Finding Yourself in Fitness — The Caroline Doll Blog

Ana, the founder of Rio Fitness in Richmond, is warm and bubbly. Her passion for fitness shines through. But when she said that “skinny doesn’t last unless you’re ok with yourself,” I felt like she was staring into my soul! I knew immediately that the type of training she offers at Rio Fitness was going to be different than what I’ve had at big box gyms.

Like so many dolls, Ana didn’t grow up with sports. She never thought of herself as an athlete. She started running in her 20s because she didn’t like the stress weight gain of being a teacher. Unfortunately, running hurt her knees and she was forced to go to a weight training coach instead. It wasn’t until she started lifting heavy weights that she saw results—and realized that getting the perfect body doesn’t make you happy.

That’s why Ana doesn’t like to focus on aesthetics or language about flat tummies and perfect peach booties. She wants to her clients to move well and be strong for life. Her training centers around challenges, like getting your first pull-up or push-up. (Fun fact: I used to be able to do so many pull-ups!)

That’s why Ana doesn’t like to focus on aesthetics or language about flat tummies and perfect peach booties. She wants to her clients to move well and be strong for life. Her training centers around challenges, like getting your first pull-up or push-up. (Fun fact: I used to be able to do so many pull-ups! I am so ready to start doing them again)

I loved what I was hearing, but I knew—or thought I knew!—that weights are not for me. I come from a family of big body builders. My thyroid doesn’t work. Personal fitness is just not my jam! I did NOT believe Ana when she told me I was going to deadlift 65 lbs…until she told me that she can lift 220!

Ana starts every client with a free consultation. She wants to get to know everyone’s body before deciding what kind of training they need. (She watched me squat before giving me any weights!) By signing up for classes at Rio Fitness, you are also signing up for two one-on-one sessions with Ana! Let me tell you—Ana guided me through some very basic workouts and I am already sold on her style!

Although personal training is available, Ana teaches 5 “Group Personal Training” classes per day. She realized that doing the same workout over and over with individual clients was inefficient, costly, and didn’t lead to the same results in her clients. Plus, class members benefit from the outer accountability and encouragement of working out with the same people!

Dolls, if you (like me) do not think of yourself as an athlete, but battle with insecurity or are just ready to start making healthy choices, we would love to give you a FREE TRIAL with Ana!

PS: She is giving away these super-cute custom water bottles to the first 10 to sign up! They have timestamps on one side so you can see how much you’re drinking and clearly see your goal. In Ana’s words, drinking a lot of water is the most important healthy habit you can build for yourself.

See you at the gym, doll!

XO,