We had the good fortune of connecting with TAMI PEDDIGREE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi TAMI, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
My journey started with a friend who took me to a Zumba class, which I was weighing over 300 pounds, I was so scared I would be judge on my size, how I would move and even how much I would sweat. That class changed my life that day. It was such am amazing feeling that I finished the class. I did not know the moves, I was uncoordinated, I stopped a few times, but I finished. Not one time did I feel out of place or judged. It was the start of an amazing new fitness journey. I began to join other group fitness classes, Pilates, yoga, and kick boxing. My confidence began to grow and my weight started to melt off. I never missed a class, I met so many new women to hold me accountable who are now my very best friends, I was inspired by my fitness instructors and as I got to my first 100 pound loss I really wanted to help people as they did for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I woke up one day not being able to get out of bed. At the age 35 I was depressed, over weight and no ambition to be better. I am always a social butterfly, but I lost myself. It was effecting my and my family as they were living an unhealthy lifestyle as well. I thought I had a heart attack, Thankfully after a visit to the ER It was an anxiety attack. That day changed my life knowing I could of died and left my daughter alone.

After working out and eating healthy, I wanted to give back to the community and promote fitness for everyone, all shapes, sizes, ages, all fitness and non fitness levels. I want to show people that you do not need to be fit to come to a gym or fitness class, we all have to start someone. I inspire people move more. That is when your mind frame will start to change and then your body!

Owning a fitness business and launching right before Covid was the hardest thing I had to overcome. I am still working towards growing now that we are getting our lives back on track. Being persistent, making daily task list, networking and continuing to exercise and stay true to myself, health and community is what helped push through the last two years

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being a new resident of Florida I have been able to explore.

I love Pompano Pier, Deerfield Beach and Lauderdale by the Seas. They have a lot of great walking areas along the beach with great Restaurants Like Aruba’s and the Taco Craft.

I learned to paddle board, and yoga paddle board is a new activity for me, so they would definitely have a day of paddle boarding in Fort Lauderdale then heading to a fun place for lunch. I came from a small town, so having so many different places to choose from and trying new things is very exciting.

The Venetian Pool is a must, Spending a zen day enjoying soaking and swimming in the spring enjoying waterfall. Great place for healing and rejuvenation.

Then of course being so close to the Keys, John Penny Camp Park day trip for snorkeling, heading to Wahoos for lunch, then driving south exploring new territory. Stopping at some fun stores and restaurants for appetizers and drinks. I recently did this with my best friend when she came to visit. We ended up driving and having a great experience in Loo Key. Going home the next day we found Sombrero Beach soak in the sun and ate oyster and sushi at the Cast away even seeing manatees as we ate on the water.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Vicky Dalton my Zumba Instructor Katie Ely my Kickboxing Instructor
Michele Tice and Frannie Cannon my Drum-Late` Pro Trainers and best friends
My daughter Hunter Swartz
The Jersey Shore PA YMCA for having faith and allowing me to grow my business

Website: www.drum-late.com

Instagram: www.drumlate_fintess

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tami.peddigree

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.