🌟 Welcome to Transformation Tuesday! 🌟
Today, we're thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our incredible gym members, Kim! 💪✨ Each week, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of individuals who have embraced fitness and wellness, transforming their lives in remarkable ways.
Join us as we share some of Kim's inspiring story, filled with perseverance, dedication, and incredible achievements.
1. What inspired you to start your fitness journey, and how has it impacted your life since then?
I have been on a fitness or athletic journey for many years. After my first child, it was about losing weight and getting fit. After my 3rd child, it was about swimming, biking and running. Strength training has always been a part of that, even after I stopped doing triathlons.
My motivation began to wane as I got older, especially after COVID shut down my gym. Then, despite having no risk factors or family history, I had a heart attack. It was a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), which is a rare occurrence that mostly happens to women, and no one seems to have a good idea why. It’s just "one of those things."
While recovering from that, I realized that I am not impervious to health problems, and I am definitely not getting any younger. I did not want to be a weak, helpless old woman, so I joined Beyond Measure Fitness.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest ongoing challenge is motivation. When I stopped training for specific triathlons, I no longer had the sword of Damocles hanging over my head that kept me on my workout schedule.
I have since figured out, though, that accountability and community are the best motivators for me, which is why I have no problem driving 2 hours to work out at BMF. Seems nuts, and it probably is, but I feel so much better after a workout, and it’s worth it to me.
3. How has your perception of health and fitness changed as you've gotten older?
Over the years I have learned that being fit does not prevent you from having health problems. See above. However, being fit and healthy helps you recover better and faster, should you ever have a health crisis.
Also: Fitness = Freedom. It gives you the freedom to do what you want: Ride your bike, play with your kids or grandkids, take an active vacation, go on a hike … whatever you want, when you want. Being fit helps you do it.
4. What advice would you give to other women in their 40s+ who are hesitant to start their fitness journey?
BMF does a really good job of making women, especially 40 - 50+ women, feel empowered and safe. It’s intimidating to walk into any new gym or situation, but the folks at BMF go out of their way to make it a community and offer the accountability that keeps people coming back.
Also, proper form and safety is a priority at BMF, where it isn’t in other gyms that I have been to, and that is extremely important.
I would also say, “Check your ego at the door.” That’s a hard one for me, but doing too much or lifting too heavy is an injury waiting to happen, and injury is costly to any fitness journey. Don’t try to keep up with the youngsters … or even the oldsters that have been at it longer. Take it at your pace.
5. Can you share a specific moment or achievement that made you realize how far you've come on your fitness journey?
For me, fitness has been and will continue to be a long journey with ups and downs. Finishing an Ironman triathlon was a great way to see how far I had come 15-20 years ago. But since those days are over, the achievements are smaller, but no less important.
I try not to make it about the number on the scale or what I see in the mirror, and that can be tough. But I do try to be grateful for what I am able to do now, and I will work to maintain and improve on that for as long as I am able.
