Morgan Cheek found community at Orangetheory—hear her powerful story

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orangetheory Morgan cheek
More than just a workout. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

After experiencing unthinkable loss, Morgan Cheek found a piece of home at Orangetheory. She was hooked after her first class, and even decided to become a coach herself. We met with Morgan to get all the details on her Orangetheory story.

Navigating tragedy + finding support 🧡

As Morgan explained, she has three children—”two are in heaven, and one is on earth.” The Cheek family tragically lost their twin girls, Ally and Bailey Grace, due to an incredibly rare genetic disease known as HECW2.

Morgan and her family made national headlines when their Vestavia Hills neighborhood rallied together to put up Christmas lights in November 2020 as Ally’s health started to decline. After losing Bailey Grace earlier in the year, it was a special way for Ally to celebrate the holidays one last time.

A piece of home at Orangetheory 🏠

community
The community atmosphere was essential for Morgan to thrive. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Fitness had always been a part of Morgan’s life, but caring for her two daughters was a full-time job. In her grieving process, Morgan recognized her need for an activity to support her mental and physical health.

Her dad suggested she try out a class at Orangetheory, and the rest is history. It was the community atmosphere and constant encouragement that hooked Morgan on OTF. Oh, and the killer workouts didn’t hurt either.

“Uncomfortable and hard are not bad—they are actually the pathway to true growth and freedom.”

—Morgan Cheek, Coach, Orangetheory

Orangetheory is more than a workout 🙌

Morgan cheek community
This community’s got your back. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

The Orangetheory community made an incredible difference in Morgan’s daily life, and she soon made the decision to become a coach.

Why not just stick to the workouts? Because Morgan realized that she was ready to contribute even more to this special team, and knew being in this position would allow her to coach, encourage and mentor those that might be facing similar challenges.

You can catch Morgan’s classes at the Inverness location, and Orangetheory is bringing the burn all across greater Birmingham, including:

Coach, author, blogger + super mom 💪

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Coach Morgan doing what she does best. Photo via Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

In addition to being super mom to her son, James, Morgan keeps busy. When she’s not coaching at Orangetheory, she manages a popular Instagram page, @SeedsandLeaven, which shows the raw side of grief, and offers support to others coping with loss.

She’s also about to publish her THIRD book, Even in Darkness, a grief devotional which will join her two previous publications, Are We There Yet? and On Milk and Honey. For Morgan, rooting herself in her faith + surrounding herself with a supportive, community atmosphere have been essential in navigating her grief.

“God is good. At all times. In all things. No matter what.”

—Morgan Cheek, Coach, Orangetheory

Looking for more than just a workout? Try out Orangetheory today.

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Madison Croxson
Madison Croxson
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