Meet IzzyFit's November Client of the Month: Kristen!

Kristen came to me to get ready for an epic hike she'd be taking with her mom and friend. Totally impressed that she and her mom do this every year, I knew physical fitness must be something very important to her. I also learned she had a martial arts and yoga background: She clearly knew how to kick butt AND give herself moments of zen. My brain lit up with happiness as I realized I could introduce her to new modes of exercise like strength training and kettlebells! Yay! Fun!

As I've gotten to know Kristen, it has become clear that she is a FORCE! She works HARD at her job but allows herself to play hard, too. (She got stuck in a meeting at work once and had to miss a session so when she got home she grabbed a football and she and her son played outside together. Love.) She ALWAYS walks into the studio with an open mind and a positive attitude. One of IzzyFit's core values is "Spread lightness and fun: Walk into the room with a positive attitude and open mind and great things will happen". Anyone who trains at the same time as Kristen can attest that she does just that. She walks in, says hi to everyone, is mega supportive of her training partners and gets the job done. And great things HAVE happened.

She's a rockstar and you get to learn more about her below!

What were your initial health and fitness goals when you first walked into the studio?
I recognized that it had been 18 months since I'd worked out regularly. At first, I wanted to get ready for a strenuous hiking trip, but that fell through due to work schedule. Then, my true goal was to feel stronger, more capable and more confident.
 
How do you think your sessions have helped you reach those goals?
My regular sessions with Izzy help me stay focused, motivated and supported. And I now fit in my fancy black dress that I didn't feel confident wearing for the last 12 months!

What do you enjoy most about training?
The new challenges, especially the kettlebell exercises and pull-up preparation. I also like having Izzy to ask questions and encourage me to try things I may not have thought of.

Is there anything surprising that you've discovered with strength training?
I like the repetition, the challenge and the technique behind strength training -- the planner in me appreciates the structure! The kid in me appreciates the changing routines that incorporate new muscle work or variety.

What are you looking forward to conquering in 2016?
I would like to add more "in between" workouts so that I can bust more plateaus in my workouts with Izzy. I also feel more prepared for spring training and summer readiness (ah, hem, the bathing suit dilemma).

How would you describe your philosophy on working out and nutrition?
I am a perfectionist at heart, so I try and be both dedicated and also compassionate. I like to follow through on my commitments, and my work schedule sometimes lets me down! But I keep on coming back!

You mentioned that works sometimes lets you down when it comes to exercise but you get back up and at it. You not only have a demanding job but you also have a super awesome son to take care of and yet you still make time for exercise and self care. How has prioritizing taking care of you helped you out?
I feel I'm making an investment in my energy bank by prioritizing exercise and self care in general. Once I blocked my calendar for workouts, they become more "non-negotiable"!

What advice would you have for anyone just starting out?
Start with curiosity and hope. Anything can be practiced. Plus, Izzy is always by your side.