My name is Marina and I have been a member of 212 Health and Performance since 2018. I have always been an active person but 212 changed my entire perspective and attitude surrounding fitness. I was honored when Kerry asked me if I would like to be a spotlight member.
I always played sports growing up and during high school but by no means was I ever a star athlete. I was a member of quite a few gyms during college, graduate school and early on in my career. To be honest, I looked at exercise as a chore. I needed to work out for my health, but I did not necessarily want to. I would force myself through gym routines and try to increase my motivation by trying different classes offered at various gyms. It was monotonous and my fitness routine was stale. I would often have work tasks and house chores I needed to complete on my mind and rush through my workouts.
Fast forward to 2018, I had just moved into the Rumford Center apartments. Out my window I would see members running to the dumpster and back, and as I walked by the 212 space to get my mail, I noticed something about the trainers and the members. I would think to myself, “Wow, these people look like they are having fun? Having fun AND exercising? Hmm, that's different."
I had not worked out with kettlebells before, so I will admit that intimidated me a bit. No way could I do some of the moves I would see in the windows when passing by. It took me a few months to muster up the courage to peek in and schedule my first meeting. I met with Colin, and we talked about my fitness goals as well as went through form and techniques for foundational exercises. That impressed me right away and I was sold! Then began my journey as 212 member! Little did I know the impact signing that contract would have on my life.
I work in healthcare as an Occupational Therapist. In my field client-based goals and collaboration are especially important. Form and technique are also critical when working toward achieving goals. However, every client’s path toward goal achievement is individualized and modifications/adaptations are crucial. When I observed each trainer applying these same principles in the gym, I was thankful to be surrounded by their knowledge and expertise. I trusted them.
Whether I am taking a class or participating in my small group sessions I genuinely enjoy my time spent at the gym. The staff are all unique and special in their own ways. I appreciate them all beyond words for creating an environment that feels safe, lively, and motivating. They are truly the dream team!
When the gym closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, I felt like a piece of me was missing. However, it was not long before the 212-team made it work! Although they were all experiencing the same uncertainties and stresses as all of us, they continued to reach out and provide virtual workout options. When we were allowed to complete outdoor small group workouts in the cold anyone who knew me would be surprised that I participated. I am the type of person that makes my husband park closest to buildings or drop me off at the door, that is how much I hate the cold. I missed my friends and the trainers, so a little wintry weather was not stopping me from returning to my favorite place! I bundled up in layers and gloves and did my workouts under the heat lamps/lights and stretched afterwards drinking my hot cocoa provided by Kerry! My husband is still in shock to this day that I exercised outside in the winter.
This past February, I participated in the superhero challenge to help me to stay on track and increase my discipline for my wedding in April. If you told me I would be working out three times a week at 6 am, I would think you were crazy. But I did it! My start time was closer to 6:05-6:10am, but I still made it! I LOVE my superhero group! It was an amazing experience and I gained strength I never knew I could achieve!
There has been quite a shift in my perspective as it relates to exercise. I no longer race to finish a workout and count the tasks on my to do list with every repetition. The gym is my stress reliever and has become more of a habit and routine. I am so grateful to have a place that encompasses health, wellness, fitness, and my social life all in one! 212 health and performance is a game changer in the fitness industry. I now make fitness my priority instead of making excuses as to why I should skip a workout. I no longer HAVE to work out. I WANT to work out and to top it all off I’m having FUN!