Sports were never really enjoyable when I was younger. I was deemed hopelessly unathletic by my peers, and for the most part, usually the last one picked for teams in gym class. I had played soccer in a youth league to appease my parents, but once I hit middle school, I was given the option to get involved in music and stop playing soccer altogether. From that moment on, I became the overweight band geek. And I use the term “band geek” with pride! Once I entered university, I knew I had to make a change. As someone who was pursuing the medical field, I did not want to be the hypocritical nurse counseling patients on making lifestyle changes. How can I promote healthy living all the while leading this sedentary lifestyle? I set out to make a change. I joined a soccer and volleyball adult league, started to enjoy the outdoors and all that is has to offer, and hit the university gym.

I’ve tried a few gyms in the past, and it was always the same formula. Walk in, jump on the treadmill for a few minutes, and then rotate through all the machines at a moderate to light weight. I was always too intimidated to walk over to the free weight section of the gym with the “grunting burly men.” I knew in the back of my mind this was not the right environment for me to succeed.

I came across 212, and made an appointment for an orientation the day after Thanksgiving…what better day to start? Colin put me through a hell of a workout that first day. I don’t know why, but I kept coming back for more. Over the last year, I’ve lost over 20 lbs. My mother has even noticed an improvement in my posture, for which she’s nagged me about for years. 212 is like no other gym – it truly is something special. From the knowledgeable trainers who care about each individual’s success, to the many members who put in their best effort each and every day and bond over this shared experience, this separates 212 from the rest.