There’s something vulnerable about looking at old photos—especially when you realize just how much can change in a year.
The photo on the left is from June 2024. The one on the right is June 2025. Same blue dress, but a very different woman.
In June 2024, Immortal Athletics wasn’t even open yet. We were stuck in permit limbo, waiting for the green light to bring our vision to life. Scott and I were working around the clock trying to launch the gym, run our physical therapy clinic, and raise our three young kids (a 4-year-old and 2-year-old twins). It was chaos, and my mind was in pure survival mode.
I wasn’t prioritizing my health or fitness. I wasn’t working out regularly. And when stress hit—hello, it was daily—I reached for sweets. I’m a stress eater, and I know I’m not alone in that.
We were promoting our Founder’s Club at the time, sharing the dream of what Immortal Athletics would become. But behind the scenes, I felt like a fraud. I was building a gym, yet struggling with my own health. People would come to see the space, and all they saw was dust and drywall. But in our hearts, we saw a thriving community, a place where people could become physically fit, mentally strong, and spiritually grounded.
Turns out, a lot of other people were looking for that same vision.
Fast forward to January 2025—Immortal Athletics officially opened its doors. And that’s when things started to shift for me personally.
Scott and I have made it a tradition to start each year with the Whole30, and this year was no different. It was the reset I desperately needed. I began consistently working out 3–4 times a week and started to get my nutrition in check. Then came our gym’s Healthy Habits Challenge in February, and I jumped in as a participant. I needed accountability just as much as our members did.
By March, I felt like I was finally getting back in control. When stress hit, I didn’t reach for giant cookies from Harris Teeter—I scheduled my workouts instead. I started repeating that cycle, building consistency over perfection.
Then, in June 2025, I pulled out that same blue dress from last year. When I slipped it on, something was different. It wasn’t tight around my belly anymore. It felt comfortable. I found the old photo from June 2024 and put them side by side. I was actually shocked at the difference.
But even more powerful than the physical transformation was the reflection it sparked.
What changed?
- I committed to moving my body 3–4 times a week.
- I drastically reduced added sugars.
- I became more intentional with nutrition and drank less alcohol.
- I spent more time in my Bible and leaned into God’s Word through the ups and downs.
Is my journey over? Absolutely not. I’m still in it—working every day to be the best version of myself for my kids, my marriage, my family, and most importantly, for me.
At Immortal, we talk about becoming physically fit, mentally strong, and spiritually sound. That’s not just something we say—it’s something I’ve lived. If it weren’t for Immortal and this incredible community, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
If you’re struggling and don’t know where to start, I get it. I’ve been there. And I’d love to help you take that first step. Because a lot can change in a year. And it might just start today.
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Tori Jablonka
Owner, Immortal Athletics