Leann Schaffnit- October Member of the Month at The Strength Collective Galesburg

This month’s member of the month is Leann Schaffnit! Leann is a 25 year old teacher and moved to Galesburg a little over a year ago and has loved it since. She loves working out through kickboxing and is a part of groups like Stay at Home Strong and All Ages Strong. She recently finished up her 12 week program with Jenna and it has helped her improve on her relationship with fitness and overall wellness. Learn more about Leann Below!

Q: What got you started working out?

A: I’ve been on a yo-yoing fitness journey for a long time but The Strength Collective has helped me find what works best for me. Kickboxing is so fun and there are so many classes offered that are super accessible for people at all fitness levels.

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

A: Currently 5 days a week! I do kickboxing, Stay at Home Strong, And All Ages Strong! I’m just finishing up my first 12 week program with Jenna and it has been life changing for my relationship with fitness, wellness, and my body.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?

A: I have to pick one? I love kickboxing but my controversial take is that I ACTUALLY LIKE wall sits!

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

A: Frozen mango! It feels like ice cream but it’s just mango:)

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

A: Being sore afterwards. Honestly, once you figure out where it fits into your schedule you just don’t let yourself cancel the appointment!

Q: What keeps you motivated to workout regularly?

A: All the little wins! Exercises get easier, I can move my body in new ways, I choose heavier weights, etc.

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

A: Stop thinking and just do it. It’s never going to be the “perfect time”. The perfect time is now because it’s on your mind!

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

A: A PROPER PUSHUP, also I can touch my knee to my elbow while doing bird-dogs now which was more exciting than I imagined!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?

A: Despite all of the workout successes I mentioned earlier, probably my commitment and consistency with what I eat. Jenna taught me how to count my macros and the best way to eat to still LOVE what you eat as well as keeping up with working towards your goals!

Q: What goals are you working on right now?

A: I’m still working on losing fat (it doesn’t happen overnight) and getting stronger. A big goal of mine is to not need to modify any exercises in my workouts.

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

A: I’m a vegetarian and I still hit my protein goals every day!

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

A: I love the community vibe and when I moved to Galesburg a little over a year ago I knew I needed a smaller gym and I could not be happier with the family I’ve built here. I know that I matter here and that there’s always a bunch of people celebrating my goals WITH me!

Thank you for being an awesome member Leann!

Christina Leafgreen- September Member of the Month at The Strength Collective

This month we have our very first “virtual” Member of the Month- Christina Leafgreen! Christina is a 29 year old English teacher who joined us in April for our very first 4 Week Habit Challenge, and continued with Jenna’s 12 Week Limitless Lifestyle online group coaching program after that. She’s been consistently improving every week since then, and has the progress to show for it! Learn more about Christina’s journey below.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My friend shared the April challenge with me and I wanted to find a way to get in shape during quarantine/the pandemic.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I usually do 3 workouts a week. I was a part of the Spring into Action group, the 12 week coaching program, and now the Harvest Healthy Habits group.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I absolutely love kneeling windmills with a dumbbell. I love feeling how I can instantly feel an effect from it. And it’s always challenging.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I love to have any meat high in protein off of the grill after my workouts.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: The first 2 minutes. I always have a ton of anxiety waiting for the workout to begin. Once I’m done with my spiderman elbow lunges, I’m in the zone and love it!

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: My mental health and my energy levels — both have improved tremendously since I started the first challenge and I love giving back to myself in this way.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Don’t let the fear of what your trainer may have you do tomorrow, next week, or next month. Live in the present and take it one day at a time. Trust the process!!!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: I used to have pretty awful breakdowns at work or at home where I would lose my cool and throw tantrums. I now can take something in and put it on the back burner and not stress about it immediately but think it through. This is the best therapy I’ve ever had!

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I have upper body strength!!! I can help carry things for people now instead of being the one needing help. It’s so empowering.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: My next goal is to cut 15 more pounds, but continue to build and tone my muscle. With school in full swing now, I will prove to myself I can do this while working a stressful job. In the past, I’ve been able to somewhat get in shape over the summer, but I would always lose the motivation once school started. No more excuses here.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: When I do recorded workouts, I turn my speakers up as loud as they will go to I Prevail Pandora station and it is my favorite time of the day. Best feeling ever!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: I am a part of a team that cares about my progress and well-being. I have so much support from this group and I don’t have to worry about judgement. Beyond grateful for Jenna, Katrina, and everyone who has joined me in this journey along the way ♥️

We are so grateful for and proud of you Christina! Keep up the great work!

