Going off on your own comes with its fair share of risks: will this work, will people follow, will it be successful in the long-term—all valid questions and concerns one would have when starting their own business. For Morit Summers, this was a risk she was willing to take. She started FORM FITNESS to create a space that those of any shape and size would feel comfortable working out in. Here, she discusses the mission behind FORM, her stance on social media, and the fitness advice she has that women everywhere need to hear.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I wake up at 4:30 a.m., eat breakfast, and head to work. I have about 4–5 clients in a row, and then I get my workout in. After my workout, I head home to shower and eat lunch and do the tedious work like emails and spreadsheets. I then head back to work for a few more clients. I’m home between 8 and 8:30 for dinner, then I watch a little TV and head to bed early, usually by 9:30.

How did you know you wanted to pursue fitness as a career? What did your career path look like to get to where you are today? 

I was 14, overweight, and embarrassed in gym class, so I joined a gym and never looked back. I received a B.S. in Kinesiology at SUNY Cortland where I started training clients starting my junior year. After school, I interned at a weight loss camp for teens (that’s a story in itself). I then started working the floor at Equinox Brooklyn Heights and made my way up the ranks to a master instructor where I taught the incoming trainers. After 10 years at Equinox, it was time to expand my brand and build a gym where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Tell us more about FORM FITNESS. What is the mission behind it?

FORM FITNESS is committed to creating a comfortable, motivating, and welcoming environment for all, regardless of body type or ability. This enables people to learn how to build strength and move well. FORM is a personal training studio, where we have trainers that are all educated in the field and have different specialties.  We also offer classes for people who can’t afford personal training.  The one we are proudest of is FORM FUNdamentals—a beginner’s class that teaches all the fundamental movements in exercise, so that people can feel comfortable either going to the gym on their own or working out at home. We truly want all people to be comfortable with movement, and this is our way of helping.

What do you hope clients walk away with? 

My goal is for my clients to live a long and healthy life. I’m always happy and excited to help my clients reach any goals they set, but what I want is to keep my clients strong in the long-term.

What is your advice for women who feel uninspired to work out because of industry standards, or for those who struggle with confidence in general? 

Go out and try a few things. Find some beginner classes …most places have great deals if it’s your first time. Try a few things, and see what works for you. Find some people on Instagram who have a body type like yours to follow instead of some “goal” body type. It’s important to stick with something that you can be consistent with and have something to train for. This builds confidence, and allows you to follow through. Make sure what you’re doing is about you and getting yourself moving. It can be scary, but will always be worth it.

We live in a very social media-driven world, especially where fitness is concerned. How have you seen success with it, and how do you think it fuels the pressure of having a certain body type? On that same note, how do you handle body shaming?

I find social media to be so fascinating. I kind of just fell into it and rolled with the punches. Many times, it can help people find others who they relate to or they look up to. Unfortunately, many times it does the opposite. In my case, I’m a 230-pound woman, working out really hard, and I’m also a very successful personal trainer. In a body like mine, most people don’t think you should be doing these things or that you’re even capable of these things. We can all do anything we want! There is a lot of hard work involved mentally and physically, but we are capable. Some of my best clients—hardworking and dedicated—have found me through social media, so I couldn’t ask for more.

How do you push through the stereotypes, and how do you instill that same mindset in your clients? 

I don’t follow people that are the “stereotype” good fitness body. I’ve made many changes in my life, one of which were the friends I used to surround myself with. Now, I surround myself with truly amazing and hardworking people. I tell myself and my clients that we are capable, our bodies are capable, and if we are kind to ourselves and try really hard, we are exactly who and what we are meant to be.

What do you enjoy doing outside of fitness? How does this help you inside the gym?

Well, I really do enjoy the gym! It makes me happy, so while the gym is my work life, it’s also my hobby. I’m always up for anything active, whether that’s riding my bike or taking a walk. I also love going to the park to read or listen to a podcast.  I don’t go out partying much, but I’m always down to just hang out with my friends.

What is your definition of a balanced lifestyle? 

I think that finding balance is about working hard but also making time for ourselves—making time to truly relax and breath.

For more info visit formfitnessbk.com. Follow Morit Summers at @moritsummers on social media.