We had the good fortune of connecting with Regina Sams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Regina, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Never let anyone steal your joy”

Wow, such a powerful statement. At any given moment the smallest action or word can deter your day. When you give power to others to rule over you, you immediately loose control of your day. This quote means that the actions or thoughts of those around you will not overwhelm your happiness. I am a firm believer of being responsible for your own joy and peace. You can not control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to your circumstances. In that, you should never let anyone or anything steal your joy!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In today’s society especially with the influence of social media, many people want to look like someone other than themselves. The millions of waist trainers sold every year, billions of dollars spent annually on cosmetic surgery only confirms this statement. I started my journey in fitness in 2005 as one of those women who wanted a bigger butt, smaller waist line, and perfect hair like I would often see on tv and movies. I fell in love with fitness through admiration of “perfect bodies” not realizing my body was already perfect for me. I was out of shape and overweight being 170lbs at my heaviest.

July of 2013 we lost my grandmother to cancer. Shortly after in December of 2013 I lost my best friend, my mother to Sarcoma Cancer. This was the worst year of not only my own but for all of my family. I went through stages of depression, suicidal thoughts, and isolation. I dropped down to an unhealthy 115lbs. I would lie to many people about why I lost so much weight because I didn’t like talking about the loss of my mother and grandmother. I had to remain strong for my son, as most children watch our every move. In 2017 I suffered a miscarriage at 5 months, which could’ve been a turn for the worst. Losing myself once before due to the loss of my mother and grandmother I decided to take a different approach after my miscarriage. I reached out for help from Fitness Pro Vicki Counts and she coached me for my 1st Figure competition. By far the most difficult mental challenge in my life. The biggest lesson that I’ve learned through fitness is that pain can initiate a beautiful outcome when directed appropriately.

I started Build Your Own Body Fitness™ LLC in June 2016 to help others build the best versions of themselves without the shortcuts. To help both women and men learn to love themselves as they are and embrace every imperfection. To educate those who lack knowledge in fitness and health. Most important to teach others how to direct negative energy into something positive.

I‘ve fought obesity, I’ve fought to gain weight and maintain it, I’ve lost a child and my mother, I’m a mom, I’m a student, I’m a business woman, and most important I’m human. I know what it takes to achieve a healthy mental, emotional, and physical state even with life’s many distractions!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family is the foundation of my success. My late mother always lived her life in the moment. She was never afraid of trying something new. She was the epitome of the jack of all trades. She did what made her happy, even if it meant taking a pay cut until she figured things out. My fearlessness comes from her. I am the youngest of four siblings. My sister Michelle has always been my financial advisor, counselor, business consultant, and most important my prayer partner. At one crucial time in my life I had to decide whether to continue juggling a night job to pay bills or continue to pursue my passion in personal training. While the decision between a steady income and living in your purpose is a difficult one to make the decision became very clear once discussed with my sister.

She asked, “Do you believe that God has called you to be a personal trainer?”
There wasn’t a time of day that I didn’t think of anything else but the gym and my clients. I firmly answered with a yes.
She asked, “Do you trust God?”
I answered, yes of course!
She continued, “Well, if you trust him, then let him lead you and stop trying to lead him where you think is best.”

After this exact conversation with my sister, I left my night job and focused all of my energy into pursuing my fitness career. Fast forward five years later, from a 200sq ft room and a handful of clients to now my own Fitness Center and Cafe. I have helped over a thousand women transform their lives for the better. My mother instilled fearlessness in risk taking and my sister is and has always been my #1 supporter.

Website: www.buildyourownbodyfitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byobgina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byobfitnesscenter

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