#94 - Aryana Porter: The Hidden Struggle of Gymnasts, Body Dysmorphia & Reclaiming Ones Freedom

Aryana Porter is a Peace Officer, Fitness Trainer, and Owner of Ryot Strength. Throughout her journey, Aryana has navigated a diverse set of roles, from being a high-level athlete to a law enforcement officer, and now a business owner. Her story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and determination. Aryana spent 14 years as a national gymnast, a journey that ingrained in her discipline and a powerful work ethic. However, leaving gymnastics also meant finding herself outside the sport. Diagnosed with ADHD after quitting, Aryana has since become a passionate advocate for mental health and fitness. Currently, she’s setting out on a new chapter, preparing to travel the world before eventually settling down. Aryana’s experience as a high-level athlete was both formative and challenging. While gymnastics taught her resilience, determination, and how to perform under pressure, it also came with a set of challenges. Balancing a rigorous training schedule with her personal development was difficult. The sport’s demanding nature meant dealing with manipulation from coaches, body image issues, and even mental and physical struggles, which took a toll on her sense of self. It wasn’t until she stepped away that Aryana began to discover who she truly was, realizing the importance of mental health, empathy, and body awareness in her journey. Starting her own business, Ryot Strength, was a way for Aryana to take control of her own destiny. After years of being on others' time and following a strict routine, she sought a sense of freedom and autonomy. The personal training business allowed her to combine her love for fitness with helping others address deeper, often overlooked, mental and physical health issues. Through Ryot Strength, Aryana has found a way to create an environment where she feels fulfilled every day, reflecting her passion for helping others build stronger, healthier lives from the inside out. Choosing to carve her own path wasn’t without its challenges, but Aryana has embraced the uncertainties along the way. Her decision to step away from the conventional path was driven by her fear of not truly living and the desire to escape a life that felt confining. Seeing firsthand how many people never get the chance to pursue their dreams, especially in her role as a peace officer, fueled her determination to create a life that aligns with her passions. This journey has required smart planning, optimism, and the courage to take risks, even when the outcomes were uncertain. To those looking to take control of their own destinies, Aryana’s advice is clear: don’t let fear or the opinions of others dictate your path. It’s important to think deeply about what you stand to gain from taking a risk. In her view, living in a state of contentment without real happiness isn’t truly living. She believes that life is too short to be spent in a place that doesn’t bring joy, and that we should all strive to create a life that we want to live in, where every decision is made with passion and purpose. KEEP IT LONG TERM!