GROWTH The Pursuit of

After a 10-year battle with an eating disorder resulted in nearly losing her life, Lindsey Peterson, Office Manager at Total Life Center, began a transformative path towards finding purpose, joy, and freedom. Her path began with a treatment program that helped her build a healthy relationship with her body; and evolved into a deep passion to educate and empower others to undergo their own health transformations.

“During my senior year in college I was hospitalized in an inpatient facility with the beginning stages of organ failure. I was neglecting my body and knew I needed help. After graduating from treatment, I had a greater sense of my identity. I had renewed purpose, and excitement, and started enjoying life for the first time. It was a transformative experience.”

After Lindsey moved back home to be near family, she learned that she was not equipped to handle trying times. She found herself having to navigate through a challenging period and her commitment to recovery meant she had lost the only coping mechanism she ever knew. So, when her mother encouraged her to “move her body” to get through the grief, Lindsey went to a gym for the first time in her life.

“I went through some trauma, and I didn’t know what to do or how to deal with all the pain. I was dedicated to changing my life, so I couldn't turn to my eating disorder tactics anymore. Then my mom introduced me to exercise. She said I should start moving my body to help me get through it, and I went to the gym for the first time ever.”

Lindsey developed a love for exercise and got certified as a personal trainer. She began establishing a career and paving her way through the fitness industry. She led group classes, managed a studio, and found joy in coaching her clients; but still felt like there was something missing. Her desire to find the missing link is what ultimately led her to Total Life Center owners, Peta Cohen and Steve Russak.

“I applied to their job post and somehow, they hired me; and I started learning so much from them. It opened my eyes, and I knew that it was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to teach people what true health should look like, and exercise was just one piece of the puzzle.”

Lindsey had a unique first day of work. Her commute involved a flight to Texas where she’d learn about FPC and grasp the breadth of the investment that Peta and Steve made when they chose her among the other applicants.

“My first day on the job - day one, was quarterly. They flew me to Texas, and I didn’t know about FPC and didn’t know what a program was. At dinner, they were very straightforward with me. They told me I had less education and training than their other applicants and said they hired me because of how I spoke and the passion they saw. That lit a fire in me to prove to them that they made the right choice.”

When Lindsey started, the practice lacked systems and there were processes that needed to be built. It seemed overwhelming but she knew she had mentors who wanted to see her succeed in her role, so she decided to take some initiative.

“I asked for permission to lead meetings and put agendas together so that we could make a better use of our time. I wanted us to have action items instead of just talking about things that needed to change. Now when we communicate, we know what the goal is. We don’t chat about what needs to happen; the discussion is focused on how we’re going to make it happen.”

In the last year the Total Life Center team has gone through several transformations including the setup of a CRM system to better serve their members and provide them with more support. Lindsey’s biggest hurdle has been learning to embrace the rapid change, but she says that staying focused on her “ultimate goal” has helped her view adaptability as a service to those around her.

“I always ask myself ‘why am I doing this?’ If you don't know what you’re working towards and aren’t clear on your personal goals, it will be hard to find success and joy in what you do. Understand where you want your life to be and figure out how these daily, sometimes annoying, tasks fit into your ultimate goal. Then you will know exactly how you’re contributing, and how you’re changing your life and the lives around you.”

Lindsey feels honored to be a part of her team and the FPC community. She believes that every conversation that she has with a practice member is an opportunity to give them hope of a better life.

“I am deeply motivated to teach people what true health should look like and am inspired to be an example to others. I want to help educate those who feel hopeless and confused in their health so that they have purpose again, and so they can lead a life worth living.”

By: Mariza Elizondo