ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – As a businesswoman, mother, and athlete, Ally Bowersock is constantly on the move.

She is an owner at RunAbout Sports Roanoke and mentor to many looking to kick start healthy habits.

“That’s one of my favorite parts of this job,” Bowersock said. “Working with people one-on-one or in a group setting, or even a large group setting talking about the value of prevention and the value of consistency and those lifestyle habits that really add up to a lot overtime.”

But she doesn’t just teach those lessons in her store. Bowersock brings her message to the streets, sharing how fitness saved her life.

“I was an athlete all through high school and I started passing out in college. Turns out I had a congenital heart defect that my electrophysiologist at UVA said I would not have survived if it were not for my heart being as strong as it was,” Bowersock said.

She went from being on the soccer field to the operating table her freshman year of college and was diagnosed with a rare form of heart arrhythmia.

“It really was debilitating. It felt like an elephant was stepping on my chest,” she said.

Bowersock’s health scare turned into a purpose, sharing the message that movement is medicine.

“After the surgery I said, ‘No I want to be on the prevention side. I want to be out front where people see exercise is medicine. This literally saved my life,’” she said.

Bowersock and her RunAbout Sports team lead free group trainings to help others find their own healthy routines.

“We welcome anybody of all fitness levels to be fit, happy and healthy and we love sharing this message with others,” Bowersock said.

The American Heart Association says only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain their health, recommending about 2.5 hours of physical activity a week.

The AHA offers tips to get started and that includes finding a community to connect with an hold you accountable.

Kate Capodanno will continue to bring these survivor stories and healthy tips throughout her Woman of Impact campaign benefiting the American Heart Association. They will air every Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Here @ Home through April 8, 2025.

Copyright 2025 WDBJ. All rights reserved.