as
Model
of the Month.
Lift for Life.com Model of the Month
Mona Liza Reyes
To learn more about Mona Liza Reyes, visit her
personal website at
