May member of the Month

In hER words…

I joined Vitality after having been sidelined for a few years from pretty much any physical activity because of chronic illness and multiple major surgeries. I was feeling like I really wanted to be active again and start rebuilding my strength, but I needed a soft spot to land; somewhere that didn't feel intimidating, somewhere that projected the idea that any growth is good growth, but also a place that would be appropriately challenging. And fun - I knew that if I was going to stick to something, I had to genuinely want to be there so if it felt like a "job" to go, it wasn't going to happen. Vitality meets and exceeds all of what I was looking for.  

I feel so much stronger. Workouts don't necessarily feel easier, but over time I've been able to do more; lift heavier, run longer distances, complete more reps in less time. I've grown mentally too - it's a struggle for me to find the line between pushing myself and overdoing it and injuring myself and I typically would error on the side of doing less out of fear of injury.

All of the Vitality coaches have been so great in helping me find that balance.  My main goal when I started at Vitality was to build back strength and just do whatever I could do to keep my body healthy. That's still my goal, but I'm noticing that the strength I've been building is allowing me to do things I wasn't even able to do before and really enhancing the fun I'm able to have and my overall quality of life; I can hold my 50 lb kid on my shoulders for an entire Mardi Gras parade (and squat down to pick up throws while still holding him!), I can do tricks at the trampoline park with my kids, I'm able to enjoy playing softball again because I can hit and throw the ball much further.

In the future, I want to keep building my strengths and abilities so I can stay active and do fun stuff as I keep getting older. I'm proud that I've stayed consistent! I aim to go to a strength and conditioning class 5 times a week, and I'm able to do that most of the time, and if it's not 5 times, it's 4. I'm also proud that I've been able to get stronger in a really sustainable way, despite some physical challenges. I'm still surprised at what I can do - when I see myself on Instagram videos of classes VCF posts, and I know in the moment that was taped what I was doing felt so hard, I feel pride seeing myself do it. 

I describe Vitality as the best; awesome people that are so fun to hang out with, a really good workout that is achievable at any level (for real), and amazing coaches that will support you in whatever fitness goals you have. 

In Coach Kristin’s words…

I met Emily for the first time when she was working with my wife at her small business, Mary’s Rack! ! Emily has a great vibe, which you first meet her she’s very chill and comfortable, so obviously , I told her to check out Vitality. It's hard to not pitch Vitality to someone you’ll know would be a great fit. She walked right into our workouts the way every new member, even with an athletic background, should. She knew her capabilities as well as her limitations which led to a gradual strength & stamina building rather than injury and burnout. Emily is a model member and is always ready for feedback and coaching cues. She has even hired one of our coach PT's for further assistance with her lifts due to some occurring back pain. I love how well she listens to her body and get’s ahead of taking care of it.

Because Emily naturally has a growth mindset, she has truly excelled in her training. She also has immersed herself in our community- believing in it whole-heartedly. Also, we are Gentilly neighbors! Which makes for an even greater connection between us, because sometimes you need to borrow a toaster. Emily is a great person to have by your side- is so easy to talk to, fun to coach, and someone you can always chew the fat with. Whether an AM or Nooner, every class she comes in appears enthused and grateful to be at the workout. I look forward to coaching her and developing a deeper relationship with Emily as the time goes by. You are an absolute rockstar, Em. I'll always be rooting for you!