October Member of the Month

Elisa Busardo

In Elisa’s words…

I had only been in New Orleans for a few months so in the spirit of trying everything, I was dragged by a good friend to a friends and family day, which, as a non-morning person, working out on a Saturday at 9am is really saying something! I ended up loving the class, couldn’t believe how much I sweat, and signed up for my three day trial immediately. I was instantly hooked! 

I was never a traditional athletic person. I knew I was strong from years of horseback riding. Before I started at vitality I had recently gained a lot of weight from a lot of changes that had happened in my life. The newest change was now a new city and a new job. I knew one of the first things I needed was a routine. I started slow, I trained about three times a week. I had three goals when I started, do five push ups, do a handstand, and to be consistent. Two years later I’ve met all those goals and more! I never thought I would be someone who could be anything close to a gym rat! I never thought I would be that person who would go to the gym 5-6 times a week, lift my weight, run (for anyone who has known me a long time, you’ll know that I couldn’t run!), see a challenging workout and think “yeah I can do that!”, and above all enjoy the entire process! 

I think this is something I can do for a long time, I think this is something where I can always find growth and improvement, there’s no peaking, only growth and thriving. 

I can run!! As I stated before, I used to despise running, and I physically couldn’t do it without needing a break. I’m very proud of how consistent I’ve become, half of it is just showing up. I want to keep doing this, because it’s great discovering that you’re good at something, or at least not afraid to try. 

Even at my “slimmest” I wasn’t this in shape. My body has changed, I’m usually in a stressful environment at work, and I’m also not 25 anymore. I have to take care of my body, and the gym is mentally my escape. I could have had the worst day, and know that I have my gym waiting for me later. Sometimes I wish my body physically reflected how much I take care of it, but at the same time it doesn’t matter too much when I see what I’m physically capable of doing that I couldn’t do before. I’m also a firm believer in that the best is yet to come. 

I like to call it my CrossFit Lite gym. You will get a kick ass workout, you will sweat like crazy, but it’s the least intimidating gym I know. The coaches look out for you and make a huge emphasis on form and safety. They make sure you are not lost. They modify workouts if necessary or will push you to your limits if possible (if you let them). There is something for everyone. I workout with people who are die hard athletes, right next to people who are only a week into their workout journey. I also love the little detail that all the coaches are women! Also, super queer gym, who doesn’t love that?! 

In Coach Kristin’s Words…

Elisa walked into our gym at a Friends & Family Day event and instantly vibed with our community. Since that day, Elisa has become one of VCF's powerhouses. Elisa always comes in with an exceptional attitude and a contagious laugh. She is someone who is dedicated to her workouts- I can visibly tell when she is giving it 110% by her focus and drive and she’s a positive person who gets it done. I've got to know Elisa on a more personal level through a few months of nutrition coaching. She is incredibly aware of what she wants and is able to vocalize it. As a client I can say Elisa as made me a better coach. Also she’s a poster child! She has continuously brought in the coolest bunch of people to join over the years. Elisa is a part of the culture and community we’ve built by being an educator, friend, peer and general positive active community member. I am forever grateful to my fellow Scorpio member and friend for bringing so much life into Vitality, for being a patient and good student, for setting goals and crushing them. We are lucky to have you Elisa!