Dr. Josephine Swanson is a 32-year-old Veterinarian at Knox Pet Clinic!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I just wanted to be healthier and be more active.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I am part of the Warrior Strong Kickboxing class, and I go to class three times a week.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: When we get to do different circuits in kickboxing class!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Honey Stinger Energy Waffles

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Having the motivation to keep up with it and working it into my schedule.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: I have lost some weight but I feel better about how I move and have more energy.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: I would say try it once because no matter where you are starting from you will get something out of it.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: The fact that I have been able to keep up with kickboxing classes three times a week for a few months.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: I’m just trying to stay consistent with my workouts.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My favorite thing is that it doesn’t matter what level of fitness you are at, there is no judgment..

Q: What got you started working out?
A: Needing to lose weight, tone up and increase cardio to excel in my flight tests.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 3-4 days a week, Kickboxing and Semiprivate.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Leg exercises

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

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

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: The results I see and the way I feel!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Don’t expect overnight results, they will come in time.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Last the whole hour in kickboxing without wanting to stop early.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Losing 50 pounds!

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Getting on track with my nutrition.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I have an Identical Twin.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The owners/instructors and the great folks I meet there.

Hannah is a 25-year-old elementary school teacher.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My boyfriend Cam.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: Between 3-4 days. No groups just train by myself or with Cam.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Tricep pull downs or sumo deadlifts

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Salted Carmel Protein Powder mixed with Mocha Cold Brew Coffee with Almond Milk.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: My mentality of thinking I can’t do it.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Cam and my desire to be stronger.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Even when you think you can’t do it, do it anyway because you will feel 110 times better!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Bench more than the bar.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Feeling confident enough to go to the gym by myself.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Training for a Powerlifting Competition in November!

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I was a collegiate softball player and a competitive dancer.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: It is very non-judgmental gym for all kinds of lifters.

Mary is a 47-year-old, self-proclaimed, full-time nerd that loves teaching.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I wanted to feel strong and in control of my health.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I usually attend cardio kickboxing on Monday and Wednesday nights. I also try to walk for 30 minutes twice a week. I also do nutrition check-ins with Jenna every two weeks. I exercise 3 to 4 times each week and am part of the Warrior Strong group!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I LOVE a good wall sit!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I love a cheese omelette with fresh pico after workouts.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: In the beginning, I had this idea that I was not very strong. I specifically said “I can’t do that.” more times than I can count. It wasn’t long and I was flipping tires and throwing Ricky around! I was/am like a five year old, I am so surprised when I can do something new. I often say “Hey guys. I am doing it!”

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: I have had the results I have been working for and I love that I work out with a great bunch of women. Everyone is supportive and working hard. The ambition to succeed is contagious and I can’t get enough.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Don’t wait! Getting stronger feels so good. Start right now! We are hilarious and we will be your biggest cheerleaders. Two hours a week can change your life! It will be hard at first but it will get easier. You deserve to live your best life!
Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: I could not get my punching bag out and put it away by myself in the beginning I used to have to modify everything. I still modify a few things but I can work the whole time.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of how good I feel. I used to take pain meds every day. I have lost a significant amount of weight and lowered my resting heart rate.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: I am going to get muscles. Real muscles, that I can flex and see.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I was born in Germany. I have traveled to and lived in many places.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective is getting to make people laugh. I love how everyone cheers everyone on and encourages each other. I feel like everyone is invested in each other’s success!

Dr. Tiffany is a 40-year-old Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Galesburg District #205.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I was approaching two major milestones-completion of my doctorate in educational administration and turning the big 4-0!

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I exercise 3 to 4 times each week and am part of the Warrior Strong group!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: My favorite exercise has to be squats! I started out loving inchworms until they showed up in a deck of cards workout…haha!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Special K Chocolate and Peanut Butter Protein Bar

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: I have three very busy teenage girls and a job that demands a lot of my time. Scheduling workouts into my schedule used to be an afterthought. Now, I proactively schedule workouts ahead of time so that I’m certain to fit them into my routine.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: I like feeling strong and am motivated by my best friend, Nichole. We started this journey together and have kept each other motivated and accountable. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and how much strength and flexibility we’ve gained!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Just get started! I also would say that you’ll likely be sore the first couple of weeks but the intensity of the pain does dissipate over time. Keep pushing through and drink lots of water!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: I couldn’t do a full body push up when I started and now I can do them in sets of ten with breaks in between. It’s a great feeling!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I’m proud of maintaining my fitness plan even after my beach vacation was over! I look forward to working out!

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Maintaining my fitness plan and following my macro plan.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I love to sing and I get the privilege to sing on the praise and worship team at Bethel Baptist Church.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The empowering and supportive environment created by the women at the gym is refreshing! I love encouraging others and hearing others motivate one another! Plus, we’ve got some pretty amazing coaches with Jen, Gin, Katrina, Heather, and Tara!

