'Journey 4 Wellness' builds Facebook following

BMX legend and elite gymnast hope to make people healthier

EastBayRI.com ·

How would you like to have Kevin Robinson as your personal trainer?

The Barrington resident and BMX legend has started a new venture with nutritionist and former elite-level gymnast Alyssa Mealey Stookey. The program is called K-Rob and Alyssa's Journey 4 Wellness and offers people everywhere daily workout challenges, nutrition tips and a support network that is hard to top.

This is how it works: 

People can join the Facebook page K-Rob and Alyssa's Journey 4 Wellness and begin to take the daily workout and nutritional challenges. Each day poses a new theme — there are Motivational Mondays (a video post offers new motivation for the day), Tasty Tuesdays (a nutritional tip is offered) and Workout Wednesdays (an additional workout is included).

Kevin or Alyssa go live each night (except Fridays) and reach out to the hundreds of members.

"We've had so much positive feedback," said Kevin. "It's been great."

Kevin and Alyssa have been friends for many years. They met while working at Camp Woodward in Pennsylvania — Kevin was an instructor for BMX while Alyssa was working with the gymnasts — and recently reunited for this project. They are both certified trainers and share a desire to bring their healthy lifestyle approach to others.

Kevin said the idea for Journey 4 Wellness really took shape around New Year's when he began thinking about all the people trying to use the start of the new year as motivation to get more fit and eat healthier. Kevin sees the Facebook group as the first part of a bigger venture that could include podcasts, a Youtube channel, spots on television and radio, and more.

The Facebook group's members have shared rave reviews. They also have morphed into a family of sorts — members post their workout numbers or nutritious recipes and are often encouraged by others who are involved.

When one member posted about the 34 pounds he had lost, another was quick to respond: "Fantastic!!! Thank you for sharing, you look awesome and seeing your dedication to the change is a great motivator."

Kevin and Alyssa are regularly checking the page and often post supportive messages to those who are involved. 

"We're plugged in. We respond to everyone," said Kevin.

Local principal taking the 'Journey'

Primrose Hill School Principal Pat Tolento has known Kevin Robinson for a number of years and decided recently to take part in K-Rob and Alyssa's Journey 4 Wellness.

Ms. Tolento said she was a bit hesitant at first, but knowing how positive Kevin Robinson is helped motivate her to take the plunge. She started doing the workouts a little more than four weeks ago.

"I feel good," she said. "I don't do anything too crazy that will hurt me… This week we have to do lunges on a step."

Ms. Tolento said she likes how Kevin and Alyssa go live on Facebook each night. She said she also likes the support the group offers.

"And Kevin is great. He's so positive!" she added.