1.What was life like before you became a member?
I’ve always been someone who tries to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Cardio training was never really a problem for me, but I’ve always struggled to find an effective way to incorporate strength training into my routine. I really lacked the structure and discipline necessary to go to a regular gym and have it make an impact on my overall health.
2. At the time you enrolled, were you already exercising? What was your previous background in fitness?
I started running, somewhat intensely, during my early post college years. I did several marathons and half marathons with some nice finishes, but I felt like that constant pounding on my joints was not going to be good long term. So, I gradually began scaling back running and trying to lift weights on my own at the gym, which really never yielded any results.
3. What originally prompted you to seek us out?
I had a very specific idea in my mind of what I was looking for, but I just wasn’t sure what exactly that was. I knew I wanted group training that focused on functional movements. I also knew I needed a place that was going to hold me accountable. I felt like I hit a point of diminishing returns with my running-only workout routine. And I felt like I never had any real structure, programming or accountability by just showing up at the gym to lift some dumbbells based on whatever I felt like that day. I did my research, tried some gyms, and fortunately came across KCF on Google. Right away in my initial meeting with Coach Tim I knew I found the right place.
4. What was your goal when you originally signed up?
I was honestly just ready for a new challenge. I was never someone who found any joy or success in lifting weights and really believed I could change that with some structure and accountability. My goal in joining was simply to challenge myself in ways I hadn’t before.
5. What have you liked best about working with us?
The structure and variance of the workouts. You never have to ask yourself what you are doing to do on a particular day. That is where I always used to get stuck when lifting on my own. Here, all that guess work is eliminated. The only thing you need to do is get yourself to the gym. Once I found a place where I could just walk in, have a coach lay out a workout, and then teach you the specific movements, I was hooked.
6. What are you most proud of achieving since you started?
Staying so consistent with the workouts. I’m someone who likes to do some type of activity every day (running, CrossFit, walking), but I’m happy I’ve committed to sticking with this program as much as possible regardless of what the particular workout is on a given day.
7. With everything that you have accomplished, has your view of yourself changed?
When I first started, I’d watch the more experienced athletes do some of the movements and think to myself “there is no way I’m ever touching that!” And while I still have a long way to go, I find myself beginning to understand the science behind the movements and what it will take to get there.
8. What would you say to anyone else who might be dealing with any similar struggles you did?
You don’t have to do it alone. There are lots of people in similar situations trying to improve their health and fitness. KCF gives you all the tools and support you need to accomplish your goals.
9. Do you have any special moments/memories?
The gym has such a welcoming and supportive culture that simply just showing up for a regular workout is pretty special. There are people from all different ages and walks of life at any given class and seeing them succeed is really cool.
10. What is your favorite movement/lift?
I am still an endurance/cardio athlete at heart, so when I see workouts with high reps/low weight, and
running/rowing/biking, I feel like I have a chance!