Amanda Sanders – August 2020 Member of the Month at The Strength Collective Galesburg

We’re so proud to announce our August Member of the Month is Amanda Sanders! Amanda is one of our OG members, going all the way back to our Anytime Fitness days. She’s a 37 year old Physical Therapist who was an athlete throughout high school and college and lost touch with her fitness journey when she started a family (our moms know that struggle all too well). She has been back on her fitness journey since 2017, which is AWESOME! Read on for some more information about Amanda:

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 4-5. Limitless Lifestyle. In the past, I have done Barbell and Warrior string Kickboxing, both of which I loved.

Q:What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Lifting heavy – probably a 3-way tie between bench press, push press and squats.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: That’s a very unfair question. I typically workout at noon, so I get to eat lunch afterwards. But on other days I shake up a PEScience protein shake so I don’t eat ALL the food. My favorite flavor is chocolate cupcake. Recently I’ve also been turned onto Fairlife CorePower chocolate milk which is delicious.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Making it a priority. I struggle strongly with mom-shame, so it’s hard to put me first. I try to keep the mindset that I’m teaching them to make their fitness a priority too, but on days in which time is short, “mom’s stuff” is usually the first to be sacrificed.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: My People. My Family and my FitFam. I need to be healthy and strong to be a good role model for my daughters and make sure I can be there for them for a long time. My FitFam keeps me accountable; there’s an overflowing wealth of support and encouragement. They expect me to be there, but don’t shame me when I fall.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: The hardest part is showing up. No matter what you do, how many times you fall or struggle, and especially when you don’t want to, Just Show Up.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Full push-ups, still a challenge to do more than 5 in a row, but I’m still getting stronger every day.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Winning the strongman last summer. That was a lot of fun.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Right now my focus is getting my nutrition in check. Eating to fuel my body for bigger strength gains and to shed the extra weight.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know.
A: I’m originally from Omaha, NE.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The people. We are a family of warriors. It may feel strange to have a “stranger” encourage you and push you, but that’s what we do. The minute you walk through the door, you’re no longer a stranger, you’re family.

Thank you for being a ride or die member of our #fitfam Amanda!

Meg Robbins – July 2020 Member of the Month at The Strength Collective Galesburg

Meg Robbins is a 34 year old Pathway Coordinator and Teacher who first started working out right before high school. She was inspired by a Yoga video that taught her how to accept what she thought were her bodies “flaws” and use them to her advantage. During high school she started weightlifting with her school’s football team and continues to strength train 3-4 days per week.

Here’s what she had to say about her fitness journey:

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My sister bought this Crunch Yoga DVD called “The Joy of Yoga” with Sarah Ivanhoe. I must have been in 7th or 8th grade. I was a terrible runner (or at least I felt like it). I was athletic and played sports but always felt a bit self-conscious because I was always “bigger” than all my friends. I started doing the DVD with her and she kept talking about “acceptance” and accepting the movement and doing what felt good to you. That made me realize that while my strength wasn’t running at the time, I could do other things. So in high school I started weightlifting with the football team instead of regular PE; the coach was very inclusive and always made it an option. I learned a lot, and that paired with yoga made me feel good about myself- that was my first positive experience. I still have that yoga dvd (it’s my 3rd copy), and I still return to it when I feel self-doubt.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I try to do 5 with 2 days of rest. I like to do at least 3-4 days of strength. Lately, I’ve been doing all the Zoom workouts including Stay at Home Strong and Warrior Strong (since they began with the quarantine). That’s been such a gift because one of my least favorite things about working out at this point in my life is the brain-power it takes to decide what you are going to do. I love being able to know that I am going to class, and I get to follow. I don’t have to use brain power to make decisions- it’s not a decisions. I AM GOING TO CLASS. That takes all the guess-work and emotional decision making out of the equation. I show up. I get it done. I feel better. I keep going with life.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Dead-lifts. Dead-lifts all day! (okay not all day)

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Chocolate peanut butter smoothie with chocolate protein and almond milk. Or chocolate milk!

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: I think a limiting belief I had since childhood was that I wasn’t “good” at working out; I wasn’t “as athletic” as my friends. I think the only way to overcome that is to stop thinking about it. You just do it. You move. You have a body and it’s as good as anyone else’s body. And it will do things if you stop thinking and start doing. Listen to others, watch others. And just let go of those limiting beliefs. To quote “Schitt’s Creek” when Alexis says to David when he is freaking out about his driving test, “Nobody cares.” At first that sounds negative; there are plenty of people in this group that care about your success. But literally no one is dwelling on the limiting beliefs you have about yourself. NO ONE. You are the only person who have those beliefs about you. So, you have to do a lot of work on making your own pleasure and success the priority.