Melanie is a 44-year-old Deputy County Clerk.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I’ve always worked out in group cardio/ fitness classes but really wanted to learn more about strength training.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: At this point I work out 3 days a week and attend the Barbell Group.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Anything Core related. Core exercises help make me feel solid and strong.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I really like overnight oats with peanut butter and fruit, Select Protein shakes, Quest bars, Select Amino IV drinks

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: The most challenging for me is pushing through a hard day at work and getting myself to the gym. Once I’m there I get into a different mindset and feel so much better after my workout.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: I feel motivated to work out on a regular basis because not only do I love feeling stronger but the confidence I have gained. With consistent work out my energy levels are also heightened and am happier overall.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: They absolutely should! Everyone at the gym is very supportive.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Having the courage and support to lift weights and do barbell training. I was pretty nervous about deadlifting but have started to enjoy it.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Continuing to have small gains with consistent practice on the barbell work. I’ve always been a yoga, jazzercise and Zumba type of chick so strength training has been challenging but extremely rewarding.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Showing up for myself ….for my physical and mental health. When I feel good then I am at my best to help others, which is so important in my life.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I continue to carry a CDL license. Once upon a time, I drove a 33 foot Bookmobile Bus in the South Suburbs of Chicago. We brought books and joy to neighborhoods and schools. It was an absolute blast!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My favorite is the support and always feeling welcomed at The Strength Collective. The knowledge I have gained through classes as well as the nutritional aspect is so amazing. I am so thankful to be part of a great place.

Nichole is a 42-year-old Registered Nurse.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: Honestly I started to work out to lose weight and get back in shape before I went on a vacation. It turned into something that has made me feel so much better physically and mentally. It brought back the motivation I lost.

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. I go to 3-4 kickboxing classes and also I am in a Beachbody group.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Squats

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I love quest protein bars.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: It’s hard to find time and stay consistent.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: My best friend Tiffany! We hold each other accountable and it’s always better to do something with a friend.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Just get started at what ever level you are at and whatever day it is. I tend to make excuses “if I just lost 10lbs first before I start…..” “I will just wait until Monday…”

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Proper push ups on my toes!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: The strength and power I have built in kickboxing. Also being able to workout an hour and not feel like I’m dying.(most of the time)

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Staying consistent and motivated. Also not just focusing on the number on the scale but instead how I feel.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I’m embarrassed but I love any real housewives show.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: I love the encouragement as women that we give each other during kickboxing. We build each other up and cheer each other on. The coaches are also awesome.

Charlene is a 31-year-old Corrections Officer.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: In 2010, I had my 1st round of Cancer and knew right then it was time for a change! I’m not thankful for the cancer, but yet I am because I don’t think I would have forced myself to change.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I usually do 6 days… 7th being just cardio/ aesthetics.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Power Clean (right now… it changes!)

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Oatmeal, banana, and a green protein shake

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Getting discouraged when you fail a lift.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Progress. Results. Seeing how far I have come, and knowing I am going to go so much farther. Plus, I have met so many great people, some who have even become close friends, along the way!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: You’ll be so happy 1 year from now you did! It can be frustrating, but use those failures as motivation go gain strength!

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

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Back in 2015, I got certified as a personal trainer and was running my own business by 2016! Unfortunately, I went through a rough divorce and lost it, but I’m still proud and take it as maybe that was supposed to happen for something greater!!

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Getting stronger and working on my cardio.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I absolutely am addicted to candy!!😬

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: Walter!!! 😊❤️ Plus, The owners, and members are so awesome, helpful and help make you feel comfortable!

Ben is a 45-year-old Railroad Freight Engineer.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: [Wanted] More muscles

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 3 or 4 days

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Shoulder Press

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Steak and Eggs

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Not having a shoulder press machine.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Every day I come in I hope to see that shoulder press machine.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Quit whining and do it!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Always lifting more.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Always lifting more.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Convince Kat to buy that shoulder press machine.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: No, thanks.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: [That it’s a] Laid back gym.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I have always been active, but having a desk job and getting home to my kids I was not finding the time for myself. I started working out on my lunch hour and haven’t looked back!

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: Not every day is a sweat session, but I try to move my body 5 days a week.
Monday and Wednesday are typically lifting/cardio. Tuesday and Thursday are active rest days. Friday is cardio.

I am not currently attending any group sessions, but I have in the past. Lean & Strong over the lunch hour! We had a blast. Aging Strong, I did this with my mother in law a few times. Great group of people! Zumba! I love to dance, I used to participate 2 days a week and can still remember the routines! LOL

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Squats! I have always had very strong legs.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Since I workout over my lunch hour, I get to eat lunch as soon as I am done. Anything with peanut butter is my go to.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Deciding how much weight to start with. This can be difficult when Mary and I are doing a building session, often find ourselves starting WAY to heavy! LOL

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: My gym partner Mary Foutch! We continuously push each other even on the days neither one of us feel like it. We know if we just go do anything for 30-45 minutes, we are immediately in a better mood and mindset.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: I get it! Walking into a gym can be scaring and intimidating if you have never been in one. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We all started somewhere. Find the time! You will thank yourself.

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

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Never in my life did I think I would say this…… running a constant mile without stopping! This is recent…. like within the past couple of weeks. I loathed running! However, since Katrina has aided us in the training of how to start, and here Mary and I are killing it! 😉

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Nutrition!!! Always working on nutrition.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: Mary and I have been friends for 35 years!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The people you encounter. Smiling, saying hi, encouraging, and giving each other a hard time when we haven’t crossed paths for a few days.