Ever met someone and felt an instant connection? That’s how it was for me the first time I got on the phone with Caren. I couldn’t decide if I was talking to myself on the other end…or if we had been best friends my entire life and I just had the worst memory ever. Her heart for Jesus is so pure, and her joy is for real CONTAGIOUS. I’m honored to serve others alongside her in Team Iron. Just trust me – you’re going to want to follow her.
Here’s Caren’s story:
In college, I began the attempt to invest in my health, but unfortunately, I was investing in my outer beauty more than my health. This resulted in a 6 year spiral of overexercising and not fueling my body properly. I went in the opposite direction of nearly being diagnosed with a binge eating disorder. The pressure of fitting the definition of beauty as given by the world was so heavy on me, that I was overwhelmed and became a slave to the journey. As I began to seek the Lord and ask Him to become my coach and teach me how I could honor Him with my body and my health, I slowly began to receive the love He had for me and then was more able to love myself and acknowledge that I am enough because He is enough for me.
I moved to America from Egypt in 2000. I had no idea who I was or what my purpose was. I felt lost, confused, empty, and lonely. I tried to find love in all the wrong places and turned to everything BUT Jesus throughout high school. Trying to write my story was turning into a hot mess, so in my senior year of high school I finally surrendered and allowed myself to experience His presence. He healed my heart, reminded me of my Name, and continues to write my story to this day.
So how does Beachbody come in to play? Well, after my husband Graham and I got married, he jumped right into medical school. He requested that I find a home workout program we could do together since he wasn’t going to have a lot of time to get to the gym. That was when we found Insanity. I used to think home workouts were lame until I met Shaun T and the Beachbody programs. I loved how intense, but not too long, each workout was and how the focus of the program was also on how to fuel your body properly. I began to learn how to count nutrients and not calories and invest in my whole health, not just the external. After Insanity, Graham’s time for workouts became shorter and shorter, and that was when T25 had just come out. You bet we invested in it! Ever since, he often joins me in 30 minute workouts and we have both been able to keep each other accountable. My current workout program is Insanity Max30. Oh my, wow. It’s a beast. My #1 favorite program currently. So effective, short duration, modifier track available when needed, and I only need my body weight as equipment. It’s. So. Legit.
I was super skeptical about supplements when I was introduced to Shakeology. I already had a hard time taking regular vitamins! I spent some time researching what it was made of and comparing it to a couple other shakes. I found that, well, nothing really compared to it. Honestly, I decided to try it because I knew that Beachbody would refund me 100% even if I finished the whole bag and said I didn’t like it or see results. So I decided to give it a shot… Let’s just say it’s on home direct and ships every month to me because it HAS made a difference in my energy, cravings, and overall health. I haven’t been sick in 2 years!
In 2014, I remember watching a video about the Marketing Academy that Chalene Johnson runs every year and Michelle Myers happened to be one of her guests on the video! I listened to Michelle’s heart and thought, “That’s my girl. I loved how her heart was sold out for the Lord.” That was all I knew and that was all I needed to know, so I followed her on Facebook. One day she posted about adding to her team, Team Iron. Now at this point, I had attempted the idea of Beachbody coaching nearly four times, but each time God re-directed me and simply said, “Not yet.” However, I heard it as “No.” That’s something I am still working on. Sometimes there’s a green light or a red light, BUT there is also a yellow…clearly that one doesn’t exist in my mind. Thinking Michelle’s desire to add to her team was regarding her clothing or devotional line I thought, “Why not check it out?” As soon as I saw the application and saw the words Beachbody on it, I froze. I spoke with my husband and was immediately saying “Yup, I know the drill, this is a red light.” Graham had hesitated that last several times I brought up Beachbody, but this time when I brought it up, he told me to slow down and to actually look into it. I sought the Lord in prayer and for the first time did not feel a “red light” (or a technical yellow). So, I set up a phone call with Michelle. Instantly I knew she was a leader I could follow, learn from, and grow closer to the Lord through. The rest is history!
My hesitations about coaching included: Will I have time? Am I going to be too salesy? Can God really use this? Answers: I do have enough time because I have learned to be productive, instead of busy, and work smarter, not harder. I use these programs and products every day! So no, I am not salesy, I am simply extending an invitation for those interested. And finally, God is 100% using this.
It’s been a gateway to invest in others physically, mentally, AND spiritually. It’s all connected. What I love most about being a Coach is hearing other people’s stories. Hearing the joy, the pain, the struggle, and the victories. I love meeting new people and being able to grow my friendship community!
Something I didn’t expect to come out of coaching so quickly are the friendships I have made and the ability to re-ignite OLD friendships, even with friends from high school! I thought I shut off that chapter of my book for good, but this opportunity is sparking new conversation and opportunities to spread the gospel and inspire others as they invest in their health.
My mission statement captures the three areas that influence my character 1) Following Jesus 2) Certified Personal Trainer 3) Social Worker (almost licensed!). So my mission statement is: To support and guide women as they find freedom in their health through Christ and prioritize their spiritual, physical and mental self. My life verse is Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” A question that guides me is, “Am I going to see the results of what I am doing now in Heaven?”
Team Iron is unique and has blown me away. The amount of support, encouragement, teaching material, and availability of others has surpassed my expectations. It’s never a competition. We are all running the same race and cheering each other on until we see that finish line!
One thing that Michelle has taught me is the difference between seeking my PERFECTER vs. PERFECTION. She never focuses on how many coaches I should have or helping me get rich quick, it’s always been about loving God first, which influences how I love myself, which impacts how I love and serve others. Period. Investing in my spiritual and professional development is key.
If I could encourage other new coaches like myself, I would say, “Chill, take it slow (yellow light), build relationships, and do everything with the mindset of excellence, not perfection.”
Stay connected with Caren:
Want more info on Team Iron? Click here.
Need help getting started in your fitness journey? Click here.
