When sister missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and college students enter demanding seasons of life, Lucy Fotu is helping them do more than just survive, she’s helping them thrive.
Through her online wellness program, called Rise and Thrive, Fotu has created a space where young women can strengthen their bodies, minds and spirits while working toward their goals.
Fotu served in the in Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission and the Mormon Battalion Historic Site. While on her mission, she discovered how movement helped her serve at her fullest capacity.
“I firmly believe to show up as the best missionary that you can be and to show up for who the Lord needs you to be, you still need to be taking care of your physical health through daily exercise, through the things you're eating,” Fotu said. “I saw on my mission that the mornings, every single morning when I woke up and worked out and took care of my body, the more energy I had throughout the day.”
After returning home, Fotu launched Rise and Thrive to help encourage and support sister missionaries and students who may be struggling to take care of their health.
The program includes both workout and meal plans that are tailored to the specific location and needs of each client.
“If you're a sister missionary serving in Argentina and you're on the second floor and you can't walk outside and you can't jump, then I will tailor your workout plan to that,” Fotu said. “Everything is tailored to exactly where you're serving, what you have access to. Same goes with food. If you are lactose intolerant, then I'll be able to figure that out. If serving in Mexico, then we'll customize it through the things that you you're able to purchase locally.”
Fotu said faith remains a central part of the program, and she believes that spirituality and physical health are deeply connected.
“Our bodies are amazing gift. And when we take the time to love them, to appreciate them, to take care of them, we really are showing our Heavenly Father how grateful we are for them,” Fotu said.
Rise and Thrive programs are available on the website, with plans starting at $35 every 2 months. Fotu also shares additional tips and support on Instagram.
To learn more about Fotu’s story, listen to the full interview on BYU-Idaho Radio’s podcast on Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.