First of all, I’m a little shy , although excited to have been chosen for our member spotlight. It’s important I say thank you for each of you that keep me inspired each time I show up to 212. Just one of the reasons I love our gym!
So, you may be asking, how do I know her? Well let me introduce myself! I’m Jilly Doo, Jillkash, Jilly, or Kashmir. These are just a few of the nicknames I’ve accumulated over the years at 212. Each nickname is simple and/or originated from my childhood, but each one plays a large part of why I show up to 212. It’s what separates our gym from other gyms, it feels like home.
My Background......
I grew up in Lakeville, MA. If you haven’t heard of it, I’m not surprised! Nature was our playground and each day you could find the neighborhood kids riding bikes, playing manhunt, swimming in pools, climbing trees, or ice skating on cranberry bogs. We were always moving and imagining. I guess you could say my love for movement began at a young age.
I began dancing as a toddler, continuing through college and after. If I was not in the dance studio, you could find me running, playing soccer or softball. I loved and still love the fast pace, explosive, and controlled movement each of these activities provided.
How I found the gym......
As an adult living in the city, my workout routines fluctuated. I found myself at a Cross Fit gym, and although I liked parts of it, I didn’t feel it fit my lifestyle and career. After all, I need to be able to lift my arms after a work out in order to cut and style hair. Yup, I’m a hairstylist!
Once I stopped my cross fit workouts, I was practicing yoga and running. I enjoyed both, but found I needed a workout that offered a different kind of challenge.
A dear friend of mine, always talked about her gym. How great it was, the exercises she was learning and the relationships she was building. It came time for “Bring a Friend” month and she encouraged I go to her small group with Sean. From the first moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted and treated, as if I had been a member for years! I remember everyone knowing my name after about a week or two. I was more than impressed and I never looked back.
The Game Changer.......
I have been a member for about four years. Throughout these years I’ve experienced changes in my work environment, moved in with a significant other, purchased a home together, planned a wedding, and welcomed two nieces just to name a few.
All of these are great moments, but there’s also those in between moments. Particularly, the adjustment periods. I found myself at one of my heaviest weights (for me) and just going through the motions of workouts, life. I didn’t feel like “me.”
I remember signing up for the Jeans Challenge and after seeing my InBody results, I knew something needed to change internally. I’m so grateful for this challenge and the knowledge I gained in the process. Next up, you guessed it, Super Hero! The challenge where Kashmir was born. Not only was this challenge physical, but it tested my mental stamina.
After these challenges were completed, I felt, literally, like a Super Hero. I felt like I rediscovered my forever love for movement and nutrition, all over again. How I remembered it to be. I’m forever grateful for the mental and physical changes 212 has cultivated and supported over these years.
Thank you Kerry, each staff member and all of YOU.