Diane is a 60-year-old retired educator.
Q: What got you started working out?
A: I had recently retired and I was looking for things to keep me moving and make my retirement productive; plus I wanted to become healthier.
Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I work out a minimum of 2 days a week. I am an avid participant in Aging Strong, as well as I hit kickboxing when I can.
Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I like the rowing machine…its works on many parts of the body at once.
Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I enjoy a protein shake after a workout.
Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: I love Aging Strong because the workouts change every session. There is always something quite challenging in every workout… like Atomic Sit Ups.
Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: I enjoy the people in class. We give each other a hard time, but we get the job done. The trainers always make the workouts interesting… I never know what’s coming until I show up! I also like the results…toner muscles, more energy, and my clothes fit better.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: The first thing you have to do is show up! I LOVE The Strength Collective because everyone is friendly and helpful. My classmates in Aging Strong are accepting of all ability levels and are very encouraging. The trainers are very knowledgeable and will assist you in meeting all your health goals. Show up and give it a try and then keep showing up… even if the muscles hurt.
Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Multiple pushups, side planks, box squats with heavy weights…most everything.
Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I would have to say that I am most proud of participating in Jenna’s Fitness Challenge in January and learning a great deal about nutrition and what my body needs to perform well. I also learned that I can eat anything I want if I plan for it; eating healthy does not always mean going without that dessert or cheeseburger. It has literally changed my life.
Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: I want to continue to work on core and upper body strength.
Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I am a certified scuba diver…which is not all that useful in West Central Illinois.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: My favorite thing has to be the people! They are fun, encouraging, and motivate me to do my best.