JANUARY MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Nikki Brown

In Nikki’s Words…

I joined Vitality bc l was looking for a new inclusive environment to work out in. A couple of my friends were members and at the time I was living close by so I figured I’d give it a shot. They were like come join the gym, the owner & head coach is queer and most of the members look and sound like you. I was like fuck ya sign me in. Ive always struggled in other gym environments & trust when I say I’ve tried them all. It checked all the boxes & seemed like a good fit. 

I def feel like my all around awareness around physical fitness has grown exponentially since I’ve drank the punch. Kristin & the other coaches at Vitality continuously push me and support me to do things I never thought I’d be able to do. When I see videos of myself working out I’m like damnnn .. who is she ?

My goal on a weekly basis is to make it to nooners M-F. I’d be lying if I said I hit that goal every week but that’s ok. I have unrealistic expectations of myself so a big goal of mine is to not set the bar so high, to remind myself to be easy. 

When I think about my journey over at Vitality, I immediately feel proud of myself. I am able to see how much I’ve grown. I’m proud of myself for showing up for myself. I’m proud of my patience. I’m proud of my endurance. I’m proud of my body. Vitality has made it easier for me to love myself. 

One of my fav things about Vitality is sharing how much I love it to my community. Vitality is a queer owned, gender & body inclusive strength and conditioning and community forward gym. Each class is explained thoroughly with plenty of modifications for anyone who may need them. The coaches are amazing! I know that gyms can feel “culty” and this one is def that. Come by, drink the punch, you won’t regret it. Things are hard out there and I believe that a physical practice with your body is not only essential to a healthy lifestyle but it’s absolutely necessary. I am so fuckn grateful for Vitality. Thank you for seeing me & believing in me. 

I mean would ya just look at me

Mic drop

*message paid for by Vitality, Inc*

In Coach Kristin’s Words…

I still remember my first phone call with Nikki Brown. She knew what she was looking for on that first phone call because she has tried a lot of programs in the city. She seemed eager to find a spot to train in, that was similar to what she had at a crossfit gym but with more emphasis on community. I remember convincing her after her trial that she would do better as a member than as a drop-in.

"I should just join, right?" to that I said, "Absolutely."

Two years later, she is still a huge part of our community and has managed to become one of our strongest women in the gym. Her strength is inspiring. Nikki is also a small buisness owner with an ever-changing schedule. In spite of being extremely busy she manages to train consistently, and loves the noon class. Nikki has brought so many incredible people into our space and is always promoting us, members that hype us up the way she does are what keep our doors open. That is never lost on us. Nikki has also become a good friend over the years and I am honored to have her by my side. Getting to know her on a personal level has helped me better coach her in class, knowing when to push her and when to back off. There's a real level of trust we have between the both of us that helps our coach/member/friend balance!

What Nikki brings to the table is confidence and a sense of self, when she walks into a room people notice. She carries herself so confidently and I know that her strength inspires so many of us. Her presence and ease in who she is something we should all strive to find within ourselves.

Nikki, you are a great member and friend. I am happy to know you and coach you throughout the years and looking forward to years to come.