Janurary Member of the Month
Tara Banani
In her words…
I joined Vitality because I had always been an active person, but an injury had sidelined me for some time. I was intimidated to start up again, feeling like I’d lost a lot of strength and capability. But I tried the Friendship drive last December, and was immediately hooked! Honestly, it’s been so great getting to be a part of vcf and I’m really thankful to get to meet all the cool people that go there.
I came for a good workout, and stayed for the vibes.
I feel stronger than I have in a long time. It’s fun to be able to lift heavy things, and feel stronger in my own body. But it’s also a great community. It’s not every gym where you’re actually excited to go to classes and enjoy the people you’re working out with.
In the one year I’ve been at VCF I’ve pushed myself and managed to get back into activity and levels I hadn’t in years. So that has felt really good. This year I’m looking forward to trying to heal up an injury more, and hopefully get myself running by the end of the year!
Some days, I’m really proud of how hard I can push myself. But other days, it’s not always your day, and I’m just proud to show up. I think that balance is what I love most about vcf, that’s it’s supportive no matter what kind of day you’re having.
At Vitality, it’s not a bunch of hardcore gym rats competing or an intimidating environment at all. It’s supportive, and sometimes just showing up and having a few laughs is enough.
How do I describe Vitality to others?
The short version: gayyyy.
The longer version: a unique environment where you can get both a great workout and a really gay time. You get to meet a lot of really amazing people who enjoy working out together and also just hanging out together.
Like I said above, I came for a good workout, and stayed for the vibes
In Coach Kristin’s Words...
Tara joined VCF during our first ever Friendship Drive over a year ago and has become a crucial part of our community since. We joke that she held her own friendship drive shortly after joining because she brought so many of her friends into our community. This is hugely why Tara is member of the month, she really takes the community part of what we do to heart, she gets it. Tara shows up to events (even after a night out, looking at you hot-dog-Tara-Halloween-workout), Tara is warm and welcoming to everyone, she comes in every single day with a smile. Her positive energy radiates and is truly infectious. She is the kind of person who never seems to meet a stranger. In a space where new people come in a lot and are often feeling a bit vulnerable someone like Tara, who gives nothing but kindness and love makes all the difference.
Aside from her incredible attitude Tara is a strong and committed athlete. She is a regular and consistent member, even as she works to rebuild strength after an injury. Taking notes, knowing her modifications and being unafraid to ask for and take coaching has allowed her to experience some serious growth throughout her year with us.
Tara is truly a bright light who shows up for us and herself everyday. She has the best smile and sense of humor around and we know we are so lucky to have her at VCF. So deserving of Member of the month and so much more. Love you Tara!