Mackenzie Aresta - Plenty of Positivity

Plenty of Positivity's Rising Star:

✨ Mackenzie Aresta ✨

Elevating Leaders for Tomorrow

This is a special segment of Plenty of Positivity where we highlight Rising Stars who exemplify excellence and focus on positivity in their lives to make their dreams come true, while providing others hope and inspiration to chase after their dreams. We are committed to elevating leaders for tomorrow.

Plenty of Positivity welcomes Mackenzie Aresta!

✨ How has a positive mindset shaped your "Life, Sport, Career"?

Positivity shaped my life in sports, career and life as a whole. It’s not just about having a smile on your face, it is a tool that can be leaned upon when things get tough. Keeping a positive mindset has helped me manage the difficult days, and even find the good in them!

Growing up as an athlete, it did not take me long to realize that progress was not linear. My gymnastics career was filled with moments of joy and happiness, but almost just as often mental setbacks, weeks without improvement, or injuries came my way. Without positivity, I would have been overwhelmed by all these obstacles, and at one point I was! A shift in mindset allowed me to be patient, to enjoy the process, and to keep working even when results weren’t showing. Understanding that I was in control of my athletic career allowed me to put trust in the process and has built up my confidence and resilience. With these elements enhanced, positivity is easy to come by!

Now as a fitness instructor and gymnastics coach, I carry this same mindset with me. It is essential to not only have this mindset myself, but to push my gymnasts and clients to as well. When they are struggling with fear, injuries, or doubt, it is up to me to lift them up, to encourage them, and to help them find a brighter outlook. I can be their voice of encouragement; of positivity. A positive mindset has helped me reach my goals thus far, and will continue to do so in the future. It does not remove struggles or setbacks, but instead allows you to flow through them, and come out stronger than you were before.

Photo Credit: Mackenzie Aresta

About Me

I was born and raised in New Jersey, where I discovered my passion for gymnastics at a young age. I trained at Head Over Heels Gymnastics from age 7 through 18, reaching the highest level of USAG gymnastics. My dedication to the sport led me to Temple University, where I had the incredible opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

Currently, I’m pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rutgers University, with an expected graduation in 2026. Upon graduation, I hope to begin a career in counseling, with a niche in sports counseling. This would combine my background as an athlete with my passion for mental health to help others elevate their mindset and reach their highest level of performance in both sport and life.

While in graduate school, I am staying involved in the fitness and gymnastics communities. I coach at Head Over Heels Gymnastics, giving back to the program that shaped me, and I also work as a Lagree instructor at Power Core Studio. Whether in the gym, on the megaformer, or in future counseling sessions, I’m committed to helping others build resilience, confidence, and strength.