“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV). Those gifts are meant to be used to touch others’ lives.
Alex and I started AAP Fitness six years ago after I lost 80 pounds and experienced a life change. I was at a sad and sick state in my life, overweight with little self-confidence, when I realized a change was needed. Though I started my weight loss journey before meeting Alex, it was not until I met him that I learned the dire importance of nutrition and weight training. He molded and shaped me not only physically but also emotionally. I became like a new person, inside even more than out.
I look back at my journey to health and realize that God carried me through my challenge of being overweight and unhappy. He helped me to overcome my situation, so that I could use my victory to give Him glory. Through this trial, I was given the gift to understand and help others who are struggling with weight or eating issues. I can relate, sympathize, and apply techniques that at one time helped me in my very own journey.
Alex was blessed with the gift of intelligence and strength. He was embarking on the path to becoming a doctor when we met. As time brought our hearts closer together, it became abundantly clear to me that he was not happy, and this was not his purpose.
God has a unique way of opening doors and revealing His purpose. He knows where He wants to place us long before we do. Through my discussions with Alex, he began to realize that he was working toward becoming a doctor for all the wrong reasons. His heart was not in it, and I knew that God had other plans. Following this revelation, the dream was birthed in our hearts to start a business to help others—AAP Fitness.
AAP Fitness began in a 200 square-foot garage full of Alex’s old gym equipment. We had no knowledge of how to run a business, but had a dream and desire to help others. Things went smoothly and AAP literally exploded! We knew that we were on the right path, and God was opening doors that only He could open. I look back now at some of the things that we did when starting AAP and I know that it was only God above directing us.
We expanded to 400 square feet less than a year after opening. We moved all of our furniture to my father’s house and turned our living room and kitchen into a gym. After another year and many more blessings, it became clear that we needed our own commercial space. This is when we made our move to Cory Lake Professional Center. AAP began operating out of a 600 square-foot facility and later upgraded to 900 square feet. As of last month, after many answered prayers, AAP Fitness expanded to a gorgeous 1,600 square-foot location complete with a commercial kitchen. This is where we will have our newest addition – AAP Fit Café featuring Organic Life Coffee. This is a huge testament to God’s amazing grace and love! We have had five locations in six years! My purpose is not to focus on the story of AAP and our growth, but to truly to Magnify HIM!
We started with NOTHING, literally. We had a dream and a vision to use our God-given gifts to help others improve their lives. Without God directing us and opening these doors, AAP would not exist today. God does not entrust us with that which He knows we cannot handle. To whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48).
In the beginning, things grew so fast that we started to take our eyes off the Lord. We began to focus more on running our business and less on letting God run it. As money was coming in, we began to spend more and more and live the “high life.” We were taking advantage of all that we had been given in the wrong way. With the pressures and demands mounting up, we almost lost everything. Our relationship began to crumble and we found ourselves becoming worldly.
Because we were not good stewards of what we had been blessed with, we had to overcome some challenges. We were not following our “manual” on how GOD wants us to live. You see, the Bible is the Book of Life containing answers to everything from money to relationships to your health.
Thankfully, through God’s grace and understanding, we were able to regain our focus on what matters and Who matters. When we went through these tough trials, we became stronger. We became more confident of our purpose in this world. Our gifts were strengthened, our relationship grew closer, and our business flourished even more.
After all of these valuable lessons, God entrusted us with even more. He opened doors for us to be in this beautiful location that at one time was only a dream. We now have the space to do all that God has planned for us. With our new location and the AAP Fit Café in the works, there is much to be thankful for.
I have always had a dream to teach foster children the importance of health and nutrition. Now, we have a place to do just that. Just as I used to say when I was a child – God is good. God is great. Live by His Word. Trust in His Word. Trust in His plan for your life and you will see all of the gifts that He promises.
Remember that in life your greatest struggles and weaknesses can become your greatest victories and strengths. With God’s help, you can overcome any trial and, in turn, you are given the opportunity to use your gifts to help others. The next time you are faced with a challenge, remember that with God ALL things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Trust in Him!
Alex and Ashley are both certified personal trainers. They reside in Wesley Chapel with their 4 furry children. Alex and Ashley have owned AAP Fitness for the past 6 years and have
a team of 4 certified Elite AAP Fitness trainers!
