You had us at “buns of steal” Karla.  Read on to get a glimpse into a day in the life of Karla Stavlo.

What do you do for a living?

I am a Paralegal and Supervisor at the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office.  I work with adult and child protection cases.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym?

I’m an avid reader.  So I usually have my nose in a book.  I love fishing and being on the water.  My husband and I recently took a salmon trip, which was really fantastic!  I will say I out-fished him.  He’ll say something different. 🙂

What made you decide to try Progression?

One of my friends was going and had encouraged me to give the boot camp a try.

How long have you been at Progression?

One year and 10 months.  I was in Boot Camp 1.0 🙂 You know – ‘The Wonder Women’!

What was your experience with fitness like prior to Progression?

I really never exercised.  I never considered myself athletic.  I tried some gyms over the years and just ended up quitting because I never knew what to do in there.  I did have a rousing good time with the Buns of Steel VHS videos in the 80’s.

What was your biggest fear when you started at Progression?

I was just about to turn 50 and everything about it was scary.  I remember walking in and thinking, “what in the heck have I done?!”

Favorite cheat day meal?

Pasta!  (and wine of course).

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

Double under and completing a 5K without walking.  Without the encouragement of my group of women and lots of REV classes, I wouldn’t even have tried running.

What’s the hardest part about your fitness journey so far?

The hardest part for me is remembering that I’m doing the best that I can and not to watch everyone else.  I’m a work in progress!

What’s one thing your fellow CFP’ers would be surprised to learn about you?

I used to be an EMT.  And random fact – I’m terrified of horses.

What’s your favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach at Progression?

I can’t think of just one; there have been so many.  I have been so inspired by Coach Nicki and almost everything she’s ever said to me, I’ll remember.  Coach Samida told me, “Your brain is telling you that you’re tired, but your body isn’t.” And of course the ever famous, “You can do anything for 16 minutes, you’ll be fine”, which I’ve heard from just about everyone!

How has your outlook on health/fitness changed since starting at Progression?

Coming to Progression has been the best thing that I’ve ever done for myself.  I’m healthier and stronger than I have ever been in my life.  Even if I can’t see the results on the outside I know I’m healthier on the inside.

What has been your fondest memory during your time at Progression?

I did the 1/2 Murph last year and it was so exciting!  I would never have even thought I could accomplish something like that before.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

I injured my wrist when I was a kid and had to have a ligament reconstruction last summer.  I was out of the gym for 12 weeks.  Nicki kept encouraging me all through my recovery and if it hadn’t been for the coaches and all of that support, it would have been so easy to quit.  I keep coming back because of the coaches and all of the wonderful people that I have met.  Seriously, I have made life-long friends.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining Progression?

Don’t be scared.  Anything we do can be scaled or modified for your fitness level.  Get to the gym and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a group of people that inspire, motivate, and encourage you to do some pretty awesome stuff.