What motivated you to start at AFS?
I needed to start an exercise regime, as I had been too sedentary in my life. Work and family were always the first things I focused on and I never spent time doing something for myself. I was always tired and was feeling the physical effects of not being active, so I made the decision that, this year, I was going to make myself and my health a priority.
What keeps you coming back to AFS?
The staff is the best! I thought that they would be interested in what I am doing initially, but that would wain over time. However, I have found that all of the staff that I’ve interacted with have been truly committed to living what they teach! I really love how there’s a fitness professional in each class setting to make sure that you’re doing exercises correctly and safely. I could go to a gym, but having someone there in class making sure that I’m doing the exercises correctly is key for me.
I love coming back here because I can physically see the difference in how my body has transformed over the last 4 months. My coach, Brooke, has been very supportive and pushes me when I need to do more without being overbearing and I am always hearing Kate in my head–even outside of class–telling me to “relax my shoulders,” which keeps me sitting up straighter!
If you could go back in time, what would you say to yourself before your first class?
Look, expect to be really sore! Mentally, I don’t think of myself as getting older; but the fact is that I am. So when I began at AFS, I thought, “I’ll be a little sore for a couple of days.” I was more than a little sore, but that motivated me even more and made it clear that I need to get my body moving.
What is your long-term goal?
My long term goal is to be more active and LIVE a healthier lifestyle. I have worked in the health care industry for many years and know how not living a healthy life style can impact your life in the long term. I want to live a life where I’m not dependent on others for what I need to enjoy a full life.
How is your life different since you started with AFS?
I definitely feel more energetic and I am motivated to push myself to do more; whereas before this journey started, I would have thought of a handful of reasons not to exercise or justify why I was choosing to eat poorly. Now, I know what I need to do to keep myself feeling better and I have great people who are standing behind me helping me do it!
Tell us about a moment where you were really proud of yourself!
The absolute best moment(s) where I have felt proud are when my kids have commented on my body transformation. I come home sometimes and challenge them to do some of the exercises that I have done in class and, although they can keep up with me, they understand how it takes determination to keep going. They are the best support and motivation!