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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Teale is 30 years old and joined The Strength Collective shortly after we opened as a member of our Warrior Strong Kickboxing class. Not long after she joined our first Barbell Strong group and has been slaying the weights ever since. Read on to learn more about Teale’s fitness journey!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I was tired of feeling like crap all of the time!

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 2-3 I participate in Barbell Strong!

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Deadbugs- mostly because I get to lay on the floor to do them, and they usually come after a hard workout!

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: All of the food!!!!

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Consistency! I personally need a class at a set time/days of the week for me to go… otherwise it doesn’t happen. Now that I have some great gym friends, I can text one to them to workout with me, which helps, I apparently don’t like working out alone.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: My favorite part, once I really stuck to it, is how much stronger I have gotten! If you would have told me two years ago that I would be deadlifting over 300lbs, I would have told you that you were nuts! I also really like telling the guys I work with how much I can lift! But the best part is, how much better I feel when I work out!

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Just do it! I took a small group training class (Kickboxing) it was 2x a week for 6 weeks. I think the short term commitment made it easier for me to ease into it. I told myself I can go 2x a week for 6 weeks, and if I don’t like it I can quit. Then I liked it, and here I am. Also don’t give up trying new things, you have to find the right kind of exercise/training that you like/enjoy otherwise you aren’t going to go, and what’s the point of you feel like you are punishing yourself? Exercise is supposed to make you feel good! 😊

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Deadlift 325lbs!!!!

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I have have my motorcycle license!

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My #fitfam always cheering me on. And the gym dogs, because I am a crazy dog lady.

Thank you Teale for always being a supportive member of our #fitfam! We’re so proud of you and how strong you’ve become!

This month’s member of the month is Eric Williams! Eric is a 32 year old law enforcement officer and we’ve seen him make great progress since joining The Strength Collective. Read on to learn more about Eric and his fitness journey!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: My family history of obesity

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

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

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

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Staying consistent and motivated to push harder

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out consistently?
A: I set short term goals to get to my long term goals

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting or just getting started in the gym?
A: Start small, be patient

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I ran 2 triathalons this year

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: Despite my active lifestyle I am a gamer at heart

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: The wide range of “Toys” as I call them.

Congratulations Eric and keep up the hard work! Thank you so much for being a member of our #fitfam!

We’re excited to share with you our October Member of the Month- Kathy Brown! Kathy is 67, retired, and has been a huge supporter of The Strength Collective since the beginning…she kind of has to be, since she’s Katrina’s Mom. BUT she has put in a lot of hard work and made a ton of progress over the last year, not even letting surgery on her wrists get in the way of her health and fitness goals. Keep reading to learn more about Kathy and her journey!

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I wanted to gain strength and get my balance back.

Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: 4 – 5. Aging Strong group

Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I love the Aging Strong classes. They are always challenging. I think I might be ready to take the Warrior Strong class.

Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I like lattes. I make my own using almond milk and flavorings so I can monitor my sugars and fats.

Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Just getting up and going. Once I start I love it and feel great afterwards.

Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: I can feel how much stronger I am and I feel better emotionally too. You can take out any aggressions out at the gym.

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Everyone needs to start sometime. The sooner you start, the sooner you will see improvement. Don’t be too embarrassed to start. You can’t do all the exercises? There are still things I cannot do.We are all here to support you.

Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Step ups, squats, lifting weights, standing on one leg, etc.

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: My nickname is Robbie, a shortened version of my maiden name.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: Everyone is friendly, supportive and soon feel like family. #fitfam

We’re so proud of how hard you’re working and how far you’ve come! Thank you for being a part of our fit fam!

I want to share a crazy idea with you today…

It’s the concept that truth and reality don’t really exist.

Think about it. Two people could perceive and experience the EXACT same scenario in two totally different ways.

For example, let’s say you have two working moms who know they need to lose weight and increase their strength so they can live longer and have more confidence.

One of those moms could BELIEVE with her whole heart that she’s too tired and too busy, leading her to continue skipping her workouts and picking up convenience food rather than cooking.

The other mom might see it as an exciting challenge. She might move the puzzle pieces of her life around to make it work and successfully complete her goal.

This stuff happens all the time, and it simply comes down to perspective.

So, what’s the solution?

I believe we should always question and challenge our own truths.

See things from different perspectives.

Challenge your beliefs.

Ask yourself, “Has anyone else in my situation ever accomplished what I want to accomplish?”

If the answer is yes, you can do it too – all it takes is switching your perspective and changing the story.

Curious as to how this resonates with you – would love for you to comment, and let me know!

September’s Member of the Month is Eddie Peters! Ed is a 38 year old computer scientist and has been a member since we opened in July 2018. He’s made a lot of progress in his fitness over the last year! Read more about Ed’s fitness journey below:

Q: What got you started working out?
A: I wanted to lose weight.

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

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

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

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

Q: How do you stay motivated to work out consistently?
A: Knowing what it feels like to be overweight

Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about starting or just getting started in the gym?
A: It’s never too late

Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: All of them

Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I once weighed 320lbs.

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

Thanks Ed for your support over the last year, and keep up the consistency! We’re proud of you!