Lavinia Palanite, widely recognized by her online persona Activepanda, is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of personal transformation. Born and raised in the small town of Câmpina, Romania, Lavinia’s journey is a remarkable story of overcoming adversity, finding her passion, and inspiring thousands of people worldwide with her indomitable spirit.
Growing up in a household marked by poverty and abuse, Lavinia’s early life was challenging. Her parents divorced when she was still a toddler, and custody was granted to her father, a decision that shaped much of her childhood. Isolated from her mother and subjected to her father’s strict and abusive control, Lavinia struggled with emotional trauma. However, these early years of hardship would eventually fuel the inner strength she would later use to transform her life.
Fitness wasn’t always a part of Lavinia’s life. In fact, until the age of 21, she describes herself as a “lazy person” with no interest in sports or physical activity. It was heartbreak, however, that ignited a spark in her. Determined to change her life, she started going to the gym and enlisted the help of a personal trainer. What started as an outlet for her pain soon became a passion. In just six months, Lavinia was on her way to becoming a certified personal trainer, falling in love with fitness and bodybuilding. “I fell in love with this sport because it was the only place where I could channel all my anger,” she recalls. “Before this, I was a very volcanic person.”
This newfound passion led her to move to the United States, where she continued to pursue bodybuilding while also embarking on a journey of healing. Inspired by the writings of Osho, Lavinia began to focus not only on her physical health but also on her mental and spiritual well-being.
In 2017, a pivotal chapter of her life began. Lavinia met someone who would profoundly influence her life — a relationship she describes as both the greatest love and the greatest lesson of her life. Having grown up without love and affection from her father, this relationship initially seemed to offer her the confidence and support she had always longed for. However, it also came with its own set of challenges and heartbreaks.
Lavinia’s professional achievements continued to rise. In 2018, she competed in her first regional bodybuilding show. By 2020, she was competing at Miss Fashion Global in Florida, and in 2021, she was named the 2nd runner-up at the prestigious Miss Bikini US competition. She also began modeling for high-profile fashion shows in Milan, Paris, and Dubai, gracing the covers of numerous magazines. Yet, despite all this outward success, Lavinia was struggling internally.
The turning point came when her relationship fell apart, leading to a series of emotional and physical challenges, including a miscarriage. Despite her professional success, Lavinia found herself grappling with intense feelings of loss and betrayal. Her busy schedule and the practicalities of dividing her life with her former partner left her with little time to process the pain she was experiencing.
In 2022, Lavinia achieved a significant milestone in her career by winning her Pro Card at the World Championship in Miami. However, this victory coincided with one of the darkest periods of her life. “Right after winning, I came back to Romania, and instead of being happy that I was a winner and brought that title home, I got depressed for the first time in my life. My body, mind, and soul were finally processing all the emotions,” she reflects. The emotional toll was compounded by physical health challenges, as Lavinia developed an eating disorder, ultimately being diagnosed with bulimia and athletic amenorrhea, with a 60% risk of infertility.
Lavinia’s story is not just one of triumph over adversity but also one of self-discovery and resilience. Through her experiences, she has become an inspiration to many, showing that no matter how dark life may seem, there is always a path forward. Lavinia continues to use her platform to inspire others, sharing her journey with honesty and vulnerability while proving that strength comes from within.
Her journey as Activepanda serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own struggles, reminding us all that the human spirit is unassailable when fueled by determination, love, and a commitment to personal growth.
