Kim is a 35-year-old Program Manager.

Q: What got you started working out?

A: I was at a pivotal point in my life where I had a drastic change. I knew that if I didn’t start taking care of myself, physically and mentally I wouldn’t become my best self. 

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?

A: 3-4 days a week, the 6AM club only!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?

A: Sumo deadlift – it’s one exercise that I totally kick butt!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?

A: A high protein breakfast of eggs with fruit

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?

A: The first week of a new routine – you are always sore because you are working new muscle groups

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?

A: Knowing that I perform my best mentally and makes sure my clothes fit better.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?

A: Find your why. Not the easy way of “I want to lose weight”, but the deeper why.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?

A: Pull-ups, even if they are assisted with the band.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: Sumo deadlift of 230!

Q: What goals are you working on now?

A: I’m working more on the food aspect now. Eating because it fuels my body instead of helping me cope with stress, emotions, etc. 

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:

A: I was born without wisdoms teeth. 

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?

A: The community – I wouldn’t be nearly as committed if it weren’t for my 6AM club – the sassy and encouraging group. 

Jessica is a 40-year-old Assurance Manager.

Q: What got you started working out?

A: I was having knee issues and my doctor told me to lose weight and strengthen my leg muscles. I did a lot of research regarding diets and various exercises and came to the conclusion that lifting weights and increased walking was the best thing for healthy weight loss. The Strength Collective was running an 8 week special, so I signed up.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?

A: I attend the semi-private training sessions three times per week.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?

A: Deadlift and bench press!

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?

A: I’m a single mom of three kids, so finding time between all four of our schedules. However, there are so many times to choose from at the Strength Collective, I can usually find three days that fit in my schedule.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?

A: After a while, I genuinely started to enjoy it. Other than the physical benefits, it has also improved my mental health. It helps reduce my stress and I just feel better after a workout.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?

A: Oh, I have hit so many personal records! I had never used weights before I started. I couldn’t even lift the 35 lb bar in any exercise. Now I can lift 100 lbs or more depending on the exercise.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: I set a goal at the beginning of this year to bench 100 lbs. I hit that this past March.

Q: What goals are you working on now?

A: I just had ACL reconstruction surgery. So my goals right now are getting back to being able to squat and deadlift.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?

A: All the trainers are knowledgeable and friendly. They know when to modify something for you and also when to push you. Even the other members are friendly and helpful. I don’t feel intimidated when I am there. It’s a safe and inviting atmosphere.

Janet is a 45-year-old nurse!

Q: What got you started working out?

A: I needed to get moving again after some big life changes and kickboxing looked fun!!

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?

A: I work out 4-5 days a week with a mix of kickboxing and semi-private strength training.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?

A: Can you guess? Kickboxing, but I am finding I am loving the weight training as well!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?

A: Protein coffee and breakfast as I run to work.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?

A: Originally, fitting a workout into my schedule. Now, I focus on form and making sure to push myself!

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?

A: My accountability/workout buddy and how I feel when I work out! I find that gym time does wonders for my mood and mental health!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?

A: Go! Check it out!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?

A: Push ups!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: I can fit into my smaller scrubs again!!

Q: What goals are you working on now?

A: Getting my steps in consistently and secretly.. pull-ups!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?

A: There are always friends to be made and new things to learn!

Laura is a 35-year-old Help Desk Nerd at OSF Healthcare.

Q: What got you started working out?

A: I decided in September of 2021 to have Gastric Bypass. I was 325 pounds, five feet tall, disabled and had just broken my foot at work. It was rock bottom time! After a sixteen month process, I had my surgery July 23,2022. I knew I had to make the best of my tool!

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?

A: I typically work out three times a week unless my schedule goes crazy! The Semi Private Training is always full of really supportive, awesome people!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?

A: Dancing. I do enough of it! But, in all sincerity, I’ve become really impressed with my deadlift! There was a time that even the bars were a no go!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?

A: Flavored Tuna Packets with Avocado or Cottage Cheese and Fruit! Bariatric staples!

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?

A: I have lived with a disability my entire life. Cerebral Palsy has never defined me but, I have had to fight my inner monologue. I’ve had to overcome “I can’t do that.” and instead ask “How CAN I do that?”

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?

A: I’ve lost one hundred and forty-seven pounds so far! There’s no one cuter than me. right now! But, the pain relief, the increase in my stamina and the improvements to my balance and strength are amazing! The smaller clothes is just a bonus!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?

A: Self Care and Self Love are not Selfish. I heard a lot when I first started that I was prioritizing myself over other people. I do but, I’m also able to show up for them more now than I could have a year ago!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?

A: Get off the floor. I live in a disabled body. I fall. So, when I started I wanted to work on practical things, like getting myself up safely after a fall. Now, when I get off the floor occasionally someone will say “I still can’t believe you can do that! Do it again!”

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: The way that I carry myself is so different. She’s pretty unstoppable! The way my body feels, functions and just exists takes president over the fact that I’m really cute!

Q: What goals are you working on now?

A: I want to learn to ride a bike. I never learned as a kid because of my balance! I think thirty-five is my year!

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:

A: I read at the very least one book a week. I have a soft soot for British Boybands. I believe that flowers and coffee are weekly necessities. I have a big vinyl collection!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?

A: I get to show up as myself. I get to work out with people that care for me! It’s been awesome to put on hard work alongside people that are cheering for me!

