November Member(s) of the Month-Billy and Kate K.

Congratulations to our November Member(s) of the Month, Billy and Kate Kelly. They both started up with us almost one year ago, and have hit the gym consistently; always working hard and pushing themselves. We appreciate the positive energy and the support that they help create at our fitness center. Keep up the great work!

Throughout your lifetime, how long have you been working out for and what do you enjoy most about fitness?

Billy:I have been working out on and off since I was in 8th grade. I was always a smaller kid, so I wanted to try to keep up with the bigger guys in my class and on my teams. Kate and I started at KSP in January, and have worked out more consistently than either of us ever had before. The thing I enjoy most about fitness is the way it makes me feel, both mentally and physically. Being active gives me more energy to do the things that I enjoy the most in life, and recently it has also been a way for Kate and I to push and motivate each other in our relationship in a positive way on a daily basis.

Kate: I played soccer my whole life, but after college I pretty much stopped working out. I took advantage of good metabolism in my 20s and ate whatever I wanted. Around 30 I started to realize I couldn’t get away with that anymore. I also take care of people at work who have illnesses and diseases that are a result of a lifetime of bad eating and not exercising. I knew I needed to get into a healthy routine now, before I end up like the unhealthy patients I see at work. I couldn’t find a gym or program that I ever wanted to stick with, until joining KSP 10 months ago. I love feeling stronger and having more energy. Since training at KSP Fitness, what have you learned the most about fitness as well as about yourself?

Billy:Since joining, I have learned that fitness can be fun. It does not have to be a chore or monotonous. I've also learned that fitness has a snowball effect on life. If you take small steps in the right direction with your body each day, then other things start to fall into place too. We eat healthier and sleep better, and I've learned that I am capable of doing things, and handling situations, that I previously did not feel confident doing before. For example, we did a 45 mile hike to Machu Picchu in Peru this summer that I would never have even attempted or thought was possible if not for starting my training at KSP.

Kate: For me, the combination of showing up and having someone tell me what to do for the workout, yet having different exercises every day is what has kept me coming back. The workouts are never boring, and I don’t have to put any thought into what I’m going to do. I’ve learned that working out in this type of environment is the key to me sticking with it. KSP has been great in reminding me the # I see on the scale isn’t the whole picture. Joining with my husband has helped to keep me accountable. We motivate each other to get off the couch if one of us doesn’t feel like going.

What do you like most about the workouts? And what is your favorite exercise?

Billy:The thing I like the most about the workouts is that it is not all bicep curls and bench presses. K. Shan provides guided training with a fresh daily routine to mix up strength building exercises, cardio and functional movements to build a balanced body. I also love that it takes people of all levels of fitness, and levels the playing field, so that we can all achieve our own goals in a fun, friendly, and positive environment. My favorite exercise is medicine ball slams; great full body movement with an added bonus of stress relief.

Kate: I love that the workouts are different every day. The time flies by way faster compared to dreading 30 minutes on an elliptical and then doing the same old routine with machines or weights. My favorite exercise is the slam ball with box jumps. What would you recommend to someone looking to start training?

Billy:Trust the process and jump in the deep end with both feet. Whether you have never worked out before, are a world class athlete, or anywhere in between, the trainers at K. Shan will help you learn the movements, hold you accountable, and help push you to achieve whatever goal you have set for yourself. The hardest part is making the commitment and walking through the door, and once you do, the K. Shan team does all they can to help you improve your level of fitness. I'd also recommend just sticking with it once you start, because the results WILL come. You will also enjoy your time and get a chance to meet some awesome people along the way.

Kate:Just do a one month trial, and you’ll see how different it is from other gyms or workout routines. All of the other members are encouraging, and people are at all different stages of fitness. You’re never the “new person” for long.