April Member of the Month

David Bauer

In his words…

Before joining Vitality, I had tried a variety of gyms ranging from local fitness centers to full-fledged CrossFit and decided that community fitness was not my cup of tea. Backtrack to last July when many of us began to really feel the effects of the COVID pandemic, I had hit a plateau with my fitness goals and was really struggling with the idea of joining a gym. During this time, I remembered that during my commute to and from work that I consistently saw a group of bad asses showing up for themselves and found myself honking my horn to cheer these strangers on. To my surprise, I happened to know a few people who were members of this gym and decided to give it a shot, because what did I have to lose? I initially told myself that I would allow myself to attend the first 3 classes for free and then take a few weeks to decide if it was for me. All it took was one class for me to decide that this is where I needed to be. I had never been a part of a fitness community that was as welcoming, accepting, and enthusiastic than Vitality; a safe space that welcomes vulnerability. 

I joined Vitality with a general level of physical fitness. My normal week consisted of daily strength training, frequent running, and occasional long-distance bike rides. In my mind, I was already at an upper-level of fitness compared to my recent past. Since joining VCF, I have since realized that my fitness potential is far greater than I had ever realized. Through effective coaching and with the constant love and support from the staff and members of Vitality, I have hit goals that I never would have set for myself otherwise.

One of the most amazing aspects of being a member of VCF is that the coaches are committed to your entire wellbeing, both in and out of the gym. During my first in-body scan with Kristen I was instructed to set at least three goals for myself. Initially these goals were fitness oriented (hitting a new PR), but as time progressed these goals became more life-oriented (having more game nights with my family). This to me is a prime example of the commitment that the staff at VCF has to our overall health and wellness. That being said, I have consistently hit new PRs with every barbell movement every month, gotten progressively better at doing double-unders, and I can finally hold the front rack position without using wrist wraps! My future goals are simply to keep showing up and sharing my love and passion for fitness with our community.  

What I am most proud of is not my fitness progression, but my transformation as a human. I mentioned that VCF is a safe space and because of that I have been able to open my mind accept myself for who I really am. We have so many unique members in our gym, many who do not fit into a particular box nor conform to societal standards and their acceptance of themselves and the others around them has been transformative to me. 

I describe Vitality as a family of friends who just happen to share a gym. We are a community of individuals that all have different goals but support one another regardless of where we are in our own journey. Vitality is a place where everyone is a bad ass. 

In Coach Kristin’s words…

David Bauer came into Vitality radiating positive energy! from his very first class I could tell VCF was exactly what he had been looking for. David was one of those people that instantly fits in wherever he goes. He immediately was at home at VCF. He’s a coaches dream because he knew had a lot to learn but always came in with a great attitude and persistence ready to do so. His energy really flooded into the morning class. I can say from personal experience that working out with this guy makes you want to push harder- It’s contagious- you are motivated by how hard he works. Since David has joined I’ve watched him form bonds and new friendships. It's been a joy to watch him transform into the athlete he is today, he is always challenging himself, from plunging into his first half marathon to immediatly following it up with his first functional fitness competition.

David and I have developed a great connection over the past few months. It feels like we've already known each other for years. I am excited about what the future holds for David at Vitality! It is only the beginning and we have only grazed the surface of what he is capable of. Cheers to you, bud!