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.
