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Member at:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Bookkeeper

Tell us about your fitness journey. How did you come to Farmgirlfit?

It probably started in the late 80s. I took some aerobics classes in the Seattle area, but when I moved to Spokane I had a lot going on and didn't exercise at all for a few years. Then in 1994, I took a step aerobics class, loved it, bought a step and a couple VHS (I'm still doing this about once a week)! In 2009 I started attending a women's weight training class at SFCC, mostly dumbbell work, which I did consistently, every quarter, until…

My niece was a Farmgirlfit member and kept asking/encouraging/telling me to try it, but I had my SFCC class, and really liked it. Then last summer SFCC decided not to have my class, so I tried FGF, joined for July…and the rest is history!

If you could tell your Farmgirlfit story in 100 words or fewer, how would it read?

I am more fit than at any time in my life! My coordination has improved. I'm more flexible (I highly recommend the Yoga classes offered by FGF…they’re even complimentary with membership) and I'm stronger! I'm trying things I never thought I would...headstands and handstands!

What has been your greatest fitness/performance accomplishment so far?

Deadlifting more than my body weight!

What are your next health and fitness goals?

I need to work on my diet (just say no to sugar), so I’m excited about the September Nutrition Challenge. I know it’s the next step I need to continue progressing in the gym!

Favorite exercise at FGF is:

Deadlifting

Least favorite exercise at FGF is:

Pull-Ups, but I will get these…maybe in October with Pennies for Pull-Ups!

Favorite workout song?

I vote for some 80s music!

When the Grind is kicking my butt, I’m thinking…

It's only an hour, get it done!

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The great trainers, even Dani ;-) who encourage us to give it our all, and make sure we do it right, and the amazing comradery among members.

How has the rest of your life been influenced by Farmgirlfit?

I realize now how important good nutrition and consistent exercise are for overall health, especially as we age! I encourage anyone who doesn't feel well to change their diet and do some form of exercise...it may or may not fix anything, but it sure isn't going to hurt.

Do you have a funny Farmgirlfit story?

When we did the Farmgirlfit Advent Calendar last December, one of the days was to take your age, double it and do that many air squats. Jamie McAtee looked over and said, “Barb, you’re screwed!” I still crack up when I think about it, and I’m ok keeping up with girls half my age…although Jamie isn’t one of them! :-P

When you're not pumping iron at FGF, what does the rest of your life look like?

I love working in my yard, it’s my happy place! I have been cake decorating, as a hobby, for 40+ years, and over the years I've done various different crafts and a little sewing...ask Dani about her Christmas pajamas!

Team I’m always rooting for:

SEAHAWKS!!!

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

Everyone starts somewhere, just start and keep at it! I promise that here, no one is judging you, only encouraging.