Jessica is a 40-year-old Assurance Manager.
Q: What got you started working out?
A: I was having knee issues and my doctor told me to lose weight and strengthen my leg muscles. I did a lot of research regarding diets and various exercises and came to the conclusion that lifting weights and increased walking was the best thing for healthy weight loss. The Strength Collective was running an 8 week special, so I signed up.
Q: How many days per week do you typically work out? What groups are you a part of?
A: I attend the semi-private training sessions three times per week.
Q: What’s your favorite exercise?
A: Deadlift and bench press!
Q: What do you find most challenging about working out?
A: I’m a single mom of three kids, so finding time between all four of our schedules. However, there are so many times to choose from at the Strength Collective, I can usually find three days that fit in my schedule.
Q: What keeps you motivated to work out regularly?
A: After a while, I genuinely started to enjoy it. Other than the physical benefits, it has also improved my mental health. It helps reduce my stress and I just feel better after a workout.
Q: What is something you couldn’t do when you started, that you can do now?
A: Oh, I have hit so many personal records! I had never used weights before I started. I couldn’t even lift the 35 lb bar in any exercise. Now I can lift 100 lbs or more depending on the exercise.
Q: What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I set a goal at the beginning of this year to bench 100 lbs. I hit that this past March.
Q: What goals are you working on now?
A: I just had ACL reconstruction surgery. So my goals right now are getting back to being able to squat and deadlift.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working out at The Strength Collective?
A: All the trainers are knowledgeable and friendly. They know when to modify something for you and also when to push you. Even the other members are friendly and helpful. I don’t feel intimidated when I am there. It’s a safe and inviting atmosphere.