Donna is a 58-year-old retired teacher!
Q: What got you started working out?
A: I needed to lose weight to have knee replacement surgery.
Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I work out 3 times a week. I am taking advantage of the semi private training sessions.
Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: I love bench press, and stretching always feels so good!
Q: What’s your favorite post-workout meal/snack?
A: I love an RLS! (ridiculously large salad)
Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: Anything cardio is a challenge because my knee pain makes it difficult to do weight bearing exercise for any length of time. I have found that the recumbent elliptical and the rowing machine are my friends!
Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: Having the training sessions is a big motivator. I like the social aspect of it. Since I don’t work outside the home, coming to the gym helps me get out and about and seeing friendly faces. And obviously the knee surgery is a big motivator. I am also a singer, so being in shape helps me with that as well. I have to give a shout out to my husband, Bret Benjamin who is one of my best cheerleaders. Also, all of the staff are always so encouraging. Jenna, Kat, and Matt are always giving helpful hints and giving me things to think about to improve my healthy lifestyle.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who’s thinking about getting started in the gym?
A: Do it! Working out has helped me in so many ways! You will feel stronger. Your balance will improve, the feeling of accomplishment is worth all of the sweat you put into it. Think of it as an investment in yourself!
Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: I could barely get up and down off the floor. Now I can do it several times in a workout.
Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of the fact that I have made working out a habit.
Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: I have 10 more pounds to lose and then I can have my surgery! Also, the exercises I am doing will make the recovery better for me.
Q: Tell us a random fact about yourself that people might not know:
A: I am a singer/songwriter and I am beginning to create content online.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: I feel like there is a strong sense of community here. Also, it’s so nice to see Walter hanging out! He’s so cute!