Meet the Inspiring Personal Trainer Who Beat Depression Through Exercise
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Massy Arias wasn't always a fitness guru, but now she's inspiring people all over the Internet to be their best and most fit selves: just ask any of her nearly two million Instagram followers. A native of the Dominican Republic, Massy — known as MankoFit — came to the United States when she was 13, and she admits she dealt with her fair share of struggles. She suffered through severe depression in her twenties, and she decided to turn to health and fitness to heal. "There's more to fitness than a body — it's about health. It's about getting your life together. It's about being healthy mentally, emotionally, physically; being strong, being powerful, being independent," she says.
Watch her tell her story in the beautiful video below, and get a glimpse of her lifestyle through her Instagram posts: you'll be seriously inspired to start moving.
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She's Strong and Proud of It
Massy is most definitely not afraid to lift, and she's undeniable proof that the #strongisthenewsexy mantra is true.
She Always Pushes Herself
The personal trainer and health coach shares videos of her workouts all the time, like this core workout that targets the obliques and lower abdominals.
She's Passionate About Eating Clean, but Not Boring
Massy shares what she eats with her followers, and she's passionate about cooking balanced meals and never cutting out certain food groups altogether. She says, "I want you to forget about all these fad diets."
She Loves to Show Her "Beastmode"
We don't blame her. Next fitness goal: do this.
She Shares Her Healthy Recipes
In this 15-second video, Massy shows a supersimple recipe for low-carb turkey burgers made with portobello mushrooms in place of buns. She's always looking to inspire others, encouraging her followers to "tag a friend" who could use some new ideas or inspiration.
Her Clients Are Proof That #TheMassyMethod Works
She loves to share before-and-after transformations, reminding everyone that a health journey is about progress, not perfection. Here, she says she's "very proud of my teenage trooper Emily losing 11 total inches so far and feeling more confident but better yet: adding years to her life."
She Gets Creative in the Kitchen
Grilled chicken breast every day? No way. Massy admits, "I can't stand grilled chicken all day every day," so she shared her recipe for these ground chicken and vegetable "muffins."
Her Perspective Is That Anyone Can Become the Person They Want to Be
She says, "Imagine if that punching bag is the one thing that stands before you and your goals. With every kick you get a step closer to getting where you want to be."
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She Knows It's Important to Recover
Massy doesn't forget to mention that muscle recovery is a vital part of exercise, and here she spent two hours of foam rolling and two hours of stretching. She says, "our bodies are delicate, and we must spend the time rehabbing and 'oiling' up the muscles that helps us get through our daily activities."
She Wants Women to Know That They Can Be Muscular and Keep Their Feminine Curves
Massy encouraged her followers to "tag a female friend who is scared of lifting." Her photos are a constant reminder that strong really is the new sexy.