09/02/2025
"Sometimes a butterfly blossoms from the hardest places. And often, she doesn’t even realize the strength, beauty, and grace she carries when she finally breaks free. That’s what comes to mind when I think of FWR's September 2025 Client of the Month LaTrece Thompson.
At FWR, our mission has always been to help women feel powerful in the skin they’re in. And Latrece, this is where you’re supposed to be. You’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing. Proud of you and praying that you’re proud of yourself too.
Keep soaring 🦋
Photography Andrea Smith
In her words
A Mind and Lifestyle Shift
This is 56!
For years, I was stuck in a cycle of starting and stopping workouts. Life always seemed too full — being a wife, a mother, working full-time in child welfare, and caring for everyone else. My own needs were always last on the list.
Everything changed in 2018 when my line sisters, Nicole and Marisa, invited me to a medicine ball class at FWR. I remember being completely winded and exhausted, but I survived. Afterward, Marisa encouraged me to try one of Renee’s strength classes, and that’s where my turning point happened.
On May 28, 2018, I lifted weights for the very first time. I left the class feeling both overwhelmed and intrigued — sitting in my car for 30 minutes trying to process what I had just experienced. At first, I thought there was no way I’d come back. But the kindness, energy, and encouragement of the women at FWR kept replaying in my mind. Something in me wanted more.
So, I went back. Then again. The weight started to come off, 10 pounds gone. But then I plateaued. That’s when I had a heart-to-heart with Renee at my first consultation. She told me plainly: “You need to get your mind right and your eating in check.” She educated me on the importance of meal prepping, balancing cardio and strength training, and most importantly — following the plan. At the time, I made excuses.
I had hoped to reach my goal weight by 2019 for my 50th birthday, but it didn’t happen. I had spiraled into bad eating habits. Then COVID hit. I gained back every pound, and more. At over 200 pounds, I was miserable. A health scare during a routine mammogram, followed by a biopsy and surgery (thankfully benign), was my wake-up call. I realized my health could no longer be an afterthought. I told myself: “Get it together. Go back to FWR. Follow the plan.”
Walking back into FWR at my heaviest, I cried at a one-on-one consultation with Renee. I felt so disappointed in myself. But in that moment, I chose to pivot. I chose not to give up. Renee asked me, “What are you going to do?” and this time, I was ready. I decided to fight for myself. I became my first priority.
I started going to the gym. In the past, I was a bit gym shy and only walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. But now, I had fully committed to following the plan Renee created for me. I was in strength training class twice a week. I started meal prepping and, with the support of my husband, who joined me in workouts and even meal changes, I began to push myself harder. At the same time, I focused on balancing my hormones, realizing how much they had been impacting my energy, weight loss, and overall well-being. That shift was key.
Slowly, I began to believe in myself again. My mindset changed. I went from feeling intimidated in the gym to walking in with confidence. I even invested in fun workout clothes, because feeling strong and cute pushed me to go harder.
This was no longer a diet or a phase. It became a Mindshift and a lifestyle.
Today, I’ve lost 45 pounds and I’m not done. My journey has been about more than just weight loss. It has been about rediscovering my strength, my discipline, and my belief in myself.
I’m grateful to Nicole, Marisa, and the incredible women of FWR who supported me when I didn’t even believe in myself. Thank you to my husband, Todd, for the push I needed while at home, And the ultimate THANK YOU goes to Renee for your honesty, your wisdom, and your dedication to making a difference in my life and so many other women.
I didn’t know my own strength before, but now I do.
This journey has transformed not only my body, but my entire mindset about health, strength training, cardio, food, and balance. As Renee always reminds us: “A body in motion stays in motion.”
I am in motion. And I’m not stopping. I have more to accomplish.
LaTrece Thompson
