Member Spotlight: Shannon C.
When did you start coming to AX Fitness and how did you hear about it? I started going to AX Fitness on January 7, 2014. I heard about it through Groupon. (Best Groupon purchase ever!!!)
What were your fitness goals when you started and how is AX Fitness helping you reach those? My fitness goals were mainly to lose weight. Easier said than done. Since starting AX Fitness, those goals have changed. I have started to learn that it's not always about the pounds you see on the scale but the results you feel and see in the way your body changes. My goals are now to be both physically and mentally strong which AX has definitely helped me do. "Mind over matter." Christine encourages and pushes us clients to always go beyond what we think our limits are and after a while it is rewarding knowing that yes, I am capable of more than I ever would allow myself to think I am, if it wasn't for Christine's encouragement and ability to make me want to work much harder than I think I can. It's not always easy but it's worth it.
How would you describe AX Fitness to a newbie? I would start out by saying that AX Fitness is not your traditional gym. When I think about the classes at AX Fitness, I think variety, which is one of the main reasons I enjoy the classes so much. No day and no workout is ever the exact same. When I think about the classes in particular, Cardio Kickboxing is not exactly self-explanatory because of all the extra exercises added in, which are hard but are great because Christine changes things up. I think the best way for me to sum AX Fitness up is cardio kickboxing + boot camp.
What advice would you give to anyone trying AX Fitness for the first time? It's all or nothing. I have heard many many times during the classes that you get out what you put in and that couldn't be more true. If you are looking for a leisurely workout where you want to watch tv and just hang out, AX Fitness is not for you. If you are looking for the best 45-55 minutes of your day and you're willing to jump on board, with your best effort and more, it's worth every ounce of time, money, sweat, and maybe even tears you may cry. You will however be crying tears of joy after a while when you start seeing the awesome results!
What is your favorite part about AX Fitness? The motivation and also the variety of the different exercises as stated above. My absolute favorite part is that Christine is an amazing motivator. If it wasn't for her encouragement and often pointing out where I am slacking or giving up too soon, I don't know that I would push myself harder. I have tried to get away with hiding in the corner just in case I was tired and wanted to give up. Trust me, it doesn't work and I can't do anything but thank and appreciate Christine for always holding me accountable and motivating me to do more.
How do you stay motivated? Well as I said, Christine is an amazing motivator which of course helps keep me motivated in class. But unfortunately, she doesn't spend every waking minute with me. I stay motivated outside of class by realizing where I would be if I didn't start AX Fitness. I would probably still be leisurely jogging/walking on that same treadmill at the gym watching Food Network (because watching food is the best choice while working out right?) on TV. Essentially, I would be miserable, not achieving any results because I didn't have the right person to push me in the right direction as to what actually does work for working out and seeing results. I just said the other day, I can't wait to see how I will look and feel in another 3 months or even a year at AX Fitness. The results I have seen thus far and the results I know I can and will achieve will keep me motivated and cause me to return to AX Fitness as long as I possibly can.
Is there anything else that you would like people to know? If you put in the work, you will see results. I lost nearly 8 inches in 3 months so far, which is pretty good, but I think I could have done more. When I look back at that number and reflect on all the work I have done thus far, I realize that in the end, it's all up to me to not cheat myself by cheating. Like I said earlier, it's all or nothing. Put all of your best effort in, or you may see nothing.