Gina Valles
Functional Fitness
SOUTH WINDSOR, CT
Gina Valles is fitness coach with a degree in exercise science who founded Gina’s Total Fitness in Connecticut. In 2018, Gina was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which changed her life and outlook on fitness.
+ 3x All-American Lacrosse Player+ Team USA Women's Lacrosse Finalist+ Lyme Warrior+ B.S. Exercise Science
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Mantra:
1%bettereveryday
A Sit down with Gina
Q: What started your fitness journey?
Fitness has always been a part of my life since a young kid. My father owns a retail and commercial fitness equipment business so I started young and was always into sports.
Q: How has Lyme disease affected your fitness journey?
Lyme has completely changed my training and my life. I use to be a TOP athlete where I could perform really high intensity exercise and endurance. Since getting Lyme I have really had to cut back & completely change my program & nutrition but have found something that really works for me now!
Q: What keeps you going?
My story. I am grateful for the hardships I have gone through to teach me gratitude, hard work & to always be better while helping others be there best self.
Q: When did your "1% better everyday" mantra start?
It started after getting Lyme disease. I knew I couldn't go 100% in so I came up with 1% because it's not about perfection it's about those little wins at 1% and those add up over time
Q: What has been your biggest failure? And what did you learn from it?
My biggest failure is probably when I overtrained trying out for TEAM USA Lacrosse Team. It was my dream, I was the only Division III player to make it to the final round. I wanted to make it so bad that I knew I had to be in the best shape ever to keep up with all Division I girls. I trained and trained until I overtrained. I almost ruptured my fascia & couldn't even walk, it was the most pain I had ever been in. I had to give up my spot & it crushed me BUT I learned so much from it & know what overtraining is and how to combat that as an athlete.
Q: What has been your biggest win to date?
Not giving up through any of my losses. Whether that be career, Lyme disease or personal life. I have fallen many times but I will always get back up bigger and stronger.
Q: Who do you look up to?
My Dad. He is the hardest worker I have ever met. He wasn't handed anything & that inspires me to be grateful and to work hard for anything I want in life.
Q: Dog or cat person?
Dog! I have an English bulldog Winston, who is my world.
