1. When did you first start working out with us? (Sara & Nathan)
June 2015 at the garage
2. You are the perfect example of someone making fitness a part of their lifestlye, what keeps you coming back consistently?
I like the challenge and variety that the rotating cycle programing that Nathan creates gives. As the cycle progresses the movements and reps also evolve, so you are never get bored doing one movement at the same reps for long periods of time. And if you really hate one day in a cycle, you only feel like you are suffering doing it for a few short weeks before that the cycle changes. But more than anything I come back for the community that Southwest Strength has created. It doesn’t matter what time of day that I go, I always have fun working out because everyone is so encouraging and inspiring. We are there supporting each other and I’m always glad that I came, even when it’s a tough workout that I didn’t know if I would finish.
3. You have 2 kids, who both are involved in multiple extra curricular activities, you work full time, and still come to the gym frequently and consistently. What would you say to someone who may think they are too busy to fit in some gym time?
I do shift work and work 13 hour days with a 35 minute commute each way, and I still make it to the gym 4-6 times a week. Taking time for yourself will help you both physically and mentally. Sometimes the hardest thing is making yourself the priority (even for 1 hour of gym time a few times a week), but each and every one of us is worth it and we just need to believe that.
4. Your whole family works out at Southwest Strength. What are some benefits of including your family in living a health lifestyle?
Everyone seems happier. I love spending time with my family and since everyone is active we do more together especially when we on vacation, like hiking, kayaking, zipling etc. Being fit, so I can keep up with my kids is something that I will never regret doing. I only regret that I waited until my late 30’s, I wish there had been a gym like Southwest Strength in our area 10 years sooner.
I am happy that I am creating a healthy eating foundation for my kids, in the hopes that they won’t struggle with their weight and energy like I have in the past. I don’t restrict any kinds of food from my kids, I am just trying to teach them the importance of balance and moderation. They are still kids and should be able to eat their favourite foods like ice cream or have chips and dip.
It’s my hope that being a healthy and active role model now will help my kids do the same in the future when they have kids of their own.
5. What’s your most favourite movement? What about your least?
Most favourite – I enjoy most movements especially when they are challenging and I able to finally master them like DUs (took probably a year). But I also enjoy cleans, dumb bell and kettle bell work, the dreaded burpee and of course bench press (It’s a Louttit thing)
Least favourite- Wall Balls, snatches
6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about trying out a class at Southwest Strength?
Take charge of your life, don’t wait. If you are unhappy with your fitness level, weight or abilities, it is up to you to take the steps to change it. Make yourself the priority and make positive changes like walking in the door at southwest strength or giving Sara or Nathan a call. Every class is adaptable to any fitness level, Sara always has ideas for multiple scaled options that anyone and everyone can do. You will surprise yourself with the progress that you can make in a month, 6 months or a year. Don’t feel intimidated or tell yourself that you can’t try SWS because you have never lifted weights before, many of us had very limited experience (like me) before we walked in the door. You never know how much you are going to enjoy something or be good at it until you try it.