Q: What keeps you motivated to workout regularly?
A: Well, to be honest, right now it’s pretty much the only time I get on my own. And although I love my family, I am a much better person to be around when I’ve had some alone time to get focused and centered. If I don’t do it, I feel like a glass of water that’s been spilled on a table. I’m all over the place. So I look for that mental clarity and emotional well-being along with the strength development that working out brings.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: We all see those stand-out people that we can tell who have taken the time to develop the knowledge about body work- of course Jenna and Katrina- and Megan too- but perhaps there are other people in the group that we have a connection to for a variety of reasons. Find the person that you feel comfortable enough to ask for help. If it’s working with the weights that you want, and that feels like a daunting task in the beginning because in my opinion, it takes a long time to figure out the lifts and exercises that are right for you (and with good form), just have them go with you. Have them walk you through it and start simply. But really, the easiest thing you can do is go to a class. Whether it’s Warrior Strong or Stay at Home Strong or All Ages Strong; there are always modifications for you. And I modify things all the time. You shouldn’t be perfect because with your fitness and strength journey there’s always somewhere to go. So it’s okay to feel intimidated, it’s okay to feel uncoordinated, it’s okay to feel silly… but just do it anyway. Within a week or two, you will not feel that way. You’ll feel better- stronger, and you’ll already be setting new goals.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Push-ups (correctly). I actually saw on a recorded video that my butt was sticking up- but I couldn’t feel it in my body. Jenna posted a video on correct push-ups and it brought my attention to it. So I started from scratch with a modification. I still modify, but I would say I can do at least 5 (8 on a good day) really well. But also, tell me if my butt is sticking up. It takes a village people.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: This sounds weird because it’s not really an accomplishment- but it is an accomplishment to me- but being will to do the Zoom workouts and be recorded for others to “view”. For a long time there was a lot of shame connected to my body. I would have been horrified to workout with other people, let alone have people see me in that capacity. But I’ll remind you of something I said earlier… something that the wise Alexis from “Schitt’s Creek” has said and that someone needs to needlepoint on a pillow. Nobody. Cares. No one is looking at you in disgust. No one is painstakingly viewing your body to look for each flaw or weakness. In fact, MOST people are like, “Dang! I am so motivated because this person is in front of me doing their thing. So I’m going to do that too.” Also, I am proud of my push-ups.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Side planks, core/pelvic floor work. I still have a lot of weakness from babies and surgery. But, it’s improving. In fact, yesterday, I could do the side planks without feeling as much discomfort (I mean, there is discomfort, but it’s the good kind). I still put my knee down for about the last 5 seconds of each side, but that is a real improvement for me. When I get back to lifting weights, I’ll start my goals over with dead-lifts and squats. Weighted squats are a weakness so I’d like to focus on figuring out how to improve and lift more (but I’ll have to start slowly!).

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might now know?
A: I am a classically trained singer, and I used to “specialize” in French Art songs and Italian Arias. I never performed in a full-fledged opera, but in a lot of opera workshops and smaller scale productions. One of my “gigs” as a kid was a funeral singer. Which sounds really creepy. But there are a lot of families who would like music at funerals and don’t know where to turn. Don’t worry, I also did some weddings. Now I mostly sing folk music and bluegrass for fun in campfire circles, and on bike rides with my son because he thinks it’s really really funny and it’s hilarious to hear him sing “opera”. He is not quite 2. So you can imagine.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at the Strength Collective? A: Well, the first time I came was for Warrior Strong (in-person). I came because I randomly mentioned that it was a dream of mine to get back into fitness after my second child- but it felt far away and unattainable. So for Christmas, that person got my a $150 gift card, which was SO GENEROUS. So, I kind of had to come. hahaha. BUT, I’m so glad that I did because that was the push I needed to stop thinking so much and get into my body again. Now looking back, I really am like, “Why did I wait? Why did I think that wasn’t important?” Because it seems like one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It does not matter what your history is with working out. You could have Zero history. This is still a place for you. I like that about The Strength Collective.

Brad Clark and Scott Terpening- June Members of the Month at The Strength Collective

At The Strength Collective we’re all about encouraging each other to be our best, so what better to represent that than showcasing two of our most dedicated gym partners as members of the month?

This month we bring you Scott Terpening and Brad Clark as dual members of the month…when they’re always working together, how can you pick just one?

Brad and Scott have been members of The Strength Collective since the very beginning, and they always challenge and push each other to continue getting stronger every day.

