How Thannya Transformed Heartbreak Into Strength

September 28, 2025 admin

When life knocked her down, Thannya Flores laced up her sneakers and hit the gym—literally. What started as a way to process heartbreak quickly became a lifestyle transformation. Now a dedicated fitness coach, passionate gym-goer at Gold’s Gym Glendale, and aspiring entrepreneur, Thannya is on a mission to empower women over 40 to take back their power, feel confident again, and realize that it’s never too late to glow up.

In this exclusive interview with The Glendale Buzz, Thannya opens up about her emotional journey, the discipline that drives her, and how she’s turning her pain into purpose—one squat at a time.

Can you take us back to the moment you decided to transform your body and mindset—what sparked that change?

About a year ago I was in a really bad place emotionally, that’s when I started to take the gym seriously, after a LOT of sleepless nights I decided to go the the gym in the morning instead of lying down in bed.

You've been open about heartbreak playing a role in your fitness journey—how did that emotional pain turn into motivation?

I got to a bad place after a breakup, I was in so much pain that working out became therapy for me and I haven’t stop since.

How did it feel stepping into Gold's Gym for the first time after deciding to make a change?

I remember the first time I walked into Golds gym I wasn’t motivated but I was and i’m determined to transform my mind and body.

What was the biggest mental hurdle you faced when starting your fitness journey—and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me was that I felt that I was to old to get to the place I want to be, I don’t have the energy I had 20 years ago, but then I think about all the success stories about people who made their dreams come true after 40 for example:

Vera Wang: A fashion icon who launched her own bridal gown company at age 40 after careers in figure skating and journalism.
Stan Lee: The comic book writer created his first major hit, “The Fantastic Four,” just shy of his 39th birthday and went on to co-create many Marvel Universe characters.
Ray Kroc: The entrepreneur bought McDonald’s at age 52 and transformed it from a small chain into the international fast-food giant it is today.
Julia Child: She became a television personality and cookbook author at age 49 with the release of her influential book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Samuel L. Jackson: After years of minor roles, his performance in Pulp Fiction at age 46 made him a household name.
Henry Ford: The automotive pioneer was 45 when he created the revolutionary Model T car.
Colonel Sanders: He began franchising Kentucky Fried

Just to name a few.

How long did it take before you started to feel and see results that truly boosted your confidence?

I’m not where I want to be yet, but emotionally it took me about 6 months to start feeling confident.

Why is it so important for you to focus on women over 40 in your content and coaching?

I want to create a community of women 40 and over so, can together change our minds and body because it’s never too late to feel beautiful.

What are some of the common misconceptions women 40+ have about fitness or weight loss?

There is a misconception about women over forty I been told by a friend that she’s not 21 anymore, witch is truth but you would be amazed what you’re capable of if you put your mind into it.
It’s never too late.

What advice would you give to a woman in her 40s who feels like it's "too late" to start?

You just need to be confident that wherever you want to do you can as long as you, TRUST GOD, trust the process no metter how long it takes.

How do you stay motivated on the hard days when you don't feel like working out?

I don’t feel motivated every day, but i’m disciplined, even when I don’t feel like it I show up and usually ends up been the best routine ever.

What's your go-to morning routine or ritual to get yourself in the right headspace?

My morning routine: I wake up at 4:30 am I pray and play worship music the best way to start the morning it’s praising the Lord. I get ready and leave my house by 5:15 i’m at the gym by 5:30.

Are there any mantras or affirmations you repeat to yourself during workouts?

My affirmation: Thannya you’re strong, you can do this! No one can help you do this, so, it’s on you to finish what you started.

What's your favorite part about working out at Gold's Gym Glendale?

My favorite part of working out at golds gym is that I feel like i’m home, Glendale is the first city I came when I first got here to the USA.

If someone spots you at Gold's, what workout are they most likely to see you crushing?

Usually you would see me crushing legs.

Tell us more about your dream of starting a housekeeping business—what inspired that idea?

I feel that it’s so important to maintain a clean house is part of a healthy lifestyle. You just feel better.Also inner clean house, meaning you need to be careful what you watch and read.

Do you see a connection between maintaining a clean home and maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

I pretty much eat the same thing every day:
Breakfast: 4 eggs, fruit, toast, protein shake.
Snack: Greek yogurt, banana, and granola.
Lunch: Ground , rice, and veggies.
Dinner: Fish or Steak and Salad.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years—physically, professionally, and personally?

In 5 years physically I see myself in the best shape of my life and my own business.

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