Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Gallagher.
Hi Nichole, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
My fitness journey started back in 2012. I had just gotten out of a relationship unwillingly because my boyfriend at the time decided he was going to leave me for another woman. After being depressed about it for quite some time I decided I could not live with the emotions anymore and decided I needed to do something about it. The first thing that came to my mind was working out in order to change my physique and make my ex-boyfriend regret his decision. Somehow that logic seemed reasonable to me in that time. I then joined a cross-fit gym because I knew within the cross fit community there was a big “family feel” environment and I was desperate to be surrounded by people working on the same goal as me, to in turn make my path just a little smoother and a little more enjoyable but also taking my mind completely off my broken heart. When I made my decision of wanting to change my life I googled “cross-fit gyms near me” and randomly chose one that was running a Groupon deal. After meeting the owner and envisioning the possibilities that could arise for me down this path, I signed up. Shortly after signing up my whole world changed. I was now waking up early, (early for me at that time was before 10AM) and I started to explore the world of eating healthy. It wasn’t too long after creating these habits that I became addicted to this new lifestyle. When I came to the realization of what my body and I were now capable of, I realized this is where I was meant to be. I fell in love with bettering myself and from that point on I knew the health and fitness industry was the one for me. I quickly became obsessed with looking for ways of improving in life. I started to love myself. I started to find myself again. For years, in a toxic relationship, I lost myself. During my fitness journey, I discovered what self-love really meant, what it was all about and why it was so important. Fast forward a few years, I became a coach in that same gym that I signed up with years prior. I felt so accomplished because now I was able to be in the same environment and platform that I was in when I was seeking help years prior. Everything in my gut told me “now this is my time to change someone’s life just as my coach and fitness had changed mine.” To this day, I fully believe this experience in my life is where I found myself. I fully believe this was so necessary to happen in order to show me who I want to be and who I’m meant to be. The experience that I thought at the time was the worst thing that could happen to me in life, ended up being the best thing that could’ve happened. It helped me grow in areas I didn’t know needed growth in. It helped me learn lessons I wouldn’t have been able to be taught. Most importantly I found love within myself and that was enough for me. It shaped my into who I am today and matured me to be the strong woman I am now. I will forever be grateful for the lessons I learned in the journey of healing a heartache because it forced me to come out of it stronger and wiser. I am who I am today because of it and till this day I still thank the man that broke me down, because it forced me to build back even better.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely has not been a smooth road. The main struggle initially was staying focused for me. Not allowing emotions to control my actions. There were times I would be in the gym and break down in the middle of training because I would get lost in thought of how I thought I could’ve been better for a man who at the time was unworthy of better anyway. I struggled with learning that the issue wasn’t with myself not being good enough for this man, but learning that the issue was with himself and lack of self-love. When you really learn to love yourself, you realize who doesn’t. Lifestyle changes in general are never easy. I went from being that girl who would go out every weekend drinking with her girlfriends and endless nights downtown to disciplining myself to wake up early the next day. With almost no one holding me accountable except myself. Creating healthy habits after I left the gym also took some time. As I learned more, I realized it was in my best interest to continue these healthy habits after I leave the gym as well. There has been many smooth patches along the way, but life in general is all a mixture continuous hills and valleys if you ask me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently hold a full time position as a chiropractic assistant. Aspiring chiropractor, part time kettlebell coach and influencer. I am most proud of my health sciences degree because I did it on my own and I remained resilient and goal oriented through some of the hardest times.
Contact Info:
- Email: Nicholegallaghr@yahoo.com
- Website: Kettlebell-queen.com
- Instagram: Kettlebellqueen_
Image Credits
Johnny Alamillo (@focusbreathecapture | @johnnytaquitos)
