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“I was skeptical – how could a GYM be the best part of Spokane?! One day, at the beginning of August 2016, I mustered up enough courage to head into my first workout…and even though I did much less than everyone else, I still DID the workout. I was completely sore after my first day, but I wanted MORE.”

Member Of:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Health Informatics

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

For the longest time I have been working out on my own: walks outside, cardio machines like the treadmill, and group classes like Zumba. I was great at the cardio aspect but not so good at the weight lifting part. I would be great about going to the gym, and then I would get lazy, find reasons not to go, and then eventually get back into a routine, definitely a yo-yo routine. I didn’t like the trend.

I was introduced to Farmgirlfit by Roxie, a fellow Farmgirl who works out in the afternoon. She told me how FGF is her favorite aspect of Spokane. I was skeptical – how could a GYM be the best part of Spokane?! One day, at the beginning of August 2016, I mustered up enough courage to head into my first workout. Heather was my coach and the workout was daunting…I didn’t even finish it! But Heather was wonderful and told me that we all start at different levels, and even though I did [much] less than everyone else, I still DID the workout. I was completely sore after my first day, but I wanted MORE. I wanted to know what my body could do, how hard I could push myself, what PR’s I could get. Now I go 4-5 times a week.

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

Probably partnering with Jaunessa during a workout and completing Level 4 the whole time. I surprised myself that I could do it! The heaviest weight I had ever lifted (125#), and I did 6 rounds of 10 deadlifts baby…with some other stuff mixed in! 😲😏🙌

What are your next health and fitness goals?

To learn how to eat to fuel my body! I have no struggles with getting workouts in, it’s taking the time to make better decisions to eat to lose weight, without starving myself, and to feel better overall.

Favorite workout song?

Peanut Butter Jelly by Galantis

It’s the first Zumba song I taught, it always makes me smile, and has a great beat.

Favorite exercise at FGF is? Least favorite?

Favorite: Any barbell work. It’s fun to challenge myself to see how much more weight I can add each time we lift.

Least Favorite: Burpees! Ha! One day, I wore my “I (farmgirlfit) burpees” tank to a workout that included burpees. I made the mistake of declaring how much I hate burpees loudly.  Heather happened to be working out with us, turned around, looked at me and said “then why did you wear that shirt?!” Called out! Now its my little joke…how much I looooove burpees. Don’t worry, I did those burpees, and I am now learning to love them.

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

How many more minutes?!

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

There is something to be said for a bunch of ladies completing the same workout together. You know you’re not the only one “dying.” If I had to do them by myself, you can believe that I would have cheated, taken more rest, and eventually quit early. At FGF, you know someone is watching you and cheering you on when you need that extra push. When we are outside running, you can count on a “nice job ladies!” or “keep it up!” from your fellow Farmgirls. The atmosphere pushes me to keep fighting. It’s usually just mental, and knowing that I am not alone makes the task that much easier.

My very favorite thing, though, is that everyone is happy to be there. The coaches always say hi. They know my name and ask me how I’m doing. It’s those little things that show me they really care.

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

I am confident in myself. I literally know what I am capable of. I have always been a tough person, I had struggles in the past where quitting wasn’t an option and it’s crazy to see how strong I am. I have a nickname of “Miss Muscles” and now I am living up to my name more than ever.

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

I am a weekly mentor to a 6th grader and I am heavily involved in the Young Adult Ministry of St. Al’s church. Technically I am also a Zumba Instructor too, so finding some time to dance is always fun.

Who/what inspires you to be fit?

I like the way I feel. I have a better outlook on life; I have more energy; I sleep better.

My happy place is: 

Anywhere in nature. If there is water close by, I would bust out my floaty tube and relax on the water.

As a kid I dreamt I would grow up to be:

An astronaut

My healthy indulgence:

Steel cut oatmeal with some almonds, unsweetened shredded coconut and some dark chocolate chips. Yum!

You might not know this about me: 

I am a Navy Brat, both of my parents were officers, but my dad is the one who would move the family around. I was born in Virginia and moved every 4 years. 

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

Don’t feel like you are inadequate, that it's too hard or that you may look a fool. I’ve been there, I’ve felt that way. Just show up, try it out, ask for a modifier…I do all the time! We all start somewhere…the important thing is that you start! With consistency and a good attitude, you will get better!