This is my lifestyle now.  That’s what I tell people who have commented that I look healthier, who congratulate me on the weight I have lost, or who mention that something has changed. 

I've been an active person most of my life, playing sports and riding horses. I played basketball for many years including one year in Italy while I attended veterinary school there. 

Aaaargh! Yes, chances are that’s me grunting and yelling - attempting to summon my inner Amazon for rock cleans or barbell push presses.

I moved to East Providence, from Richmond Virginia, in 2008, to take the Director of Diversity position at the Gordon School.  

First off, thanks to Kerry and the 212 staff for selecting me for the member spotlight, to be counted amongst such 212 legends as Sandy and Nelson and Matt Joe is truly humbling.

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.

My story is probably similar to many others at 212, I was an athlete in my youth. I swam competitively for 10 years with my specialty in long distance events (200 yard and 500 yard freestyle) when I competed in high school. 

My first exposure to 212 Health and Performance was, I'm sure, similar to many of yours...it was on my way to the bakery next door. 

Growing up I actually liked school, except for a single, 45-minute period each week: gym class. You see, I was the overweight kid who struggled with all things athletic; from doing a forward roll to running a lap (I HATED to run) to climbing the rope in gym.

I have always enjoyed outdoor activities including horseback riding, biking, and especially running, but never had much interest in the weight room. 

I'm Matt Joe and one of the great disappointments in my life was the realization that gym class ended after high school. 

For about a year and a half before joining 212, I was experiencing lower back pain. I made visits to my chiropractor a few times a week, but wasn't getting any relief. 

First of all, thank you so much to the staff of 212 for voting me spotlight of the month for August. I have been a member at 212 Health and Performance for four years.

I come from a family of six children. Sadly ALL five of my siblings are not in good health. They all have various very concerning health issues caused by poor choices, bad eating habits and not getting any exercise. 

I played high school football and thought that in those years I was in peak physical shape. Little did I know that I became complacent in my workout routine after school ended and life began. 

Something drew me through the doors of 212 one summer's day. Was it destiny? I absolutely believe so. 

In the last two years, there have been two things that have changed how I feel about my body. The first, and most profound, was carrying and giving birth to my son, Teddy. 

I really enjoy the atmosphere here and the group workouts which are designed to take you outside your comfort zone. 

After becoming "disenchanted" with traditional gyms, two of my friends who are members of 212 Health and Performance told me I should try it. It was one of the best decisions I've made regarding my health. 

I saw her chiseled arms across the room, in a dimly lit bar.  Eventually we were next to each other.  Hoping it didn’t sound like a pick up line, I had to ask …and where do you work out?