What do you do for a living?

Structural Engineering at an engineering firm in Rochester.

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

I love curling up in my favorite comfy chair with a cup of coffee and a good book!

What made you decide to try Progression?

My now husband has been part of Progression since he moved to Rochester 4 or 5 years ago, and after a struggle with a bum knee from running I decided I needed some more strength training in my life.  I started with Bootcamp, and then stayed on in REV after that finished up!  I love the focus on endurance in REV; it’s perfect cross training for running.

How long have you been at CFP?

2 years this winter.

What was your experience with fitness like prior to Progression?

I got hooked on long distance running right after college, but ended up with tight tendons and weak muscles that kept me from being totally healthy.  Running has always been my favorite exercise activity, and I have to admit that, that remains true to this day.  Joining Progression allowed me to work on both the strength and mobility I needed to be able to keep running and not injure myself.

What was your biggest fear when you started?

That I’d be terrible at all the workouts.  My workout experience prior to Progression was running (with a little yoga mixed in there).  I hadn’t been in a gym since high school, and that was a long time ago.

Favorite cheat day meal?

Boxed mac and cheese and beer.

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

A third marathon!  And a pull up.

What’s the hardest part about your fitness journey at the moment?

I went through a couple months this winter with little motivation in regards to exercise.  I didn’t have any goals and it was hard to make myself work hard for no ‘reason’.  I’ve finally come around from that, but the hardest part of my fitness journey is making sure I stick with it even when the rest of life is busy and stressful.

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

I didn’t eat vegetables until halfway through college, and I didn’t exercise at all, until my senior year of college, but somehow I graduated a vegetarian runner.

What’s your favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach or member at CFP

That mobility is important!  Most places will just let you try and lift as heavy of a weight as you can and then just send you home, but I LOVE that coaches here stress mobility so much.

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

I was vegetarian for a long time before moving to Rochester and definitely enjoy a pretty healthy variety of fruits and vegetables in my life.  But I really appreciated the importance that “diet” played in the Bootcamp, and that the “diet” was actually just healthy, whole foods.  I have a much more integrated vision of my overall health now, which is definitely due in part to Progression.

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

Test days in REV.  I love seeing the progress that I have made, and also how excited everyone is at their own progress.  It’s just a fun class to be a part of every time.

Why do you think you’ve stuck with Progression?

A huge part of why I’ve stayed is the community that has built up over the years.  I appreciate the camaraderie and sense of team work, even when the workouts are completely individual.  I love the encouragement that I get from other Progression folks and that I can give to others as well.  It’s a welcoming and encouraging environment, and that is a rare thing to find and something that keeps me coming back every week.

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

If you give them a chance, this group of people will encourage you to do things you never thought were possible.