Lekia Kiki

TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY –

Lekia Kiki from STRONGSIDE Woodstock

“Growing up in Nigeria, I was always the fat kid in school, but that never stopped me! I loved dancing, swimming, riding my bike, roller skating, and of course eating lol. I got teased quite a bit in high school, but somehow, that also didn’t phase me.

When I came over to the States after graduating high school, I fell more in love with food and just let myself go. I didn’t realize how bad it got, until I saw a picture of myself (like REALLY SAW). And that was a woah moment. It also didn’t help that I went through a relationship breakup (college fun times right??), but in hindsight, that was the beginning of my journey to fitness and I didn’t even know.

I fell in love with fitness and trained so hard that people thought I was a college trainer. I was beyond proud of myself! This once fat kid is not a fit kid.

Few years later, after marriage and kids, I was still able to maintain some level of fitness. March 2020, I was ecstatic when i realized I was almost back to pre pregnancy weight, and then Covid happened!! And boy did I let myself go hard! My weight shot up to 225lbs (heaviest I had ever been) and again, I didn’t even realize it.

My wake-up call was on a random day, going up the stairs up at home, and I had to catch my breath. That was a huge eye opener! I had been seeing Kristi’s workout stories (at a different gym at the point) and was just amazed! She tried a good number of times to get me to join the gym, but I had lost all confidence in myself. I didn’t know how to start back again, but I knew I had to do.

Fast forward to 2022, I ended up joining the gym and Kristi at this point had left to STRONGSIDE. Again, I kept seeing her fb stories and wondering what this STRONGSIDE was. She told me to consider joining, but I was apprehensive.

November 2022, I finally decided to sign up for the 7 day pass, and thought to myself “I don’t have to join, I’m just going to check it out”. The moment I walked through the doors, I was immediately welcomed on a high (Shout out to Chris and Zach) and that made half the nerves disappear. My body was so sore, but I just knew this was it! This was more than a gym, this was a community.

In less than a year, I have been able to do things that I never imagined. From running again after an Achilles injury many years ago, to deadlifting 225lbs (275lbs I’m coming for you). I am now down to 208lbs and I feel GREAT! I still have a long way to go, and I am excited for what’s to come. I am more confident in myself, in my walk, and everything else, and I owe it all to the wonderful STRONGSIDE team and Kristi for gently nudging me  .

Thank you so much for not only changing my fitness level, but also changing my mindset and always having a welcoming atmosphere.”

-Lekia Kiki