We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Lopez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
This is a sensitive topic but an important one. I have always struggled with depression and anxiety. In the beginning I felt like I could not persist. I carried such a heavy weight every day and it seemed impossible to move forward sometimes. I literally had to hit rock bottom and make the decision to give up or pick myself up. Rock bottom is a very dark place. And it’s up to you to allow that moment to be a turning point in your life, or not. In that moment I chose to rise. They gym is my happy place. I consider my workouts and training a type of therapy. Because of my experiences and personal struggles with this, I want to provide a safe space for others who may be going through a similar situation. Boxing, mma, jiujitsu, lifting, running….it’s more than just fitness for some of us.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I wear many hats and I love it! However, my focus for this interview is the part of my life where I get to be a coach and trainer. I spend a large portion of my time in gyms. The best, and most exciting, part about what I do is knowing that I am impacting someone’s life in a positive way. Especially those who stick around for a long time. You actually get to witness, as well as be a part of, the change. I am a USA Boxing certified coach out of Buffalo Boxing Club in Austin, Tx. I also train fighters one-on-one outside of the gym. This is what keeps my heart alive.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The best thing I ever did was experience what it was like to be the fighter. I have been training (mma, jiujitsu, boxing) for the last 15 years. For about a 5 year span, I was also a competitor. By experiencing, step by step, what it takes and how it feels to be a fighter has a tremendous impact on me as a coach. I understand all of it. And it certainly is one of the hardest things I have ever done. I don’t necessarily think that you had to have been a fighter in the past to be a good coach. But, for me, it absolutely plays a huge part of my knowledge and compassion towards what I do.
I’d have to say that the three most impactful factors in my journey would be: having the opportunity to be a competitor, being the mother of a pro fighter and still being consistent with my training, to this day, to continue learning and growing to be the best coach I can be.
For those who are in the early stages of their combative sports and/or fitness journey….always believe in yourself. Believe you are capable because you are. Never let anyone’s opinion affect the way you think of yourself. Work hard and stay focused. Show up and do the work. It will all pay off. Also, be picky about who you surround yourself with. It’s important to have a solid circle surrounding you with good energy.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
My biggest improvement in the last year would have to be practicing self-care. I now understand that you cannot pour from an empty cup. I often spread myself thin and reach a point of feeling burnt out. Although, I have always been able to push through those times, I know that a better response is to take a break or get more rest so that I can be 100% again. Being a coach includes being able to give all of your focus and attention to others. To teach. To guide. If I can’t offer 100% of myself, it is unfair to those who show up. I want to give my best and bring out the best in others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: MINJAFIT
