Hi, my name is Erin Houle. I’ve been a member here for about 10 years. Although, It feels like it was just yesterday when I walked through the doors of what was then, “Punch Kettlebell Gym”. The kettlebell part had me interested, but there were other reasons I decided to give this place a whirl.
Reason # 1: My job. I’m a teacher at Meeting Street. I had been at my job for 2 years at the time, and teaching in a fully inclusive classroom as the special educator, I found myself doing a lot of heavy lifting. Most of my students had multiple physical disabilities. This required getting students in and out of different equipment all day. I had watched a few co-workers hurt their backs. So, I knew I needed to get stronger in order to not fall into that same category.
Reason # 2: My grandma. This sounds funny, but she lived at Rumford Towers at the time. She would look out her windows and tell us about the action she saw coming from Rumford Center. We would often take her to Seven Stars to get a coffee. That’s when I saw the sign and decided I needed to just check it out.
When I first started here, I thought I was in okay shape. I was very wrong. I would do small group sessions with Colin. He would constantly push me, always grabbing me a bigger weight (don’t tell him, but I thought he was nuts!). I used to be so nervous to come to classes. Never knowing what to expect, wondering if I would even live through it. Kerry and the team always find a way to mix things up and keep it challenging and fun. I have never been bored with the workouts. Still to this day, there are times I wonder if I will live through it. But I keep coming back (go figure).
Not only has 212 continued to push me physically for the past 10 years, but it’s kept me sane. This gym is different. The sense of community here is strong. I have met some of my best friends here! There have been many ups and downs in my life over the past 10 years, but the one thing I can always count on is coming here and feeling better (physically and mentally). I’m so happy I took the chance and joined 212. I can’t think of a better community to be a part of!
(Thanks for picking me to be the member spotlight ☺)