VIP Spotlight: Morgan Ross Weight-Loss Journey

VIP Client Morgan Ross

Tells her story of how she decided to change her life, lose weight, and gained the courage to take her life back.

Okon has had the honor of working with incredible women over the past 8 years, and Morgan has been an absolute dream client. Everything is interconnected, which is something many of us learn as we start to evolve from wanting to lose weight, to wanting to just FEEL GOOD overall. 

One of the greatest challenges for most in making a big lifestyle change, is taking that first step. And almost 7 month ago she decided that time was now. 

So here is her story, in her own words. 

Who is Morgan?
I am a single mom at the tail end of the most difficult year in my life, divorce, reframing what "family" looks like, personal growth. I am an Account Manager at a Digital Marketing agency. I am a Type A, sarcastic, coffee addict, and recovering people pleaser. I am an over the top singer and dancer that gets 5 star reviews from two year olds :)

What made you want to start your fitness journey?
I was going through a rough time personally and decided I could either live within that darkness or rise out of it. It was my chance to transform into the person I have always wanted to be. On top of that, I lost my father in 2021 and am a firm believer that if he would have made healthier choices he would still be here. I want to be the healthiest, strongest, happiest version of myself for my children and for myself. 

What is some advice to someone who is just getting started?
Keep going. Angie always says little by little adds up. And that is so true. 1 pound a week, 2 pounds a week may not feel like big shifts, then months later, you are a new person. Make the commitment to yourself, to the program. Push past the imposter syndrome. When I first started going to the gym, I had never lifted weights, I felt like everyone was judging me, I felt like I didn't know what I was doing. NO ONE IS LOOKING AT YOU. Just show up and do your thing. Vibe to your music, be present in your body. Even now, starting my third round of VIP, my brain hasn't fully caught up with my body. I am not on a diet, this is my diet. I don't have to go to the gym, I get to go the gym.  
 
What inspires you most?
The way my body feels. Only a few weeks in I was sleeping better, my mood improved, my digestion was on point. My daughters. I want to be a strong woman they can look up to. I want to keep up with them, play with them, meet the level of toddler energy they exude (still working on this one :). I want to be an example to them. 

Angie, I followed her on instagram and I would say, "someday when this", "someday when that", I will sign up. But that way of thinking, that day would never come. So I just did it. She is the biggest cheerleader, a wealth of knowledge and support. Her holistic approach is SUCH a good fit for me and pushes me to keep going. 

What have been the biggest obstacles getting started?
"What if I fail?" That was always my mentality when it came to working out, getting healthy, and losing weight. Counting myself out before I could even get started. But I signed up and I just keep asking myself, "What if I succeed?"

Why did you choose to work with Angie Marie as your coach?
I followed Angie on Instagram for years. She seemed like a badass and she seemed so real. What I didn't know when I finally signed up is how genuine she is. She is raw, she's been through it and she is an inspiration to push, to show up, to commit to yourself. She is the definition of "women supporting women" and it's so clear that it is in her DNA. As a client I know I can depend on her.


We hear you are a new momma -- How exciting! Do you feel this program has helped you with becoming a new parent?
Absolutely. The amount of energy I have today vs. 6 months ago is wild. I am able to be present and keep up with the busy toddler stage. I am also sleeping better, my head is clearer. I feel more myself than I ever have.
 
Being a busy hard working woman, how have you managed all the things in your life?
I wake up very early :) 

I try to start my day with a cup of coffee and a workout. It sets the tone for my day. 
One thing I have learned from Angie is how to manage when that plan doesn't work out. Life happens and instead of letting interruptions snowball, for example, I didn't get my work out in, so today is shot I might as well eat terrible too. I can compartmentalize, that was a bad moment. I don't let a bad moment, turn into a bad day, turn into a bad week. I just keep doing the next right thing for me. 

 
Have those around you been supportive?
I have a lot of support. I have a family of cheerleaders. There have been moments where people question me, work events, happy hours, etc. The "one fry won't kill you" "one drink isn't going to hurt" especially in the beginning. But even those people have seen my transformation. 

Do you have any affirmations or sayings that you live by everyday?
 

"Do the next right thing."

I can do anything for one minute. (except wall sits... haha)

A fellow bootcamper once said during the middle of a set, "like childbirth, this will end" and I think about that a lot. Shout out Gabby

"I can and I will"

Tell us some fun facts about you...

I am healthier and happier and more authentically myself than I have ever been.

My secret to enjoying treadmill and stair stepper is Audiobooks, I look forward to doing them now because I want to know what's next

Favorite healthy meal Oatmeal with a peach and cinnamon
Favorite cheat Spicy Salmon Sushi Roll with all the sauce and crunch 

Favorite lift Dumbbell pullovers & Dumbbell Overhead Tricep Extensions

Favorite physical trait on you I have muscles that I can see for the first time EVER. Back muscles?!? What!?!

Also my face, I feel like I look younger and happier than ever. 

We hope you enjoyed reading Morgans story! She has been a pleasure to work with, and it has been an honor to be part of her journey!

If you are inspired by Morgans VIP journey, you are a click away from changing your life :)

Start your fitness journey today.