Today Show Interview with Stephanie Mansour

Today Show Interview with Stephanie Mansour

It’s no secret that I’ve always wanted to be interviewed on the Today Show. I’m a big fan; I watch it every morning. One day in April 2022, Al Roker mentioned the Start Today Facebook group. Since I’d been suffering with a repetitive strain injury to my right hand. I had to change the type of workouts I usually do, along with the intensity. It hurt to lift weights so I knew I’d be doing more Indoor walking workouts. Monthly walking challenges (led by Today Show Fitness Contributor Stephanie Mansour) are a big part of the Start Today health and wellness program.

Today Show ‘Start Today’ Facebook Group

At first, I almost didn’t join Start Today because, although I love to workout, I do not walk outside. It’s boring, and due to my disability, walking on uneven terrain can be downright dangerous. I quickly changed my mind and became a member. Why? First, Steph’s energy, encouragement is infectious. The group has over 150k members, yet she manages to comment on as many as possible! Al Roker has commented on a couple of my posts. How cool is that? Second, and most important, the group is inclusive; everyone is welcome! It doesn’t matter if you’re able-bodied or disabled. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey, or if, like me, you’ve been on one for thirty-five years.

My Dream Came True!

How did I get interviewed by Stephanie Mansour during Disability Pride Month?  I made myself known in the group. I posted consistently, and I encouraged others. Back in January, one of the producers contacted me about being in a future digital episode of Start Today. In February, I got a shout out on the 3rd Hour of Today. Then, in June, Steph put out the call asking for members who want to share their story in a FB Live Transformation Tuesday interview. I sent her an email and the rest is history. I decided to celebrate my 50th birthday by (finally) participating in the June walking streak challenge. WOW…I walked nearly 300,000 steps during the month! The best part? I did it all from the comfort of my own home! 

 

Start Today Walking Streak Calendar
Start Today June 2023 Walking Streak Calendar

If you have cerebral palsy (or you have a child who has CP), you know what a BIG deal this is to be featured as a member of the Today Show’s Start Today community. Our stories (especially adults with CP) rarely get the opportunity to be told, let alone reach such a wide audience.

In this FB live interview, you’ll hear:

  • Why Start Today is one of the best FB groups I’ve ever joined
  • How I make the group work for me, since I don’t do the monthly challenges
  • What I do when I don’t want to work out
  • How I advocate for CP + more!

Watch the interview below:

And, here’s the feature article that was published on TODAY’s website on October 6 for World CP Day! I’m putting it out into the universe that the next step is being interviewed live on national t.v.!

 

Nicole Luongo's Motivation Quote in the Start Today App.
Motivation Quote from Nicole Luongo in the Start Today App that says: “I’m a big proponentof listening to your body…Exercise should be fun. You should do what you love.”     
                           

 

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