Plymouth Fitness Trainer Loses Job During Pandemic, Then Finds Unexpected Success

A Plymouth fitness trainer who lost her job during the pandemic found unexpected success.

Monica Moreland was a fitness trainer for 15 years at Life Time Fitness. The gym was hit hard by the pandemic and Moreland was let go. To keep busy, Moreland started doing Facebook Lives in her mother’s living room.

“I was very nervous, thought it was silly. I created a private group because I didn’t want anybody to see me,” Moreland said. 

That wasn’t the case for long. Word of mouth spread quickly and eventually Moreland was offering free online workouts six days out of the week. 

Monica Moreland teaching online fitness class.

Thousands Join Online Class

The group grew to 7,000 members in a short time and donations began flowing in. Members joined online from everywhere including Florida, New York and Australia. 

“I never asked for a cent,” Moreland explained. “People just, out of their own goodwill, I know financially that was probably hard for them, whatever they could some people paid me 5 bucks some paid $50.”

Moreland saved the money to open up Movement Studio located next to the Plymouth Cub Foods at 4445 Nathan Lane N.

The new studio has a hybrid approach with both in-person and online fitness.

“There’s a structured schedule, a plan behind it. It’s not just another high intensity workout day after day after day. There’s science behind it. It works,” said Moreland.

Movement Studio in-person members.

Members Feel Inspired

Lindsey West has been a member of Movement Studio since Moreland began teaching in her mother’s living room.

“I’ve tried lots of fitness instructors and group fitness classes, and she’s always been my favorite,” said West. “With COVID she brought a new energy and it’s been life changing for me and many other members.”

Members say it’s a place of accountability and motivation. They say it’s a community and connecting with friends.

“You’re not just going to show up for workout. You’re going to show up and be part of something,” said Moreland. 

Plymouth