Stories & Info

Stephanie Krebs-Anderson, 33

Posted: September 7, 2018
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“FGF literally is my mental health recharge. It changed how I see myself, how I talk to myself (yes I talk to myself) and how I see my place in the world – I know I am strong and capable, and now I have more confidence to try things that I have never done before.”

Member Of:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Attorney

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

When I was young, playing sports was my everything and I earned ten varsity letters in high school. But as high school was coming to an end – I found myself burned out. I played a few intermural sports in college and law school -- and when that ended, I realized I really needed that feeling of accomplishment back, and I started casually running and quickly found it wasn’t enough to counterbalance my bad habits and crazy busy lifestyle. Enter Farmgirlfit.

I remember being invited to the grand opening celebration of FGF and chickening out at the last minute. At the time, I was struggling with an anxiety disorder and navigating my first year as an attorney. Emotionally, I was a mess. I didn’t like myself, let alone love who I was anymore. Several months later, still struggling to find some balance, I found myself reading every sentence on the FGF website, and desperately wanting the sense of community and strength I found there – I signed up for my first class in June 2012 and never looked back.

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

I’ve had some really amazing PRs at the gym of which I’m all incredibly proud of – but the biggest accomplishment I can think of is being able to keep working out late into my pregnancy, getting to 38 weeks. When the time came, I was in labor for 43 hours, culminating with a c-section to deliver my daughter. At the end, I was still able to use my arms to help lift myself off the operating table back to my bed. The doctors and nurses were really impressed with my strength! I was back at FGF 6 weeks later.

What are your next health and fitness goals?

Guess this means I should set one? HA! I love all the things! I’d like to run a half marathon again (I haven’t since before I had my daughter in 2016) and complete an Olympic distance triathlon. I don’t believe in saying “I won’t ever do [blank].” I love a challenge, especially a new one.

Who/what inspires you to be fit?

My fellow FGF members and the coaches – you guys are all the real badasses of the world.

Favorite exercise at FGF is? Least favorite?

Faves: Squats and deadlifts and BEARS! Least: I don’t hate these things, but both show my weaknesses, and I hate that, so it’ll have to be pistol squats and RFE weighted lunges.

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

I start counting. Ok, only 10 more, 5, rounds left, 2 more minutes, half way there, etc.  If I get lost in the numbers, I tend to forget I want to pass out.

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

I have never once walked out and regretted showing up. Being sweaty, breathless, exhausted, even thoroughly wrecked by a workout makes my day. And did I mention the amazing members and coaches?!

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

FGF literally is my mental health recharge. It changed how I see myself, how I talk to myself (yes I talk to myself) and how I see my place in the world – I know I am strong and capable, and now I have more confidence to try things that I have never done before.

Do you have a funny Farmgirlfit story, or favorite memory?

On one of my first days – Jenni was running the show. She was pregnant at the time, and just barely starting to show. At the end of the workout, as I was leaving, she said something to the effect of “Don’t worry, we do ab work, I’m just pregnant.” 😂

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

I‘m married to my best friend, Colin and we have a  2 ½ year old daughter – who is a total cannonball (just like her mother). I work full-time as an in-house counsel for Clearwater Paper, and I also am an active member of the Junior League of Spokane, for which I chair a couple different committees. I love to travel and check out the local craft brew scene. We’ve also spent nearly every free weekend this summer rebuilding our deck – a new challenge to say the least.

My happy place is:

Being outside – rain, snow or shine, and being silly with my daughter.

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

School Bus Driver and a Lawyer – I got half of it right!

You might not know this about me:

I spent my first two summers during college working as a Wildland Firefighter in the St. Joe National Forest. I’m a beast with a pulaski and a chainsaw…just kidding – not anymore. 😉

Words that inspire me?

Moderation in All Things – including Moderation (words of my Polish great-grandfather, who lived to be 104).

Guilty pleasure:

Craft Beer, for sure, and really good bourbon

Team I’m always rooting for:

University of Montana Grizzlies – Go Griz!!

My favorite holiday and why:

Valentine’s Day – because it’s my birthday too!

My spirit animal and why:

A Cheetah/Sloth. Most of the time, I move, think and talk fast – but when I veg out, I completely commit to a state of do nothingness.

My healthy indulgence:

An avocado with Everything But the Bagel seasoning (from Trader Joes) YUM!

Any advice for new members or your fellow Farmgirls?

If the workout looks easy – it’s usually quite the opposite, but either way, you’ll love that you came and did it! It may take all class, and maybe some of the next – but you can and will finish. Just keep moving.

Anything else to share?

Everyone needs help sometimes. Having dealt with my own mental health issues, I have learned that patience and kindness can always make a big difference. Be kind to others, but also yourself – remember you talk to you more than anyone else.
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