Do you have any specific fitness goals you’d like to share with us?
I’m not training for anything specific. It’s nice seeing my numbers go up in terms of stamina, power, strength, and all that but I’ve always believed that most of us, if we’re honest with ourselves, are going to the gym for the same reason – to look better naked.
Have you noticed any changes, physically or mentally, since starting at the Shop?
I have. Physically I see a lot more definition and I feel much stronger. My weight has stayed the same but I lost an inch in my waist and everything is just feels…tighter, I guess. A redistribution of mass. It seems like my posture is better and though I’ve had to work thru a couple of injuries (not from the Shop) I can tell my stronger core has really helped. I’ve noticed I can cram many more rounds in during AMRAPs and at the end of the day I’m much less tired that I once was. Mentally, we all have our off days but I do notice that overall I find it easier to stay focused and sharp. Before I joined I never thought of myself as “out of shape” but I can easily see now just how out of shape I really was.
What do you value about the classes you take at the Shop?
I’d have to say the passive encouragement. I’m never one for people yelling, “you can do it,” “keep it up,” or the like. It does nothing for me. But looking around and seeing a group of folks fighting thru what you’re fighting thru is motivating to me. As a solo workout kinda person for most of my life that’s something I never thought would work for me, but here I am. Additionally, the technical coaching has been very helpful. I’ve fixed a lot of bad habits and learned so much about proper form. I’m sure I have a lot more to work on, but I definitely think my form has improved as I see much bigger gains in strength and fewer aches and pains in general.
What is your favorite movement at the Shop? Least favorite?
I don’t know that it’s fair to single out a specific “favorite” moment. I will say that there’s a lot I enjoy about the shop. The community is amazing. It’s diverse and motivated without being cultish, something that seems to be rather common in the fitness world. I feel like the coaches are genuinely concerned with my progress and work to make sure I’m developing my skills and furthering my goals. I will say I wouldn’t mind a bit more direction at times. I think the coaches are great at spotting someone struggling with too much weight or poor form and quick to save them from themselves, but they’re much less likely to encourage or suggest a heavier weight or more difficult modification if something appears too easy. This is a nitpick, though. I do think the options are explained, but even a little bit of, “that looks a little easy, have you tried X?” Might be helpful.
How does fitness fit in with your personal life now, as opposed to before the Shop?
It’s a big part of my life. It hasn’t changed what I do, but it has changed when I do it. My schedule is planned around getting my 4-5 classes in per week. Meeting up with friends may have to wait an hour for me to finish a class and get a shower. I’ll move a phone call so I can run to strength class in the middle of the day. I’ve also changed the way I eat based on my workout schedule. I never used to pay that much attention to what I ate prior to joining, but now it’s something that I’m very cognizant of.
