I came to Aspire over five years ago at the age of 50. My sister was a long time member and had purchased a one month membership for me for Christmas. I had done personal training/boot camps, etc. and long distance running in the past. I had just started running again accomplishing the Triple Peach that year. I kept saying I would get back into strength training but not until I received this “gift” did I actually do anything about it. I got an appointment with Coach Anthony that week between Christmas and New Year’s and have been coming 3x a week since.
Consistency is key. After coming for 3x per week for almost 4 years, I had eye surgery and was required to forgo any strength training for 3 weeks. Although I enjoyed sleeping in each morning, I was itching to get back to the gym. It had become part of my early morning routine 3x a week. I had built friendships and missed the morning camaraderie and more importantly I missed how I felt every morning at 7 AM after my workout and how much energy it gave me for the rest of the day.
For me, I have to have accountability. As odd as it sounds, I am motivated knowing that I am paying good money and I have an appointment that could be someone else’s if I didn’t show up. Beyond that, I am motivated for my personal health. My mom turns 90 this year so I am planning to be around for many more years. There is so much research these days on the importance of strength training as we age, that I don’t ever want to take an extended break or be out of shape. The journey has never been about weight loss for me, it has been about strengthening my body.
I am in maintenance and preservation mode, pushing my body but trying not to overdo it. And when I do, the coaches are here to modify my workouts. As women we don’t often give ourselves enough credit for how strong we are – physically, mentally and emotionally, but the coaches here believe it. Aspire is the place that not only believes it but practices it everyday and for that I am very thankful for the “gift” my sister gave me.