Keep reading to learn more about Scott and Brad and their fitness journies:

Q: What got you started working out?
Brad: In High School for sports
Scott: Health & Fitness

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out?
Brad: 4-5
Scott: 3 to 4

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
Brad: Each day i enjoy a challenge of any type. Working out with a partner keeps you motivated each day.
Scott: Squats

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
Brad: Lots of Eggs
Scott: 3 whole eggs/3 egg whites and an avocado

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
Brad: Getting up at 4 a m
Scott: Staying honest to nutrition and Limiting injury

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out consistently?
Brad: I don’t want to get old!!
Scott: I’m old, soooooo…..

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting or just getting started in the gym?
Brad: Get instruction so you use proper form and direction on how to structure a workout.
Scott: Mind muscle connection and form are key

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
Brad: That I can still workout and staying motivated.
Scott: PR squat of 345 and PR incline db of 110’s at 51 years of age

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
Brad: I’m much stronger than Terp.
Scott: I’m way stronger than Brad.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?Brad: It has all of the equipment that we need and the owners are great to work with.
Scott: How accommodating and dedicated ownership is!!

Thank you Scott and Brad for being awesome members and continued support! Keep up the great work!

Tara Guidinger- May Member of the Month at The Strength Collective

This has been a very strange time for us all, but so many of our members have proven that you can overcome any obstacle or change in routine if you’re committed to this lifestyle. One of those awesome members is this month’s Member of the Month, Tara Guidinger!

Tara is a 46 year old high school art teacher and has been a member of The Strength Collective for over a year now, starting with Warrior Strong Kickboxing. She’s also participated in Barbell Strong group strength training, Lean & Strong Lunch group training, and the Forever Fat Loss Solution nutrition coaching program. Most recently, Tara participated in our 4 Week Spring into Action Challenge, and has been in the top ten every week!

Continue reading below to learn more about Tara and her fitness journey:

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I was sick of being a slug and needed a time/place to clear my mind.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out?
A: 4-5, but I try to do something active everyday.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I really enjoy hiking with my dog, but in the gym, it’s deadlifting or kicking bags.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Get ready for originality here…Protein shake and a piece of fruit. Or…Ice Cream 🙂

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Making the time and committing to it.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: That great feeling you get during and afterwards. Also, I LOVE the ever-changing challenge of it. Variety is key and group settings really help me too.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: The hardest part is committing and starting-out can be especially overwhelming. Set aside time for yourself. Find personal or group training sessions that are supportive and keep you accountable. Also, don’t let age, weight or fitness level hold you back. It’s never too late and is truly beneficial for everyone!

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Lots of things physically, but more importantly, viewing myself in a more positive light.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Deadlifting 255 lbs, and the mentality that I will get to 300.

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: Trusting the process, self-acceptance, and that 300 club is still on the horizon.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I’ve traveled to 5 continents and counting.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?A: The support and encouragement from Jenna, Kat and the fabulous members. It’s changed my life for the better and has redefined the word “gym” for me. And really….there’s no judgement here….all are welcome.

Thank you Tara for being an amazing member! Keep working towards those fitness goals and supporting those around you. We’re so proud of you!

Heather Kisler- April Member of the Month at The Strength Collective

We may be shut down right now due to COVID-19, but that hasn’t stopped many of our members from getting in their workouts from home! This month’s member of the month, Heather Kisler, is one of those dedicated members that doesn’t let anything get in the way of her goals (including Calculus!)

Heather is a 49 year old insurance agent, and she started at The Strength Collective in January of 2018 with out Warrior Strong Kickboxing class. Currently she is a member of our Barbell Strong strength training group (from a distance of course!). Read on below to learn more about Heather and her fitness journey!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I started working out 7 years ago to get in better shape and for better overall health. I quickly realized that it was good for me mentally as well as physically to manage stress.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I workout in the Barbell Strong group 3 days a week. I also take several walks during the week. I have been in the Warrior Strong Kickboxing group as well. I did that 3 days a week.

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I love planks. It’s so good for the core.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: My favorite post workout snack is a protein shake. I make it with protein powder, almond milk, spinach and berries.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: The most challenging part of working out to me is always pushing my limits and not staying stagnant. Whether it’s adding more weight, trying a new lift or working on improving form there is always room to grow. It’s every bit as much mental as it is physical.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Being able to live a long, active and healthy life. I strive to be the best version of myself mentally and physically. Exercise makes that possible.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Don’t be afraid to try it, suck at it and then try it again. It’s a journey and the key is to not compare yourself to others. Do it for yourself and keep at it. Don’t quit. It’s never too late to start.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Deadlift, bench and squat heavier weight. It’s pretty cool to be able to add more weight and see your strength increasing.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I did a Rugged Maniac race a few years ago in the blistering Arizona heat. I did all the obstacles and the 5K run. Crossing that finish line felt so good!

Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: My overall goal as I approach 50 is to build muscle and strong bones and joints. I want to continue to work on form and increase my max weight in all areas.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I am a part time college student. I went back to school last year to finish a degree I started 30 years ago.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The people and support from the members. From Jenna and Kat holding us accountable and cheering us on to the fun we have in our group classes. We are all of different ages, shapes and sizes but we come together for a common goal with no judgement. I have grown more in my fitness than I thought possible and this gym is the reason. The classes are challenging and the work is hard but so worth it.

Nathan Cowan- March Member of the Month at The Strength Collective

Introducing the reigning, defending, March member of the month- Nathan Cowan! Nathan is a 29 year old paraprofessional and has been a member of The Strength Collective since we opened in July 2018. Read on to learn more about Nathan and his fitness journey.

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My buddy from high school, Thomas Boone, taught me how to squat and deadlift.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out?
A: 4-5

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

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

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: High volume sets and cardio

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out consistently?
A: Look at it as something I enjoy doing rather than something I dread.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting or just getting started in the gym?
A: Don’t fall for gimmicks, pick something that you enjoy, be consistent.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Competing last summer with Erik and Cam [in Powerlifting]

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: Most people probably know, but I play music…*shameless plug* https://www.harvestsons.com/

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

Thank you Nathan for being a supportive member of our fit fam! We appreciate you and all the hard work you put in!

Josette White- February’s Member of the Month at The Strength Collective

We’re super excited to share February’s Member of the Month with you, Josie White! Josie is 28 years old and works as a speech- language pathologist at King elementary school. She started at The Strength Collective last fall with personal training for four months, then began working out with her fiance once she felt more confident in workout out safely and consistently on her own. Her consistency and dedication has definitely paid off, check out those results!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My fiance and I got engaged in March of 2019 and I wanted to look and feel good on my wedding day.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out?
A: 3

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

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: protein shake and bananas

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: The most challenging part of working out has been learning how to create and execute workout routines that actually work. Doing research, asking questions, and seeking guidance from Jenna, Katrina, and Nick have really helped me be more successful.

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out consistently?
A: I invested in a personal trainer to make sure I was keeping up with my workouts. My fiance and I also come to the gym together to keep each other accountable and create a healthier lifestyle together.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting or just getting started in the gym?
A: Just get up off the couch and start somewhere. Ask questions. Don’t take shortcuts. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who want to better themselves like you.

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I deadlifted 215 lbs.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I was a dancer for over 15 years. My favorite style of dance is ballet.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My favorite part is the supportive environment. I have felt welcome from day one even when I wasn’t sure what I was doing or if I could accomplish my goals. Jenna, Katrina, and Nick are easy to talk to and very knowledgeable when you ave questions or concerns. You can always find a friend to help or give you a high five when you need it!

Thank you for being a member of our fit fam, Josie! We’ve loved watching your progress so far, and can’t wait to see how strong and beautiful you’ll look in your wedding dress!

Josh Kramer- January’s Member of the Month at The Strength Collective

January is the month when most people are just getting started on their fitness journeys, and we are so excited to help those people! BUT we also want to take the time to give a shout out to our members who have been working on themselves for months or years- including this month’s member of the month- Josh Kramer!

Josh is a 38 year old police officer and an OG supporter of The Strength Collective. Read more about him and his fitness journey below:

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My self image and wanting to be physically strong for any confrontation I might encounter.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out?
A: 2-5 times. Not enough!!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Lifting (probably doing shoulders)

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: Vanilla protein shake mixed with cellmass

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Finding time to

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out consistently?
A: That’s tough!! I have to say staying conditioned for the fight.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting or just getting started in the gym?
A: Don’t think the models you see in fitness magazines are the people you’re gonna see at the gym. Sure there might be a couple but for the most part everyone is there just like you. Don’t be afraid to ask others in the gym for advice. Most regulars at the gym are willing to help and take it as a compliment that you’re asking us .

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: This is tough. I used to be skinny full of might but not strong. I saw this as my weakness so I dedicated myself to bulking up. Since then I’ve shredded weight staying strong. so I’d have to say my overall results are my most accomplished.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I like to help others .

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: I love the atmosphere!! Freedom to do whatever workout I choose and not being judged by if I make noise or by the shirt I’m wearing!!

Thank you Josh for being a member of our fit fam, and thank you for your commitment to serving and protecting our community! We appreciate you!