Tamika Harden

Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?

A. I am a certified personal trainer and life coach with a passion for rejuvenating men and women from the inside out through fitness and wellness. For 16 years and counting I’ve help people transform their mind and body, reaching goals that they once thought was impossible.

Q. Who or What motivated you to be a professional fitness trainer?

A. Growing up overweight I endured negative comments from both children and adults.

The negative comments fueled my determination to do something about being overweight. At the age of 16 years old I used the money I earned from my part-time job to invest into a gym membership. After losing 40 lbs. I fell in love with fitness. This was the first true testament of my power, my ability to change things that I didn’t like. I used negativity to fuel my desire for change. That’s how Body By Tamika was born.

Q. Was there a time in your career you felt like you wanted to give up?

A. Surviving the pandemic has been the most challenging time experienced since the start of

Body By Tamika in 2017. After the lockdown I felt like giving up. Trying to get clients to resume personal training was challenging. In many ways it felt like I was restarting my business all over again. This feeling was frustrating, and I felt like giving up. For months things were tough, and my finances took a hit. But I kept reminding myself faith and fear cannot coexist. You must choose one, I chose faith.

Q. Tell us about your journey being a coronavirus survivor?

A. Many of us were led to believe that the new coronavirus affected only older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions. However, we quickly

learned that this virus doesn’t discriminate, and that people of all ages should take steps to protect themselves from the virus. When I first felt symptoms, I assumed it was the flu. As my symptoms progressed, I began my quest to get tested. Due to lack of testing sites and medical equipment in my area, I was denied twice for testing. I was successful in my 3rd attempt which was about 10 days after the onset of symptoms. One can only imagine what could have happened during those 10 days if my body wasn’t fit to fight COVID-19. After learning I tested positive for the virus my challenge was protecting my 2 children and nanny. I had to monitor my family daily for worsening symptoms, all while trying to stay 6 feet apart from each other while in the home, as instructed by the CDC. Keeping my family safe was a challenge. Quarantining for 14 days after testing positive was also a challenge. I couldn’t leave my home even for essential items.

Q. How do you empower women to get healthy & fit?

A. I led by example and used my strengths and triumphs as tools to show others that with the right plan anything is possible. My mission is to continue to use my platform to inspire and motivate others to embrace a healthy lifestyle. My goal is to normalize the struggles and difficulties associated with starting a healthy lifestyle. We all fall off at times and it's ok. The most important thing is to not give up. Instead hit the reset button and give it another try. I want my clients and virtual followers to know that with the right plan, attitude and mindset, we have the power to change the things we are unhappy with.

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next three years?

A. Owning more than one fitness and body contouring business and expanding virtually.

Q. Tell us some goals you are working on accomplishing?

A. COVID-19 forced me to pivot my business virtually. Virtual training was a future goal of mine, COVID 19 made it happen faster. My goal is to expand my reach and build a successful e-commerce business. Currently

I’m also working diligently to secure a business loan for a huge surprise business venture that I am working vigorously toward for 2022. I have declared it already done. Stay tuned!

Q. How would you describe your future in 3 words?

A. Immeasurable, powerful, limitless.

Q. Are there any events or upcoming projects you are working on?

A. Expanding my online business and securing a new location for Body By Tamika.

Q. Where can the readers follow you?

A.  @bodybytamika  @bodybytamika  bodybytamika.com