From Kyiv to castlerea: How GG Found a New Life Through Fitness and Community
Galyna Maiorova, known affectionately as GG, has become a beacon of resilience and inspiration in Castlerea, Ireland.Fleeing Kyiv in March 2022 with her two children,Philip (8) and Evgeniya (4),GG left behind a life of stability as a fully qualified barrister to escape the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine.Today,she has found a new purpose as a fitness and wellbeing instructor,running highly praised step aerobics and yoga classes from the Old Mill in Castlerea.
GG’s journey is one of transformation. “It was a crazy experience. It was two weeks non-stop and after that we decided to move. We could just take one bag, 20kg. So it was all for the children and one pair of jeans for myself. It was the first time in my life I had everything, but I couldn’t take it,” she recalls. Settling in Ireland, GG and her daughter have embraced their new life, while philip returned to Ukraine to live with family.
Her classes, which attract up to 22 participants at a time, have become a cornerstone of the local community. Some attendees have reported losing up to 15kg in just a month, a testament to GG’s expertise and dedication. “She’s the most wonderful character,” one class member remarked, praising her “frank honesty and stylish flair.”
GG’s passion for fitness began in Ukraine, where she earned various certificates qualifying her as a fitness instructor. Though local gyms offered her employment opportunities,childcare commitments led her to partner with her Latvian partner,Raimonds,to secure a unit at the Old Mill. Here, she hosts her classes while Raimonds runs his IT repairs business.
The kindness of the Irish people has left a lasting impression on GG. “A lot of people came to me and gave me something, it was like a queue to the house, ‘we want to help’. I started to be better and better every day as of the people,” she shares.
Despite the warmth of her new home, GG’s heart remains with her family in ukraine. Her brother, father, and sister still live in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, respectively, enduring the horrors of war. “Thay can drive sometimes and see bombs very close. It’s like a movie but it’s not a movie and they are very scared,” she says.
During a two-week visit to Kyiv in august for Evgeniya’s medical treatment, GG witnessed the war’s toll firsthand. “There was a loud bang on the door somewhere and everyone ducked and I was like it’s just a door, but that’s their minds, when you could see something terrible,” she recalls. The experience was harrowing, with no electricity, scarce food, and a nightly military curfew.
Yet, GG’s resilience shines through. In Ireland, she has found solace in the relaxed atmosphere and the smiles of strangers. “After we arrived to the airport in Ireland I saw a man working and thought ‘Oh he’s smiling!’. Finally we are at home,” she reflects.
For those inspired by GG’s story and eager to join her classes, she can be contacted at 087 9579343, on her Facebook page Fitness & Wellbeing with GG, or on Instagram @fitnesswithgg.
| key Details | Data |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Name | Galyna Maiorova (GG) |
| Origin | Kyiv,Ukraine |
| Current Location | Castlerea,Ireland |
| Profession | Fitness and Wellbeing Instructor |
| Classes Offered | Step Aerobics,Yoga |
| Location of Classes | The Old Mill,Castlerea |
| Contact Information | 087 9579343,Facebook: Fitness & Wellbeing with GG,Instagram: @fitnesswithgg|
GG’s story is a testament to the power of community,resilience,and the pursuit of passion in the face of adversity. Her classes not only transform bodies but also foster a sense of belonging, proving that even in the darkest times, light can be found.
An Interview with Galyna Maiorova (GG): A Journey of Resilience and Passion
Editor: GG, thank you for sharing your story with us. Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you ended up in Ireland?
GG: Thank you for having me. My journey to Ireland began during a very difficult time in Ukraine. Teh ongoing war made life unbearable, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I decided to seek a safer surroundings for my daughter and myself. We settled in Castlerea, Ireland, where we have embraced our new life with open arms.
editor: you’ve managed to build a thriving fitness community in Castlerea. How did that come about?
GG: My passion for fitness started in Ukraine, where I earned various certificates qualifying me as a fitness instructor. When I moved to Ireland, childcare commitments made it challenging to work in local gyms. So, I partnered with my Latvian partner, Raimonds, to secure a unit at The Old mill.Here, I host my classes while Raimonds runs his IT repairs business. My classes, which attract up to 22 participants at a time, have become a cornerstone of the local community.
Editor: That’s impressive! What kind of classes do you offer, and what kind of results have your participants seen?
GG: I offer a variety of classes, including Step Aerobics and Yoga. Some of my participants have reported losing up to 15kg in just a month. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their progress and know that I’m making a positive impact on their lives.
Editor: How has the Irish community responded to your classes?
GG: The kindness of the Irish people has left a lasting impression on me. Many people came forward to help us when we first arrived. It was like a queue to the house, with everyone saying, “We want to help.” Their support has been invaluable, and it has helped me become better every day.
Editor: Despite the warmth you’ve found in Ireland, your heart remains with your family in Ukraine. Can you share a bit about their current situation?
GG: Yes, my brother, father, and sister still live in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, respectively. They endure the horrors of war daily. They can drive sometimes and see bombs very close. It’s like a movie, but it’s not a movie, and they are very scared. During a two-week visit to Kyiv in August for my daughter Evgeniya’s medical treatment, I witnessed the war’s toll firsthand. There was a loud bang on the door somewhere, and everyone ducked. I was like, “It’s just a door,” but that’s their mindset when you could see something terrible. the experience was harrowing, with no electricity, scarce food, and a nightly military curfew.
Editor: Your resilience is truly inspiring. How has Ireland provided solace for you and your daughter?
GG: Ireland has been a sanctuary for us. The relaxed atmosphere and the smiles of strangers have brought us immense comfort. After we arrived at the airport in Ireland, I saw a man working and thought, “Oh, he’s smiling!” we are at home.
Editor: For those inspired by your story and eager to join your classes, how can they get in touch with you?
GG: I can be contacted at 087 9579343, on my Facebook page Fitness & Wellbeing with GG, or on Instagram @fitnesswithgg. I would love to welcome anyone who is interested in joining our community.
editor: Thank you, GG, for sharing your unbelievable journey with us. Your story is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the pursuit of passion in the face of adversity.Your classes not only transform bodies but also foster a sense of belonging,proving that even in the darkest times,light can be found.
GG: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure to share my story. I hope it inspires others to find their own path to resilience and passion.
| Key details | data |
|---|---|
| Name | Galyna Maiorova (GG) |
| Origin | Kyiv, Ukraine |
| Current Location | Castlerea, Ireland |
| Profession | Fitness and Wellbeing Instructor |
| Classes Offered | Step Aerobics, Yoga |
| Location of Classes | The Old Mill, Castlerea |
| Contact Facts | 087 9579343, Facebook: Fitness & Wellbeing with GG, Instagram: @fitnesswithgg |
GG’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community in overcoming adversity. Her dedication to fitness and wellbeing is transforming lives, offering hope and a sense of belonging to those who join her classes.