Stephanie Twiford, 23, at Crunch Bellmore demonstrates a hammer curl exercise, where she is currently a personal trainer. (Photo by: Antasha ‘Tish’ Islam)

Stephanie Twiford, personal trainer, and micro-influencer wants to show the world how fitness has changed her life. Micro-influencers have a smaller number of followers than the higher-level influencers, but they also tend to have more engaged audiences like Twiford herself targeting people looking for fitness tips and exercises. Micro-influencers have a lower follower count than macro-influencers, such as how Twiford’s Instagram page is currently in the works with her followers in the 300’s. Twiford, a trainer at Crunch Bellmore, NY, says she is currently working to grow her fitness page where she posts content for her followers to have easy access to workouts, healthy recipes, and mental health practices to help them grow.

Her revelation that she needed to embrace a healthy lifestyle came five years ago. “I grew up as the ‘chubby’ kid and spent most of my life insecure,”  emphasizes Twiford, 23, when asked who and what influenced her to become a trainer and influencer. “I found a love for fitness in 2016 when I decided that I was done abusing my body. I researched and learned so much about fitness over the years and fell in love with it.”

One thing Twiford wants her followers to know is, “Don’t be afraid to eat. Food is your friend. You can’t grow without fueling your body.” You might think you have to be in a massive calorie deficit to lose body fat, but you shouldn’t be afraid to eat full, well-balanced meals when you’re lifting weights.

“The quote I live by is: ‘There are always flowers for those who want to see them,’ says Twiford. “Life is only as dark as you allow it to be. When you believe there is light, there will be light.” This mindset, she explains, keeps you positive and pushes you through even your toughest days.

Eating well and exercising are not her only suggestions for a healthy life.“REST. REST. REST.” Twiford exclaims, “Always take time for yourself. Allow your brain to shut off. Push through your hard days, but also accept that listening to your body when it needs a day off is better progression than forcing a workout and ending up strained/injured.” Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood, and even a better metabolism.

Weight-lifting is the main part of Twiford’s workout schedule. “Developing a back injury from trying to progress too quickly was probably my biggest failure, says Twiford. Stressing that rest with patience is key for growth and success, “I learned to take my time and that growth is a long process,” she learned that form is more important than the weight you’re lifting.

“TAKE YOUR TIME,” Twiford emphasizes again. She advises perfecting your form before you start adding weight and making sure you have a “phenomenal” form before going heavier with weight. “It’s a marathon, not a sprint so don’t expect to be lifting super heavy right away like you see your role models doing,” she adds, “you didn’t see the hard part of their journey when they were starting out just like you!”