What a surprise it was seeing an email from Kerry stating I was chosen for the member spotlight. I guess this means I’m not the new guy anymore!
My name is Marc and I have been a member of 212 since September of 2022. I had been interested in joining for a few years, but work and family responsibilities kept me from joining. My wife, daughter, and several friends had been working out at 212 for a long time and I kept hearing how great it was. In 2021 I had career change which freed up some time and I was able to think about my fitness again. I have always enjoyed exercise and fitness. Over the years I had been a member of several gyms in the area. It seemed every time I got some momentum something would come up and sidetrack me and then, before I knew it, I wasn’t going anymore and back in the same rut of eating poorly, not sleeping enough and generally not taking care of myself.
When I had my initial consultation with Colin, he asked me what my fitness goals were. I didn’t have specific goals other to just be in better shape for what life throws at me. As a father of 2 active teenagers, I wanted to make sure I could keep up with them. At the time I thought I was in “decent shape”. I had been open water swimming all summer and competed in several events including the The Save the Bay Swim. Well, needless to say, walking up and down the stairs the morning after my first workout told me otherwise.
I started off mainly doing small group workouts. I enjoyed how the individual coaches each had there own methods. I tried to mix it up as much as I could. I eventually started adding in group classes. One aspect I really like is how sometimes I feel like it is as much a mental workout as much as physical. I can only imagine how I looked the first time I tried to do a figure 8 with a hold with a kettlebell. I remember Alicia patiently correcting my technique over and over till I got it right. I also enjoy the humbling aspect of the workout. It seems each time I get a little over confident I end up in a kettlebell class with Kerry and am introduced to a bunch of new movements I haven’t seen. I end up leaving feeling like it was my first class ever.
The entire crew at 212 do an amazing job creating a community. Heather always greets you with a smile. Sean has an uncanny ability to give you the encouragement you need to get to the end and Scott’s infectious enthusiasm will keep you coming back. In my time here I have reconnected with some old friends and made some new friends. There have been many times I have walked in thinking the last thing I want to do is work out. It doesn’t take much time and I am chatting and stretching getting ready. Once the music kicks in and I hear the coaches voice I know it is time to get moving. I have never regretted attending a class, but have regretted skipping a class because I didn’t feel like going.