Becoming Her Strongest & Healthiest Self

At FitMe Wellness, members are invited to Find Their Fit.

This philosophy toward exercise recognizes that, while our paths will often cross, every member has a separate path to better health.

Our Member Spotlight feature seeks to bring you stories of how FitMe Wellness members have found their fit in the hopes that it will inspire you on your own path to health and wellness. You will ideally see bits and pieces of yourself in FitMe members’ stories. At first glance, you might not be able to see what you have in common with someone. We all, however, tend to struggle with similar issues when it comes to living healthier lives.

For this installment, we spoke with member Lucy Martin, a long-time runner who has found — in FitMe Wellness — a gym that meets her shifting fitness needs and targeted strength training goals. Lucy’s personal trainer, Rachel Nelson, also joined in the conversation.  

fit815: Lucy, what are your goals? What motivates you to come to the gym and train with Rachel? 

Lucy: Really, my overall goal is optimal health. I would like to get stronger, so strength training is probably the major overarching goal. Weight loss is always great, but that’s not ultimately what gets me in the door. My ultimate goal is to have fitness. As a 56-year-old woman, strength training is good for preventing osteoporosis, which is very important for me at this stage of the game. 

Rachel: In my first session with Lucy — when I asked about her goals — she said something that really stuck with me. She noted, “Weight loss . . . great . . . but at this point, I want to be the strongest I can be, and the healthiest I can be.” And I thought, that’s really awesome. 

fit815: Lucy, when did you start training with Rachel? Do you feel like your making progress towards your goal of increasing your strength?

Lucy: Yes, absolutely! I started training with Rachel in June, about two months ago. I can gauge my progress, as we keep using more weight and different types of weights. I’m also able to do other exercises that I wouldn’t have thought I’d be able to do, like Burpees . . . which have always been challenging for me. So, I definitely noticed a difference in my ability to do certain types of fitness activities. As a positive side effect, I’ve also lost a few pounds that I wasn’t able to get rid of, and I think that’s because I’ve switched up my workout and am doing more intense strength training. 

fit815: In your experience, what differentiates FitMe Wellness from other clubs?

Lucy: It’s very calming and it’s not a big competition on who is working harder on each machine . . . I’ve not belonged to a lot of gyms, but there are some that are just way to busy and frantic for me. When I first started training with a trainer, it was very new for me. I would have never worked out in front of people before; I was a runner. To be with and around other people in a fitness setting was very new to me. So for me, this calm environment without a lot of pressure is great.

Rachel: In relation to other places where I’ve been a member or worked, one of the biggest things that made me like FitMe was the knowledge of the staff. Everyone is held to a certain standard; our front desk staff knows about the machines, and each person who works here can help members be more comfortable in the gym. 

Lucy: I would never have asked someone at another gym how to use a machine! But the level of comfort here is so high that I feel comfortable asking for guidance when I need it.

fit815: Lucy, you mentioned that you were a runner before you worked with a trainer, and that this setting is new to you. How has your attitude towards exercise changed since you’ve added the trainer to your fitness regimen?

Lucy: I actually really like working with the machines. I used to hate the machines, and was intimidated by machines and weights. Now that I understand them — and have people who are patient with me working with me — my attitude towards coming in and using the equipment is completely different. It’s a positive environment and a positive change for me. I don’t feel like I just have to do some sit-ups at home and go out for a run; it’s nice that that’s not my only option, especially as running has gotten more painful as I’ve aged. So this is not as painful, and I’m getting results.