April Member of the Month

Melody Keel

In Melody’s Words…

I joined Vitality because, well, my two best friends were members! It was in the crux of the pandemic, and I wanted to hang out too! I (pretty) quickly found my footing and was like "damn, okay, we like to lift heavy things." Going to 6am classes woke me the heck up from the covid daze, and put some jazz back into my step. I immediately felt stronger, more energy, better mood, and just general ~good vibes~ from everyone.

Fast forward twoish years, and the gym feels like home! Vitality was there for me consistently when I felt like very few else was. This year specifically has been truly hell on earth for me, and Vitality is like a good friend that never leaves your side. When the hurricane took my house and job, when I dealt with family tragedy, when I got injured- Vitality, and especially Kristin, never stopped making me feel strong and capable and gave me grace when I truly needed it the most. Never judged when I couldn't show up, but always celebrated when I could. I don't think I could ever give enough "thank yous" for the emotional, mental, and physical support the gym has given me.

My future goals are just to stay consistent, stay positive, get stronger, I don't know, maybe one day jump on a box or something. Who knows?! This lil chicken nuggie body can do it all. I'm just happy to show up as often as possible and put in some work and laugh and dance with my friends. It's such a dang treat.

When someone asks me about Vitality I say "YOU SHOULD COME, YOU GOTTA COME, SOMETIMES IT SUCKS, BUT IT'S ALSO REAL FUN!" Which is truly how I feel. When I think about waking up at 5:30am and running and doing burpees i say booooo, but when I do those things and I'm a hot, sweaty beauty queen glistening in the lights of Earhart Expressway I say awww yeaahhhhh!

In Coach Kristin’s words…

Melody walked into the gym on her first day with the exact same smile, energy, and charisma that she still brings in every morning. Over the past couple of years, she has made a tremendous impact on our early morning community bringing in a ton of life and laughter. Everyone should have a Melody in their gym, and I'm honestly sorry for those who don't. She is always kind of supportive of new folks coming into the space in the most genuine way. She rolls deeps with her two besties at 6a and is always the first out of them to start the dance party. Melody has gotten tremendously strong and has learned how to keep her back safe and modify movements appropriately to keep her moving through the workouts. I can say for myself and the rest of the coaching staff that she is an absolute joy to see on a daily basis and to coach. She is always receptive to feedback and gives her best effort- even when she's having a full-on conversation with her crew in the back of the room. I personally have grown to love her so much and feel really fortunate to know her. She is such a bright light in this community- 6a would not be the same without her. Cheers to you, Mel!