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Friday, March 22, 2024

Accessible Wellness by Alyssa Contreras

Ever wondered why access to wellness seems like a privilege rather than a basic human right?

What if I told you that achieving fitness and nutrition goals shouldn’t be reserved for the privileged few? What if there was a way to make wellness accessible to all, irrespective to economic status or prior experience? Welcome to Accessible Wellness- where we challenge the status quo and pave the way for inclusive, equitable access to physical facets of well-being. 
I’m Alyssa Contreras, the founder behind the initiative Accessible Wellness. With the mental and physical costs that accompany financial constraints, living a healthy lifestyle is not easy.

Accessible Wellness strives to break down these barriers and collaborate with local fitness and nutrition companies to host free events and classes for underserved communities. By offering free resources, classes, and education about the benefits of physical fitness and proper nutrition, I hope, through Accessible Wellness, to empower people to take charge of their well-being and lead healthier lives. 

My journey began with a realization of the familiar barriers preventing many individuals from embarking on a path to better health. Drawing upon my education and expertise in exercise science, coupled with my certifications as an Exercise Specialist and Yoga Instructor, I leveraged my knowledge to design inclusive and empowering wellness programs. By offering free resources, individuals from all backgrounds can access valuable information on exercise, nutrition, and overall well-being. From an early age, I have always been drawn to the transformative power of fitness. I looked up to people who I thought were the epitome of healthy. It led me down an obsessive path where I ended up with an eating disorder in my pre-teen years and through high school. I got all my information based off of internet advertisements like, “Get a Flat Tummy in 3 Days!” I blissfully ignored the symptoms of tiredness, and weakness. It was a struggle to get through and recover from. 

Fortunately, I have since been over two years recovered and have grown a healthier relationship with all aspects of fitness and wellness. Though, through this experience, I have been motivated to use my education for good and focus on spreading correct information, free resources, and love to everyone struggling with their path to a healthier lifestyle. 

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the Miss Ohio class of 2024 as Miss Greater Columbus. My title provides me with a unique platform to promote Accessible Wellness and inspire others to prioritize their health. 

-Alyssa Contreras

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