Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyse Tonon.
Hi Alyse, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a licensed clinical mental health therapist for over 10 years, but nothing prepared me for the healing journey which would eventually become the birthplace of my business, Hit2Heal. Hit2Heal is a therapeutic boxing program designed to support people to become more resilient, build self-confidence, and learn strategies proven to reduce stress and successfully overcome life’s challenges.
In February of 2022, I was in a life-altering car accident which resulted in a back injury. I spent nearly 18 months in severe pain, isolated in my one-bedroom apartment, unable to move freely or return to work. Frustrated, lonely, and faced with an unfamiliar challenge. I had no choice but to let it transform me. get real with myself. The physical injury forced me into a deeper relationship with my own body, my emotions, and my mental health.
Today, I share my story from a place of gratitude. Adversity allowed me the opportunity to grow. Hit2Heal, my life’s work, empowers people to “do hard things” and recognize all the ways we evolve through the process.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s fair to say that it’s incredibly “on brand” for me to respond with a quote. While a few come to mind, I’ll share the words of Robin Sharma, an author and thought leader for whom I have great respect:
“You can’t have a strong character and an easy life. The cost for one is the other.” This quote has been a powerful reminder for me when I’m faced with adversity, on the verge of giving up, and/or feeling hopeless. Financial limitations in addition to a general lack of knowledge and experience in the world of business have really forced me to fight to keep my dream alive.
About a year into the development of Hit2Heal, I was unexpectedly and unjustly terminated from the boxing gym where H2H was born and the space I was able to rent for my private classes. Despite the devastation, I was determined to keep the dream alive. Within 72 hours of losing the space (and relationships I valued), I was calling every boxing gym within 20 miles of Salt Lake sharing about this therapeutic boxing program with the hopes they would let me rent the space when it wasn’t used. At the very least, I offered to teach classes for free because I just wanted to keep teaching. The thought of going back to individual therapy felt like death. I spent several months trying to convince gym owners- and anyone with resources willing to listen-that I had something special that changes lives. I was only met with rejection and “best of luck” sideline supporters. Around this time was when I learned I’m supposed to have some sort of official business plan. From there, I went to work. I asked friends and family to take a chance on me by investing in my business by helping me to secure enough funding to open up my own space. I was able to gather about $20,000 in funds January 2025. By February, I was signing a lease to an abandoned warehouse that my partner and I would spend 2 months flipping. March 1, we celebrated our “soft open.” While I’m proud of my resilience on this journey thus far, I would be lying if I said it was easy to keep the doors open. We struggle every month to cover overhead, but I’m still here and I don’t plan on giving up anytime soon.
And to bring it full circle, I like the person i am becoming along the way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m still a licensed clinical mental health counselor (CMHC), but I no longer do traditional talk-therapy. Nowadays, I’m referred to as “the boxing therapist” which has a nice ring to it. Sometimes I introduce myself as a “movement specialist.”
Emobidment is the foundation of Hit2Heal. Hit2Heal uses the fundamentals of boxing as a metaphor for battling life’s challenges. The curriculum and overall structure of classes outlines specific skill-sets successful fighters must demonstrate which correspond to life skills essential for mental wellness.
1. Resilience (GRIT) –When life knocks you down, GRIT is what gets you back up. Getting “hit” is never a reason to give up- the fact that I now live inside the gym space to keep the dream alive — is proof of that.
2. Emotional Regulation – In boxing, the fight requires sharp mental focus, and a regulated nervous system. Losing control means getting hit. The same is true in life. We help clients recognize their emotions and teach strategies to effectively regulate their nervous system (fight/flight response). This work is powerful for those with anxiety, PTSD, and emotional trauma.
3. Distress Tolerance – “I can do hard things” is something we say often at Hit2Heal. Pushing through discomfort — physical, emotional, or psychological — is central to both boxing and healing.This is essential for individuals battling substance abuse as well as those who are at risk for suicide.
4. Interpersonal Acumen – Fighters must learn to read their opponents, maintain boundaries, and stay attuned. These are the same skills we need in our relationships. It also serves as a community of support for those who lack a sense of belonging.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Books:
“Everyday Hero Manifesto” Robin Sharma
“Untamed” Glennon Doyle
“Comfort with Uncertainty” Pema Chodron
“You Can Heal Your Life” Louise Haye
Podcasts:
“School of Greatness” Lewis Howe
Tara Brach’s podcast
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hit2heal.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hit2heal/
