Ashley may be the most positive person I’ve ever met. I’m inspired by how she attacks life with such ferocity and fearlessness. But one of the most impressive things about her has to be her dedication to health and fitness. Her fitness journey has never been about losing weight or having the “perfect” body (although she’s got a pretty amazing bum). Ashley’s journey has been about loving Ashley. She’s out here practicing a new brand of self-care and I’m 100% here for it.

Meet personal trainer, yogi, nutritionist, Ashley Hodge.

I’ll start with a very LA-esque question. What exactly is it that you do?

I help people rediscover what healthy means to them. There’s no one-size-fit-all strategy to approach with training and nutrition; I know that people have their own needs and goals and I want to make fitness work for them, not the other way around. Sometimes we lose sight of ourselves. It happens to the best of us – even the most successful and self-aware people can go through phases where everything seems… off. In fact, getting lost can be an awesome opportunity to rediscover and redefine ourselves, perhaps uncovering an even more fulfilling version of ourselves that has been trying to push its way through.

What inspires you?

My own personal transformation inspires me. I lost 40lbs, gained lean muscle, and I know inside & out what it feels like to be frustrated, stuck in a cycle, surrounded by loved ones who do not support you or have a hard time understanding why you are going against the “norm”. In reality – no one knows you better than YOU. I shifted my attitude, took responsibility, and realized that true success is showing up for myself! My compass is fu*k what you think – this is my body/my life. I am doing to do what feels good to me. Through my journey – how I show up and what I share authentically resonates with people I encounter. Which in turn from my sharing - people begin to consciously make changes for themselves to see into the possibility of their own self-transformation. That in itself inspires me, and I fall in love with this journey over and over again. I have an enormous respect & understanding for those who transform themselves – what a pay off the world we would be if we kept pushing pass our comfort zones. There’s value in having to do the hard things and not being stuck in a box that you created.

Give me an abridged version of your journey.

My background includes growing up within a family that highly encourages you to “clean your plate” and I struggled with yo-yo dieting for years. It came down to being “sick and tired” of not getting the results that I wanted - I chose to take the opportunity to work with three personal trainers over six months to see what worked and what didn’t for me. I was fortunate to meet my first trainer who taught me “how to fish”. I believe in moderation and sustainability in a fitness/nutrition lifestyle, and I’ve tried to model that through my powerlifting journey, training for my half & full marathons, triathlon, and my current daily lifting/eating routine. We all must navigate our own set of roadblocks, and that’s part of what makes us human. When faced with obstacles – I do not respond with fear. I respond with faith.

What’s your biggest accomplishment thus far?

Moving 3,000 miles away from friends & family for a life change, winning third place in my first power lifting competition (squatting 225lbs, Bench Pressing 135lbs, and deadlifting 306lbs), completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali, Indonesia, traveling to over 10 countries solo, purchasing my first piece of real estate, completing the Nautica Malibu Triathlon (.5mi swim, 17 mi bike , 4mi run) and completing the LA Marathon 6:35!

What’s next for you?

Building and expanding my online nutrition & training coaching business in addition to purchasing my next rental property.

Name one major goal for the future so your sistren can manifest that with you.

I would LOVE to organize and host a fitness/yoga retreat in a tropical location!

Name: Ashley Hodge

Age: 32

Location/Region: Resident of Los Angeles, CA – born and raised in Buffalo, NY

Industry: Health & Wellness

Theme Song: I would like to say when asked if I would prefer an entrance or exit song. "My song would be during because I create the experience." So, the song choice possibilities are endless 😉

Favorite Place to Travel: Asia – hands down!

Best Book You’ve Read in the Past Year: Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop

If You Were A Color You Would Be: blue

Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Been Given: Fall in love with taking care of yourself. Fall in love with the path of deep healing. Fall in love with becoming the best version of yourself but with patience, with compassion and respect to your own journey - Sylvester McNutt III

Being wrong opens us up to the possibility of change. Being wrong brings the opportunity for growth.

Favorite Article of Clothing: Lululemon Align pants – your glutes will thank me

Biggest Fear: Playing small in life.

#1 on Your Bucket List: Writing a book

Fictional Character You Most Identify With: Dr Maggie Pierce from Grey’s Anatomy! I love her strength and she is super smart. She is way ahead of her time and very passionate about her craft. In the recent season, I’ve noticed how Maggie shows more vulnerability despite her natural tendency to hold things in. I get that.

Her hair is my hair goals <3!!!

Daily Affirmation: I will not be afraid to try new things. I realize that I will only limit my own life experiences if I live in fear. I will gain strength, courage, confidence, and experience every time I step outside of my comfort zone.

The decisions that I make will determine my future & destiny.

I live with passion and express it in everything that I do.

To keep up with Ashley, check out these links: Website, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

You can even email her HERE.

Follow us on Twitter @FlairHuxtable, Instagram @Flair.Huxtable and @HomeBrewedLove, and Facebook at @Flair Huxtable! Then buy Lo’s first book, “The Semester,” HERE!

Pu$$y Power Post #13-Ashley Hodge