SEPTEMBER MEMBER OF THE MONTH

IN HIS WORDS…

I joined Vitality when I moved back to New Orleans in February 2022, immediately after my first Friends & Family Day. I knew Coach Brittany for some years before and was always intrigued by her workout posts of her doin’ her thang. I showed up with a friend who was a member at the time. What I distinctly remember is other members being cordial, but with a level of genuine warmth - w/o any fake s**t, noticing others truly connecting & happy to see each other, and the workout being fun. While signing up, I really wanted to tell Kristin, “Kick rocks with your 3 free classes and take my debit card info already! You had me at Question of the Day!”

Real talk, when I joined, I was at another crossroads in my life. For several years leading up to my membership, I endured various types of losses, turbulence and instability. Aside from what I stated above, I joined Vitality because my intuition (aka Inner Divinity… we all have it) told me I had to intentionally address & improve my physical health first and foremost. I had faith taking this step would allow me to gradually feel better and allow all else in life to fall into place favorably. I finally found the right environment that would allow that to happen. Twenty months later, I can confirm that is absolutely the case.

My progression can be measured by how my goals have changed and how I evolved as a human. When I first joined, my goals were related to numbers on scales or body fat percentage. Not trying to be corny here, but my goals are to simultaneously pay it forward and give back; to show up as much as possible and be a positive source for Our Community and those in my life. VCF has greatly contributed to me enjoying the blessing of living my happiest, strongest, and most authentic state. Our Coaches and Our Community has inspired me to direct my personal/professional focus on helping others receive the same blessing in some fashion. To keep it 100, good luck to anybody tryin’ to throw shade on this sun. 

I actually have difficulty verbally describing Vitality to others. I become inarticulate like when trying to describe Mardi Gras after the Saints won the Super Bowl or that feeling after skydiving - ya’ just got to be there to truly understand. For anyone who is curious to know what being part of VCF is like - you would be part of a supportive, driven, diverse, and beautiful community of people who want to see you thrive physically while respecting your humanity and your personal journey. I’m forever grateful to be a member and a part of this.

Now excuse me, this Member of the Month is gonna celebrate this designation with some wine & pizza! Abrazos y besitos homies!

IN COACH KRISTIN’S WORDS…

I’m always tickled when member’s, also, remember their first day and the way Justin describes his is exactly how I remembered it. Justin came into Vitality ready to soak up all the positive vibes and immerse himself into this community. By doing so, he also was able to bring in own positivity and kindness towards his fellow members. Justin is a member who values feedback and constructive criticism which has led him to become such a powerful athlete. (That good “Never Stop Growing” mentality) Since we’ve been working on his form with challenging movements, is lifting strength has gone out the roof.

On the side lines, Justin always sends the most considerate messages and expresses how much he enjoys our workouts and/or events- and has even suggested some really good ideas for our space for other creators in our community. Not to mention- being one of the very few men at Vitality, his support towards a queer, female led staff is evident in the way he takes up space. Justin exudes compassion and empathy that is often lost within men in a gym space and I am proud that he is one of the good ones.

Justin, you have been such a big part of the VCF culture and we are so lucky to have you as a member. I admire how you will sometimes take a moment after class, sit outside of the gym, and reflect on your workout. I think we call learn from little moments like these that force us to be present and thankful for our bodies. You inspire all of us.