National Fitness Challenge: Meet Tiffany
Tiffany Manosh always knew she needed to exercise as an adult, but never had the desire to be active – until she found a support system through the Anthem USABA National Fitness Challenge at Society for the Blind.
“I have friends now in the National Fitness Challenge, and we’re rooting each other on, which is a huge motivator,” Tiffany said. “I really need a buddy system for exercise. It’s cool to have the morale boost to get active.”
Tiffany Manosh
Tiffany was diagnosed with RP, retinitis pigmentosa, at a young age and was able to play some team sports in school. She graduated from Mira Loma High School in Sacramento and received her associate’s degree in liberal arts from American River College with a certificate in PC support and software applications. She has worked as an instructional assistant in the computer science department at American River College for the past 20 years.
She took Braille classes at Society for the Blind and has been involved with several Society activities over the years, including through her work as the River City Chapter president of the National Federation of the Blind.
When she learned about the National Fitness Challenge through an email from Society for the Blind, she decided to join. She began walking in July.
“I took the plunge and it really has pushed me to get out and walk,” Tiffany said. “We can root each other on through the app we share, and we can create our own challenges with each other. That has pushed me to do more and more each day.”
She now walks five to six miles a day, and on days when the air quality is bad, she walks laps in her house. Competitive by nature, she loves the opportunity to compete with friends and even recruited another friend to join the challenge.
“He told me he’s just starting, but by October he will put me in the dust,” Tiffany said laughing. “I love that the National Fitness Challenge has given me the chance to help others get moving too. It’s fun because we’re all doing it together.”
Once the National Fitness Challenge ends, Tiffany plans to continue walking and using the app to stay connected.
“I’m very fortunate to live in an area where there are lots of great neighborhoods to walk,” she said. “I just like being outside and enjoying the day. I like hearing the birds chirping and being outdoors. I’m so grateful to Society for the Blind, Anthem and USABA for offering this opportunity.”