You’ve probably seen Sarah and Lauren Van Ert from our daily strength and fusion classes. They really dig in to the workouts and have a great time doing it! Since they have such a positive attitude, in addition to their outstanding drive throughout each class, we are happy to name them our Fusion Athletes of the Month! As you know, a community is only as good as its members, and Sarah and Lauren are definitely a strong component of the DBS family. Congratulations! We asked them a few questions about their experience with the Shop and how being identical twins has influenced their approach to life and fitness.
How long have you been working out at DBS? How did you find us?
Lauren: We have been working out at Dane’s since December 2012. We actually found out about the Shop online. We were researching gyms to join in Austin, and DBS really stood out to us as a great fit. After trying out the first class, we were excited to continue to grow with the Shop! Sarah: We started because my boyfriend, who also
works out at the Shop, was involved in Crossfit in school in San Marcos and loved it. After lots of research, Lauren and I tried out Veronica’s 7:30 class and loved it. Although, eating dinner before the workout wasn’t the best idea we ever had…
Is it easy to be motivated to come when your sister will be there or in the next class?
Lauren: Oh, yes. Anyone who has worked out with us may know we are a little competitive! If Sarah is able to lift a certain amount of weight, complete X amount of AMRAPs, or run a certain distance, you bet I am going to do it, also! I think that ultimately this helps us improve and continue to stay motivated. Sarah: Ditto to what Lauren said! We are around the same level at most exercises, so we keep each other motivated through competition and encouragement. There are definitely fewer lazy days when you have a twin to keep you motivated!
What are you the most competitive about?
Lauren: Being identical twins, we’re compared to each other on a daily basis. While this has definitely been difficult at times, I also find that a certain level of competitiveness does help us — in moderation! We are the most competitive about working out and eating healthy to a certain extent. We’re both pretty competitive. Sarah: Twins grow up spending their lives being compared, so we are a naturally competitive. Going to different colleges definitely helped us grow into separate people, and we are more supportive of each other today than we have been in the past. The problem we encounter as twins is that since other people compare us, we compare ourselves a lot, and that can be unhealthy. So it’s a cyclical process of sorts, and I feel we are doing better now that we both are getting fit and healthy at the Shop!
You often attend the Fusion n’ Go with coach Dunte, what do you love about this class?
Lauren:I love the energy in this class! Dunte knows how to keep athletes in his classes motivated, engaged, and going! Despite being a “shorter” workout, this workout is no joke. Sarah:I love the quick pace of the workouts, even though I may say differently during the class. I feel that the quick pace helps a lot with my stamina during cardio weeks, and has improved my explosiveness in running and box jumps. Dunte is just a fun guy to workout with. He’s so positive and encouraging!
What is the biggest difference you have seen since coming to DBS?
Lauren: Gaining an understanding of and appreciation for what being healthy and proactive means for my life has been transformative. My energy levels have gone way up, and I feel very satisfied, accomplished, and happy with the changes I have made and how they have impacted other areas of my life as well. Sarah: I used to really struggle finding a balance with work and going to the gym, since I was exhausted after a long day at the office. With Dane’s, I feel that the workouts actually give me more energy, and I have an excitement about going to the gym that I haven’t experienced since my high school sports days.
What is your favorite movement and your least favorite movement?
Lauren: My favorite movement are KB swings and deadlifts. My least favorite is running — something I am trying to work on! Sarah: I love box jumps and KB swings. My least favorite movement is lunges, hands down!
When you think of DBS and your future, what goals do you have for yourself and for the Shop?
Lauren: My goal is to continue to be a DBS regular! I try to make classes 4 times a week. Honestly, I can’t see myself ever not being at Dane’s! My current goal is to improve on my running. Sarah: My goal is to continue to make four Dane’s workouts each week! Lauren and I are working on improving our running endurance both inside and outside of the shop, and try to run the greenbelt by our apartment on weekends. I also want to continue to improve my Olympic lifts, both in form and in weight.