Lizzie Broome is a Group X Instructor at The Edge Fitness Clubs locations in Pennsylvania. We admire her strength and resilience as she pays tribute to her mom this Mother's Day.
"I believe that when you lose someone close to you, you can do good in that person’s name and it becomes an extension of their life. In honor of my remarkable mother, I would like to step out of my comfort zone and share how my fitness journey helped me bounce forward and grow from the most difficult experience of my life.
Everyone faces change, obstacles, and challenges at some point in life. What makes us unique is at what point in time we encounter change and adversity, and more importantly, how we react to it.
When I was 14 my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer, it was an unimaginable thing to live through. I am acutely aware of the resilience my mother demonstrated, not only throughout her life, but particularly in the months before her death. And I am also acutely aware of the impact her death had on all those who had been touched by her life, especially me.
When I lost my Mom Junior year of high school, it felt like I was sucked into a void without any oxygen. Trying to get out of that void to feel like I could breathe again, like one day I could potentially find happiness, find any light, was an incredibly hard thing to do.
However, I found one thing that let me be carefree, gave me a sense of belonging, and made me feel mentally and physically rejuvenated, I found Group Exercise! Something about working out in a group gave me strength, confidence, and hope! If I knew Regina was teaching BodyCombat or BodyAttack I would pick myself up and go to that class because exercise made me feel happy and it even got me to smile!
I fell in love with exercise because of how it makes me feel! Amazed by the incredible physical and mental benefits of exercise I decided to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Minor in Psychology at The University of South Carolina so I could gain a better understanding on how the mind and body functions in relation to exercise.
Following graduation, my fitness journey brought me to The Edge Fitness Clubs where I found a home, inspirational mentors, and a fitness family! I found a place to fulfill my purpose which is to help others improve their mental and physical health through exercise because I know if I can help someone, then it becomes part of my Moms legacy and honors the life that she lived.
Happy Mother’s Day to those who can be with us, and those who are in our hearts!"
-Lizzie Broome
