This month is very special for us all as we get to celebrate not only a one time client, but a beloved coach! We’re so proud of you!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in NY, about an hour outside of the city and lived there until we moved to Phoenix when I was 14. I’m an east coast girl at heart!
How did you become interested in and how long have you been with Phoenix 360 Fitness?
I had been to a few gyms in the area and found I was never motivated to actually show up, or when I did, I didn’t get any support and I was intimidated. I was looking for something different and found Phoenix 360 Fitness on Groupon. I trolled the IG account for a while before making the decision to come in. It’s been a year since I’ve been a member, and it was the best investment I’ve ever made.
What’s was your recent biggest hurdle and how did you overcome/managed it?
I’m constantly working on my negative self-talk. I can pinpoint every part of my body I don’t like, the “I can’t” thoughts race through my head during workouts, and it’s just self-defeating. I’m honestly learning to replace all of the negative talk with positive affirmations. It’s helped manage my anxiety and keeps me motivated to push through the workouts.
What motivates/inspires/determines you to train and push yourself to your limits?
I am most motivated by how good I feel: mentally and physically. It’s amazing what our bodies can do, the transformation gives me confidence to keep making and crushing new goals.
How much do you exercise?
It varies depending on my work schedule, however, I like to be in the gym 5 days a week!
How has your training at Phoenix 360 helped you in your life?
I am not the same person who walked into this gym a year ago. I’ve always struggled with anxiety and depression, and I was at an all time low when I first met with Ryan. I was not happy with my outward appearance, and even more so with how I felt inside. I had always been good at masking it, but living that way was miserable and I knew I needed to do something, I just had no idea what. It have never occurred to me how much working out could improve how I felt mentally and physically, but I figured it was worth a try. With the guidance and support of Ryan, I have learned that what I do outside of the gym is just as important as what I do inside of it. By making positive changes in my personal life, being consistent in my workouts and nutrition, I have lost 20 pounds and I am in the best physical shape I have ever been. I feel strong, and confident, which were never two words I would have used a year ago to describe myself. As for the “non-scale victory” I have reduced my anxiety and depression symptoms dramatically, to the point where I no longer have to take the medication I was fully reliant on for years. I am so thankful to everyone at Phoenix 360 for helping me become the very best version of myself.
What inspired you to become a coach at Phoenix 360 Fitness?
I know what it feels like to to want to improve your life but you feel overwhelmed, intimidated or anxious, you’re doubtful you can do it… change is hard! As someone who battled these same thoughts, I want to be there to support members as they work to make the mental and physical changes needed to meet/exceed their goals. I love motivating members to step outside of their comfort zone to challenge themselves and meet their goals. There’s nothing better then seeing a member surprise themselves when they do something they didn’t believe they could.
Becoming a coach pushed me outside of my comfort zone, it wasn’t something I planned and honestly, I didn’t even know if I would be good at it, now it’s the thing I look forward to most each week!
What’s your favorite exercise?
I would have to say deadlifts: barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell, I like them all! A close second is anything with the ropes!
How do you balance your time and taking care of yourself?
This is still a struggle for me, I do my best to stay balanced, but some weeks are harder than others. When I don’t take care of myself, I notice my mood drastically changes, and my anxiety increases, so I try to do little things to take care of myself, including eating healthy, working out and disconnecting from the world for a bit each day. Writing is therapeutic for me, so I started a gratitude journal that I use every morning and I like to journal at night before bed. I also get a massage every month, and I enjoy a good Netflix binge in pajamas with my dog from time to time!
If you could give our readers/members one health or weight loss tip, what would it be?
Show up. Honestly, its the hardest part sometimes, I know, but just do it. Pack your gym bag in advance, come straight from work, and show up. You missed a week? Forgive yourself and next week….show up. You’re having a bad day? Show up, we can fix that with some ball slams