Q: What got you started working out?

A: To get healthier and improve flexibility.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?

A: Aging Strong ( old people ) class on Monday and Fridays. I also try to get to gym 2 additional days.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?

A: Lateral Box Runs

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?

A: I don’t have one. 

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?

A: I have always involved in sports from high school so it’s not a challenge to workout.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?

A: Staying flexible and strong!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?

A: Do not be afraid to get started. I have talked to friends about my age and they do not think they could do the workouts. All of us started slow… Just do it!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?

A: Flexibility was a major problem for me. I could not reach down to the floor without kneeling…now I can.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: Flexibility and I’m surprised how much stronger I am!

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:

A: I pitched fastpitch softball for 20 years throughout the Midwest. I would pitch 70 games per summer.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?

A: The people I work out with…Aging Strong is a fun group!

Kim has been with us since our days at Anytime Fitness!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: Had total knee replacements 4 months apart was in so much pain a yr later still couldn’t go up a small curb.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 4 to 5 started with private sessions. Now I do semi-private and Aging Strong. And I have also done nutrition courses w/Jenna and I absolutely love what she has taught me (diets don’t work) she knows what she’s talking about!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: High Bar Back Squat

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Handful nuts and seeds cut up watermelon.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Lunges UGH.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Scheduled workouts! And for my Health! I have Chronic Inflammation which has held me back for several months at a time. I decided it was time to call a reset and take my health more seriously. Thanks to this wonderful team of trainers and coaches my hands are pain free and I’m lowering my inflammation when I am able to lift a barbell and do a dead hang. My incredible FitFam sharing milestones and goals with each other is priceless❤️.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: “Shift your Mindset Enjoy the Journey “.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Stairs, lifting weight , more stamina , losing weight, eating healthier, dealing with stress more in a more healthy way!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I remember telling my heart dr I wanna lift a barbell overhead. She said, “You can do that”. I told her no I can’t yet! She told me to send her a message when I did it she would do the happy dance! 😊 gonna wait til the next visit to tell her!

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Kickboxing

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: Will be celebrating our 35th Wedding Anniversary this Oct planning a vacation on a sandy beach!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: WALTER and all the dogs that pop in from time to time!

Yvonne is a 38-year-old retired Firefighter and a Direct Support Provider with DD Homes.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I started to workout because I needed an outlet to deal with my PTSD, and how I felt about myself.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 4 days a week. I’m in semi-private training and kickboxing.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Kickboxing but I’m also enjoying the strength training!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Fruit smoothie with whey protein.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: It would be keeping myself motivated.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Perseverance, I have gone from not being able to walk to being able to not only walk again but improve as well.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: In order to become what you want to be. You have to start somewhere, never give up.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Deadlift
Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: With the help from Jenna and Kat. Being able to walk. I was in bad shape with my back. They helped me get in a better state.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: To improve mobility and strength!

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I am a retired firefighter..

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My Strength Collective family!

Jackie is a 35-year-old Physician Assistant.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I wanted to get in better shape leading up to our destination wedding.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 3, two days of semi-private training and kickboxing on Saturdays.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Battle ropes!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Coffee 😂, usually with eggs.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Sticking with the diet.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: How good I feel after a workout!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Do it! Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Work closely with the coaches. They truly care about your well-being and want to see you reach your goals!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Chin up hangs

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Sticking with it for an entire year!

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Healthy eating habits- still trying to reach those protein goals!

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I was a National tumbling champion when I was 13.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The people! The coaches are great and fellow members are supportive and encouraging!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: Back pain

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 4-5

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Deadlift!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Water 😂

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Staying consistent when I’m not in the mood for it.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: How much better I feel when I do work out!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Quit thinking. Start doing. Trust the process and enjoy the results.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: A chin up!!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: My chin up 😊.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: To keep moving consistently during the winter and with a shoulder injury. I’ve had to tailor my workouts around my shoulder. So my main goal is to get back to 100% as I am able.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I have 2 grown children I am so proud of!!!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: That there are people of all different ages and fitness abilities in the gym.

Tina is a 59-year-old retiree from Dick Blick.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: After complications with a knee replacement surgery in 2007, and walking with a cane since 2013, I was unable to walk more than 100 feet without becoming very winded and lower back pain. I wanted to feel better & lose weight, now that I’m retired from my desk job.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 3X at semi private training.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Various barbell exercises!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Fiber one protein bar

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: It took me time to build up stamina, and I struggled with some of the exercises, especially on the floor.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Feeling and moving better, I don’t get as “winded” as I did before, and actually walked through Aldi’s last week. Working up to shop HyVee without a motorized cart.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Start small, break your goals down, and don’t freak out when looking at the scale.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: There are several things that stick out: I can finish most sessions with the others and not fall behind or not finish at all; I have more stamina whether walking or just standing in place; and overall flexibility is so different.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I started July 5th and I’m still coming! I’ve also lost more weight so far than I ever have before (I normally just added 5lbs every 2-3 years and never really lost before).

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Just this week I started 30 minutes of activity at home on at least 2 non training days, and working on floor exercises (or getting up & down which has been very difficult since knee surgery).

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: My Mom was born & raised in London, England and moved to the US at age 22. I still have aunts & cousins in London, Hong Kong & New Zealand.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The people, both the staff and other clients. The encouragement I’ve received has been very motivating.