How long have you been at B-Fit and why did you want to join?
I joined B-Fit in Winter 2015 as part of my recovery from a second ACL and PLC surgery. I was frustrated and desperate for help. I pulled into the parking lot, hid my crutches in the back of the van, and hobbled through the door wearing a full leg brace for my initial assessment with Bev. My mind was quickly put at ease when Bev said, “I think that with some slight modifications, we can work around this situation.”
What have you learned at B-Fit to help with your healthy and nutritional choices?
The journey to regain my health has been a long process with numerous roadblocks along the way. At each obstacle though, Bev and Bob have been there to offer support and suggestions. I have learned that a healthy lifestyle is quite contagious. As my activity level has increased, so has that of those around me. My daughter now opts to hike with me after school instead of meeting me at the local coffee shop. My husband turns off the television in the evenings and wants to walk and talk. Even my mom, with a cane in tow, is logging her miles each morning! In terms of nutrition, cutting out simple sugars has been paramount in helping to decrease the inflammation in my knees. I believe that a healthy, active lifestyle is one of the greatest gifts that you can give your children and grandchildren! As far as my current nutritional goals, I am currently eating whole foods every few hours. I love clean eating! It’s simple and fits my fast-paced lifestyle.
What would you tell others about the training and community atmosphere at B-Fit?
B-Fit is a gym filled with many fabulous athletes who are continually pushing themselves to new heights. It is a special group of these individuals that I often turn to for motivation and encouragement. Many of these women are two or three decades older than I am and are truly awe-inspiring. They run, canoe, paddle board, hike and bike. They are always positive and take the time to offer bits of wisdom. They are what my 18-year-old daughter calls “goals” and what I hope to be one day.
What is your favorite and least favorite exercise?
Most people who know me would assume that the rower and the ski erg are my favorite exercises. It’s not terribly difficult for me to get into the zone and knock out the distance on either. However, my favorite and most difficult exercises in the gym are one in the same- Friday morning stretch yoga. It is incredibly challenging for me to be still, turn inwards, and focus! It is also the most rewarding exercise for me. I often start the class sore and stiff and leave it an hour later completely restored.
When I reflect back on my time at B-fit, the word gratitude comes to mind. I am thankful for the many friends that I have met along the way and so blessed to have Bev and Bob in my life. At this point, I’m not sure if I will go back to competing in triathlons and working in dig pits on excavation sites. For now, I am content just getting stronger and finding a balance so that one day in the future I am prepared to hit the A.T. with my daughter or to bike cross-country with my husband. B-Fit helped me get my life back and for that, I am just grateful!