#RIPPEDFamily, we’re pleased to present our November R.I.P.P.E.D. and RUMBLE MVP’s Aiko Thomasson and Tara Dotson. We’re sure many of you have seen these two ladies showing off their classes in our Family Facebook group. What you may not know is these two have so much in common, besides their passion for our fitness family and the R.I.P.P.E.D. formats.
Aiko and Tara both have traveling military families, which means it can be difficult to lay down R.I.P.P.E.D. roots in one community. But these ladies didn’t shy away from the challenge. Learn how both Aiko (who is based in the UK) and Tara (who is currently in Washington State) turned their obstacle into an opportunity to share R.I.P.P.E.D. and RUMBLE to the world.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What do you enjoy most about R.I.P.P.E.D.?
Aiko: What I love the most is that you can get full-body fitness experience with such a well-balanced program. And of course, I can’t forget about the original music.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How has R.I.P.P.E.D./RUMBLE impacted your life? What changes do you see?
Aiko: OMG! R.I.P.P.E.D. changed my life completely. I was not the fitness type at all. But after taking my first class, I got hit by lightning. And one and half years later, I am a certified personal trainer and certified group fitness instructor. You just never know.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How does it feel to be chosen as an MVP? How have you grown as an instructor this year?
Aiko: Being an MVP is super special to me. I started my class one year ago in the UK. We are active duty military so it was not easy to start teaching right after our move to the UK. But so many showed support and love, and now my class has recently celebrated its 1-year anniversary! So this MVP title means A LOT to me. I feel so lucky thinking about my team UK and all the #RIPPEDfamily’s love around me.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: Do you have any inspiration for people who have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but think it’s too hard?
Aiko: There is no easy way to grab your dream and goal, you just need to believe in yourself and go forward even though baby steps. You are the only one who can change you.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: What do you enjoy most about RUMBLE?
Tara: RUMBLE, as I would put it, is my JAM! It provides that excellent calorie-burn with great endurance work for the heart and lungs. And the movements have increased my flexibility, toning and mind to muscle coordination. I Iove watching my participants get the combination down and put their power into it.
“There will always be changes for me, but my focus is on the community around me and that’s where I’m hoping to make an impact.”
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How has R.I.P.P.E.D./ RUMBLE impacted your life? What changes do you see?
Tara: Both programs have given me great inspiration to give to others on the fitness level and personal level. I’ve never seen such involved and friendly instructors as these programs provide, and I’ve never had so much energy all day long, especially when you dial in the D(Diet)! As a military family we move quite often and I am thankful that I can teach no matter where we end up. And when we are set to move again, I hope to leave behind other instructors to keep this format going in Washington State for the benefit of participants who want to make a real change.
R.I.P.P.E.D.: How does it feel to be chosen as MVP? How have you grown as an instructor this year?
Tara: I was TRULY shocked to be chosen as the November MVP. I had to move from Arizona to Washington State this year and was nervous to learn that there were only two gyms in the area that I could possibly work in. I dialed in the D (Diet) and did the R.I.P.P.E.D. 2 Fit Challenge, working out in my living room. Instead of focusing on being hired during that time, I invited my new neighbors to join me at the local community center where I practiced. I then began coordinating with fellow instructors in the area to find places where I could offer it for free. I traveled 3 hours away to do demos at the fair and at a gym with other instructors just to keep up with the excitement of it. After my husband finally moved up from Arizona, I was asked to demo RUMBLE at the local martial arts gym and was hired with great excitement. I have an amazing gym that is in full support of my programs and new participants who love the formats. My goal is to change lives. I am inspired to be a healthier me every day, but I want others to feel as good as I do!
R.I.P.P.E.D.: Do you have any inspiration for people who have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle but think it’s too hard?
Tara: One day at a time, one small goal at a time, because where you are each day is the perfect place to begin again.
