Maria Finnegan is a fitness professional in the Raleigh-Durham area who believes whole-heartedly that we each have an amazing inner strength. No matter what challenges we face, Maria provides her students and clients with a unique message of hope that consistently inspires change and provokes a realization of the true strength that lies within us all. Through exercise, she focuses on the principle that our bodies are tremendous tools that can overcome any physical or emotional struggle and come out stronger than ever on the other side.
About Maria Finnegan
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In 2013, I was chosen as the Athleta locally-sponsored athlete here in Durham, NC. The first question on my application was: “Tell us your story. Tell us your athletic journey.” We were supposed to answer in 200 words or less. This is me…in 200 words: Varsity athlete. Soccer. Basketball. Track. MVP. “Most-athletic.” All-conference/county teams. Fit, active, healthy. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis/Crohn’s disease. 16 years of age. Innocent and naive about the disease. Still fit and active through college and graduate school. Not always healthy with flare ups. Club teams. Intramurals. Bachelors degree in Biology. Sick. Medicine. Doctors. Masters degree in Neuroscience. Job. Friends. Soccer. Yoga. Love. Wedding. |
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Life-altering moment. Emergency room.
Mistreated/undiagnosed skin condition related to Crohn’s disease.
Emergency surgery to remove infected/dying tissue in leg.
Mortal. Very mortal. Four subsequent hospitalizations. 34 days total.
Scariest and most challenging days of my life.
Skin graft. Scar. Recovery. Strength. Setbacks. Strength.
Mistreated/undiagnosed skin condition related to Crohn’s disease.
Emergency surgery to remove infected/dying tissue in leg.
Mortal. Very mortal. Four subsequent hospitalizations. 34 days total.
Scariest and most challenging days of my life.
Skin graft. Scar. Recovery. Strength. Setbacks. Strength.
Career change. School and work. Teacher. Yoga and fitness instructor.
Finally healthy enough to get pregnant. Baby.
Flare up of crohn’s disease and skin condition in my leg.
Hospitalized again during my son’s 7th and 10th weeks of life.
Recovery. Strength. Gratitude. Determination and will. Good doctors. Good medicine.
Life-style changes. Yoga. Running. Fitness. Nutrition.
2 more children.
Lucky. Mother. Wife. Healthy. Remission for 6 years.
Happy.
Healthy.
Finally healthy enough to get pregnant. Baby.
Flare up of crohn’s disease and skin condition in my leg.
Hospitalized again during my son’s 7th and 10th weeks of life.
Recovery. Strength. Gratitude. Determination and will. Good doctors. Good medicine.
Life-style changes. Yoga. Running. Fitness. Nutrition.
2 more children.
Lucky. Mother. Wife. Healthy. Remission for 6 years.
Happy.
Healthy.
Favorite words:
Motivate. Inspire. Be thankful.
Get up and do something.
Breathe.
You are stronger than you think.
Credentials
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SWAG
Looking for a flattering and comfortable tank, hoodie, sweatshirt, or t-shirt for your on and off the board adventures? Check out some fun designs I created through the Customized Girl website for Maria Finnegan Fitness. 
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Recognition
Maria Finnegan Fitness SUP Yoga voted BEST YOGA STUDIO in the Triangle by Endurance Magazine – December 2015
2014 NC Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Triangle area Woman of the Year Candidate
2013 Athleta sponsored athlete
The News & Observer: "Paddleboard exercise is making waves at the Sportsplex." by Randy B. Young
The Herald Sun : "You’re Stronger Than You Think," by Jason Hawkins
The News & Observer: "Board with plain yoga? It goes well with water," by Randy B. Young
2014 NC Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Triangle area Woman of the Year Candidate
2013 Athleta sponsored athlete
The News & Observer: "Paddleboard exercise is making waves at the Sportsplex." by Randy B. Young
The Herald Sun : "You’re Stronger Than You Think," by Jason Hawkins
The News & Observer: "Board with plain yoga? It goes well with water," by Randy B. Young
Testimonials
Click here for testimonials from students and clients.
