4 min
There are members who show up for a season, and then there are people like Michaela. She has been part of this community since before we were at Stark State — back when RTC looked a little different and the world did too. She’s been here through the building of something, through her own life changing in every way imaginable — career, marriage, two little girls, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with it. Through all of it, she kept coming back. Not because it was always easy or convenient, but because she genuinely understands that health is a long game. Michaela, you are exactly the kind of person this community was built for — and built by. This one is so well deserved. 💙
Michaela Alayamini has been a member of RTC off and on since Coach Allie was coaching next to Midnight City — long before RTC found its home at Stark State College. She took breaks along the way, as life tends to demand, but she kept finding her way back. Because RTC is always where she feels her best.
Before joining RTC, Michaela taught yoga, barre, and aerial yoga full-time. She came in with a strong movement background, but was looking for something more — “something that combined strength, intensity, and an incredible community.” She found all three.
What’s kept her here isn’t just the programming. It’s the people, and the way this community has shown up for her through every season of life.
When Michaela was pregnant with her first daughter, she was nervous about continuing to train. By her second pregnancy, that changed completely.
“Seeing so many strong moms continue to train at RTC gave me the confidence to trust my body, understand my limitations, and keep moving safely,” she says. “I worked out until the week before I gave birth and felt stronger — both physically and mentally — than I ever expected.”
That shift didn’t happen in isolation. It happened because Michaela was surrounded by women who modeled what it looked like to keep showing up — not perfectly, but consistently. And that’s a lesson she carries into every workout now.
“I’ve learned that fitness isn’t about doing every workout or movement Rx. Age, experience, and my background teaching yoga helped me realize that consistency matters more than perfection.”
She brings that same mindset to group fitness in North Canton, Ohio every time she walks through our doors — whether it’s a CrossFit class, an open gym session, or a weekend BURN. Michaela doesn’t chase perfection. She chases progress, and she plays the long game.
For Michaela, RTC has woven itself into the fabric of her life in ways that go well beyond fitness. She found out about her current job at Employers Health through someone she met at RTC.
“It’s just another example of how this community extends far beyond the gym,” she says. “Whether it’s career opportunities, friendships, or encouragement through different seasons of life, RTC has truly become like a second family.”
She and her husband Andy have two little girls — Drew, almost 5, and Willow, 3 — who she describes as “the center of our world.” The family also includes Lexi, a 7-year-old Standard Poodle, and Dexter, a 15-year-old Bichon Frise.
And through all of it — the babies, the career, the chaos — Michaela keeps showing up. Not just for herself.
“Being surrounded by so many strong, supportive moms and people inspires me to keep showing up — not just for myself, but for my girls. I want them to grow up seeing that taking care of your body, challenging yourself, and prioritizing your health is important.”
Michaela’s story isn’t about a 6-week transformation or a single goal she checked off a list. It’s about years of choosing to show up — through pregnancies, through career changes, through every version of herself life has asked her to be.
That’s what consistency really looks like. And it’s one of the most powerful things you can witness inside a gym community.
If Michaela’s story resonates, we’d love to have you come find out what RTC is about. We offer group fitness in North Canton, Ohio for every level — coached classes, open gym, personal training, and more — in a community that shows up for you through every season of life.
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Michaela — years of showing up, and you still make this place feel like home every single time. We are so proud of the athlete, the mom, and the person you are. Thank you for being part of RTC from the very beginning. 💙
Chat with a coach to discover how our programs can fit into your lifestyle and help you achieve your goals. Let’s get you started on your fitness journey today!
