Stories & Info

Emily Farness, 24

Posted: November 6, 2015
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I am impressed with how my mindset has changed about fitness. I used to fixate on exercises that would burn the most calories and food advertised as “healthy”. Now, I measure my fitness by being able to do things I couldn’t 6 months or a year ago! And I try to eat foods to fuel my body instead of just looking at the caloric value.

Member At:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

RN at Kootenai Health

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

Growing up, I loved dance - ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, etc. I went to a public arts school where dancing was part of my everyday routine and I was used to being passionate about the way I stayed active. In college, I didn’t find the same opportunities for dance and while I worked out 4+ days per week, I was not passionate about the elliptical or treadmill (who is?). My friend Lindsay Takisaki had been going to FGF and she fell in love. I was so intimidated to give it a try because Linds looked so strong! But for the first time in a while, I had SO much fun during a workout! I was able to try it out for the whole month of January 2014 with the BOGO promotion, and I have never felt such a change in my fitness. I guess the rest is history.

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

I used to think that lifting weights and measuring a 1-rep max was for dudes who wanted to bulk up. Now, I really love doing those things and I have never felt stronger or healthier than I do right now.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

I think I am impressed with how my mindset has changed about fitness. I used to fixate on exercises that would burn the most calories and food advertised as “healthy”. Now, I measure my fitness by being able to do things I couldn’t 6 months or a year ago! And I try to eat foods to fuel my body instead of just looking at the caloric value.

Performance goal I'm proud of? Pistol Squats! I can’t do many, but I can do a few and that is crazy to me.

What are your next health and fitness goals?

When Pete came for the Nutrition Challenge, he talked about making goals in light of being healthy for a lifetime vs. short term results. He also talked about when we make a single goal, we are way more likely to succeed than when we choose three or more. This really resonated with me! In September, I gave up any sweeteners/syrups in my coffee and now it feels like a habit. Now, I am trying to focus on packing better lunches for my long work days so that I don’t feel tempted to run and grab something quick from the coffee shop or Pita Pit on my way home (my weakness!). My fitness goals this year are to master kipping pull-ups and consistently workout at a Level 3!

Favorite exercise at FGF is:

I love deadlifts, box jumps, back squats and kettlebell swings!

Least favorite exercise at FGF is:

I know everyone says turkish get-ups, which is really true. For some reason, my least favorite is dumbbell step-ups. They look and sound so easy, but they’re not!

Favorite workout song?

Anything by Nick Jonas. He’s my guilty pleasure.

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The culture. I love that the women at FGF love strong women! And I love the idea that we measure our health based on performance goals, not necessarily by scales and inches. Plus it smells WAY better than other co-ed gyms.

How have you integrated the Farmgirlfit mission outside of the gym?

The media tries to sell all sorts of shakes, body wraps, and gimmicky workout equipment to sell fitness, but it doesn’t work that way. In my time at FGF, I have seen first-hand that hard work yields results. The same principle applies to my nursing practice or personal goals.

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

I have lived with some of my best friends, including Erica from FGF. We honestly operate like a family and I am so thankful for them. Some of us have lived together for six years! I also work full time as a Medical-Surgical RN. I graduated about a year and a half ago, so I am still a baby nurse! I love my job and I have the best coworkers ever. This year I am also doing an internship at my church, New Community.

My healthy indulgence:

Sweet potatoes. I could eat them every day, and sometimes I do.

My happy place is:

A lazy morning with coffee and a really good breakfast.

Team I’m always rooting for:

EAGLES (EWU, of course)!!!

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

If you’re new, just keep coming! Don’t measure yourself against other people - there is no joy in that! Make yourself mingle with the other women at the gym, because the best part of working out at FGF is working out with friends.

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