The Season Of Transformation
April is upon us and with it, the excitement of nature’s bloom. Warmer weather,
increased out-door opportunities, and thoughts of flipping from our winter to our
summer selves encourages the planning of transformation. For many of us, that means
changing out our wardrobes, lightening up our diets, and increasing our physical
activity. Spring is the season of re-birth.
But what is transformation? Is it always tied to that before and after swimsuit pic?
With the idea that transformation can be as individual as we are, I caught up with four
locals with very different stories connected through Astoria’s Iron Lion Performance.
Melissa Devito is a Pediatric Social Worker
working in Autism Services.
“I wanted to transform to be my best self- to be strong
both mentally and physically. I wanted to live the best life I
could. The support from the incredible coaches, dietitian and
community at have really helped me thrive and to love the
daily process of working towards my goals. My best advice
for success is to find your tribe. Find support. The guidance
and encouragement I have received from the team at Iron Lion is truly priceless
and I wouldn’t be where I am today without it.”
Mike Mannino is an Aviation Professional out of LGA.
One of the biggest thigs I have learned about “transformation”
is that you can’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the total
amount of change you’re attempting. Just try to be 1% better
everyday and turn little actions into big goals... because you
can’t look at losing 100# all at once. You have to make it an
obtainable goal in your mind. Something incremental in the
middle. It’s a mental game. You achieve your first goal and
then go to the next one. And honestly, the key is support. The support I get from
this place helps me sustain my life transformation”
Karin Vengas work in Non-Profit Development for Arts
Education and College Readiness serving low income families.
I joined ILP looking to regain my fitness after pregnancy and battling pain
from various injuries. It was debilitating and I was desperate to become
a normal, active person again. I realized that for me “transformation” was
about showing up. Years of pain with unpredictable triggers had left me
a very nervous person, but despite my reluctance, I kept showing up.
I’m really proud of that and I think the coaches are too. They’ve helped
me face my fears and with each new program, I grow more confident.
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