January Dedicated Member!
Sydney Blanchard
In her words…
A friend of mine was a trainer at the gym and convinced me to check Vitality out back in 2017. At first I joined because I knew I needed to be more physically active for my long term health, but it just didn't click. I came a few times a week for a few months and fell off the bandwagon until I joined back up in earnest in June 2019.
After a major breakup, I realized I was responsible for taking care of myself, mind, body and spirit. I knew I needed to get back to the gym, and there was no doubt I'd return to Vitality. The friends I've made at VBK keep me motivated every day to show up and do my best. I'm shocked at how fast my body has changed and how much more strength and stamina I have after showing up at Vitality consistently for the last seven months.
When I first started at VBK, burpees were a huge struggle for me. I never thought I would ever be able to do a box jump or lift as heavy as I've been lifting. Every day I'm amazed at what my body is capable of. In the coming month I want to try a boxing class and come to two classes a day once per week.
I've never been an athlete, and I never played sports. For the first time in my life, when I'm at the gym, I dedicate that time to being fully present in my body. It's given me a whole new appreciation and love for myself. I feel like a total badass.
The word I find myself using the most when I refer to Vitality is "diversity." We have folks from all walks of life at VBK. Walking into the gym and seeing people of all colors, ages, ability levels, and gender expressions makes me feel safe. It's a totally encouraging and judgement-free zone.
In Coach Kristin’s words…
Sydney has been a member twice. When she first joined VBK I knew she was having a hard time making the habit stick. I didn’t take it personally, I know so many people think of the gym as a ‘chore’ and just something that needs to be done. I was sad when she left but we always remained close. When Syd joined again this summer I knew it was different. There was a fire in her. Her newfound attitude and willingness to be the best she can be with the program was her motivation. I could tell she was coming in everyday because she wanted to be here and not just as something on her to-do list. Syd’s performance is the gym is exceptional and she’s constantly pushing herself. Don’t get me wrong, she will fight me every once in a while when I tell her to up her weight or go on a run in short-shorts. Sydney is a leader in our community and this community keeps her motivated. She has recently been crushing PR after PR- she is unstoppable. I am so grateful to have her represent our gym today and every day. I am so proud of Sydney and how far she has come. Don’t tell anyone but she’s totally a jock now. Love you, girl.
