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Member At:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Psychiatrist

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

I consider myself an outdoors exercise person, and had never worked out in a gym environment. I was really intimidated by the weight lifting work, and it has taken me an age to learn even the basic terminology – I had never lifted a weight in my life! I run and mountain bike some in the summer, and I love to cross country ski in the winter, but during the work week, I found that I was not getting any kind of exercise in my life. My core strength was terrible, and my children kept telling me that my belly flubber looked like I was having a baby. My friend Elise Raimi had been coming to FGF for over a year and I thought, “She looks buff!” And half of Windsong (my children’s school) parents or staff seemed to be working out in the gym, so I thought I would give it a whirl. I did a free session with a few girlfriends, and have been coming over since. It’ll be a year this December and it’s a joy to come work out in this place.

It is such a therapeutic experience for me. My work can get pretty stressful, and I find myself planning when I can get to FGF for a noon workout. It’s a space where I don’t think about anything to do with work for an hour, focus my mind on one thing in a mindful way, where I meet up with friends, or get to know some other ladies. It’s a genuine, friendly, positive environment, where the work is taken seriously, but a lot of fun is interwoven into the workout each day.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

Doing handstand pushups. 

What are your next health and fitness goals?

To be strong, fit and healthy.

What inspires you to be fit?

My motivation is so that when ski season or bike season starts each year, it’s not taking me two months just to get into shape each time.

Do you have a goal for this year’s Pennies for Pull-Ups?

I’m doing them all, though it gets harder each day to fit them all in with only two workouts a week! I’m going to have to start turning up in my work clothes.

Favorite exercise at FGF is:

Box Jumps

Least favorite exercise at FGF is:

Double Unders. I’m in awe of the ladies that just make these look easy. I have yet to master two in a row.

Favorite workout song?

I’ve been just dying to answer this question.  Some might think it would be “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift. But there’s one song that just eeks this out of first place for me.  I love “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten. It simply makes me want to do my best, every time.

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

It’s only one hour…Come on, pull out the stops girl!

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The supportive atmosphere. Everyone is just so joyful about another person’s achievements. I’ve seen people change their entire lives with FGF, and I think you have created a space that values togetherness, reverence for the work involved, and joyful spirit.

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

I look more at people’s fitness clothing these days! And I buy a lot more sports bras than I used to.

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

If I’m at home, I’m getting out into Riverside State Park to walk the dog, myself and the children.  If I’m at work, I’m trying to balance the demands of administering a residency program, teaching medical students and doctors, and treating patients. I need to get back to doing more of the latter.

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

A nurse, just like my mum.

My trademark dance move:

I am probably one of the world’s worst dancers, but I make up for it with my love of singing.

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

Ask questions. Don’t sacrifice anything for good technique. You’ll be thankful in the long run. Push yourself to do your best. It’s 1 hour of your life. Enjoy it.