1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am proud to be a “new” New Yorker! I recently moved to NY to accept a life-changing job offer, I work at a hospital and have the opportunity to serve those who are most vulnerable in this state. Out of all the places in this country, New York would be the last that I would have chosen for myself, thankfully, fate stepped in and chose if for me, and I am now living in one of the greatest places in the world.
I would describe myself as optimistic, prepared, competitive and loyal (this stems from growing up with a motivated single mother and a little sister who watches your every move). Healthy living is not a new lifestyle for me; I was always enrolled in sports ranging from cheerleading, basketball and track, unfortunately like many students in this country the health issues arrived when I went to college. Thankfully Lucille Roberts came into my life and I was back on track.
2. How did you end up joining Lucille Roberts?
After graduate school, I was still in my college mentality, that I can eat what I want and won’t gain weight, boy was I wrong. It was once I moved from my hometown of Michigan, that the real world caught up with me mentally, spiritually and physically and I packed on the pounds.
One day I decided that if this really was the next chapter of my life, then the extra baggage (the Freshman 15, Sophomore 15, …you get the picture) would need to be a thing of the past. So, I decided to try a free trial at LR, thinking that it would be like all the other gyms out there, and to my surprise it wasn’t. The staff does not treat me as just a member number, but a real, working woman. The classes are fun, yet challenging, and through trying new classes I have found my new addiction: Step Class (I am there every Tuesday).
3. What are some personal fitness goals you have and how do you achieve them?
Initially when I joined the gym, I wanted to shed about 15 pounds; this was achieved by trying new classes (step, boot camp, Zumba). LR does a fantastic job of scheduling cardio classes after a toning class or vice versa, so I would take two classes or do my own workouts after. Also, I learned that I needed to have a healthy snack before the gym so I am not starving through my work out or fantasizing about food the whole time. Now that I have shed the weight, I am able to see the muscles, that I worked hard at achieving, starting to show.
4. What is the best thing about Lucille Roberts?
The best thing about Lucille Roberts is that it is Girl Power to the 10th degree! At other gyms I have either felt just like a number or plateaued due to lack of variety in the workouts, the classes at LR are constantly changing to keep my workout interesting and so my body does not plateau.
5. What advice do you have for women who are trying to tone up and meet their fitness goals?
My advice for women who are on the same fitness journey is to keep your work out bag in the car. If you work a 9-5 like me, going home after work can be dangerous! There are so many distractions at home that can deter you from putting on your workout clothes and heading to the gym. If your bag is already packed and in the convenience of your car, then what is your excuse for not hitting the gym? I still have not found a credible one yet!
I would also repeat the best advice that I received from my favorite LR Trainer (Elizabeth), you have to get uncomfortable to see results, so when I am in the gym I am not on my phone texting or emailing, I am pushing myself to do that next set or next mile so when I walk out of the gym I can say that I gave it my all.
