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“I have two sons, 8 and 10…I want to keep up with them…I want them to know that women can be strong and tough and sensitive and funny and smart. They can like to cook and shop and they can like playing sports and lifting weights. Everybody gets to like what they like!”

Member Of:

FGF@Home

Tell us about your fitness journey, and how it lead to FGF@Home.   

I’m almost 45 and I’ve worked out off and on throughout my life. I didn’t always work out hard, and it was a lot more off than on, and a lot of going through the motions without breaking a sweat. I got bored easily with the various fads that came through. I drive by Farmgirlfit Spokane every single day on my way to work and see the women out running, carrying kettlebells, working hard. I always thought that it looked fun, but the class times just didn’t fit well. I attended another gym’s class and it didn’t always push me that hard.

I have two sons, 8 and 10, and they are active and strong. I want to keep up with them. This past year, one of my sons did a school project that described moms. And my son’s description of me said that I liked to cook and shop-both wrong, but stereotypical female roles. That is not how I wanted them to view me. I want them to know that women can be strong and tough and sensitive and funny and smart. They can like to cook and shop and they can like playing sports and lifting weights. Everybody gets to like what they like! So when the FGF@Home came up on my Facebook feed, I knew I wanted to do it. It was by women for women. And my boys get to see me working out and working hard. And sometimes they join in, though not for a full Grind, because “this is hard mom!” I think I’m convincing them that girls can be tough. My youngest even thinks that I could be on American Ninja Warrior if I work on my grip strength! Maybe not…

Who/what inspires you to be fit?  

My younger brother passed away suddenly, without warning a few years ago. Last year my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully she is cancer free after a year of treatment. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. I can’t control everything, but I can do my best to keep myself healthy. And if my sister can make it through chemo, I sure as heck can make it through a Grind!

What are your next health and fitness goals? 

1.) Pull-ups! I will get there. 2.) Learn to play tennis. I had 4 group lessons with Spokane Parks and Rec last summer and have signed up for 3 more this summer. That should do it, right?  3.) And I may have to deal with the pesky potato chip problem. I’m not sure that is necessary though. ☺️

Favorite workout song?

Ride Wit Me by Nelly or if I’m running, Problem by Natalia Kills

Do you have a favorite and/or least favorite exercise from the @Home program?

Favorite right now is the Reverse Woodchop.  Least favorite is Mt. Climbers. They’ve been my least favorite exercise all my life and the FGF way is even worse! Ugh!

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

Not thinking. Usually lip synching or throwing in an extra dance move here and there. The right playlist makes all the difference.

What has been your favorite aspect of the @Home program?

I love this program because I can work out when I have the time, it’s not always on the recommended day, but I always get them in. The Grinds are never the same and have a wide variety of exercises so I never get bored. And it’s fun to read the comments of the other women participating.

What are you most looking forward to with the remainder of Spring Session and/or Summer Session? 

I like the outside/running portion of the program. Or actually, I guess I can do it all outside now.

Do you have a funny FGF@Home story?

My pint-sized personal trainer sitting on the bed reading over the day’s Grind, watching the videos and telling me “I think you are supposed to be doing that faster.”  Thanks for the accountability dude!

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

Other than the fact that I actually have some muscle definition now, I would say the greatest impact is the confidence boost. I feel stronger. I AM stronger. I have fitness goals and I’m sure I can accomplish them and any other life goals that I set. Plus, no matter how full they fill my bag at the grocery store, I can lift it out of the cart with one hand, no problem.

Besides the FGF@Home Program, what does the rest of your life look like?

Well, besides shuttling kids around, I love movies! I will watch just about anything. The last movie I saw was Wonder Woman. It was awesome. All Farmgirls should watch! My go-to funny movie is Galaxy Quest. It cracks me up Every. Single. Time. Worst movie I’ve ever seen: Zardoz.  Don’t let the fact that Sean Connery stars lure you in.

My happy place is:

You mean other than working out? I have been known to call that “Happy Hour!” My favorite other place is the forest. I just find it so peaceful when the sun filters in and reflects off the leaves, needles and moss, and the silence surrounds me. Working out and hiking are two times when I can actually shut off my brain and just be in the moment.

Words that inspire me?  

You know all those things you’ve always wanted to do? You should go do them. Do it now, sometimes “later” becomes “never.”

Guilty pleasure:

Potato chips, though I don’t really feel guilty. Maybe it’s the donuts…

Team I’m always rooting for:

Illinois I-L-L

My trademark dance move:

Well, the 80s were my formative years. You can’t touch this!

Any advice for potential members or fellow farmgirls?

I will be 45 in a couple months. I am not as thin as I used to be, I am not as fast as I used to be, but I am stronger than I have ever been. Physically and mentally. Just take the first step, then the second, and then you are hooked. And the encouragement from the FGF family is phenomenal.