Member Spotlight: Meredith F.
Owner, Eddy Street Vintage Market
What made you decide to begin a fitness program and why did you choose Driven Fitness? I used to love working out when I was younger but I had gotten away from it, thinking I was active enough during the day with my regular job but what I noticed is that I didn’t feel as strong as I wanted to. Our job requires a lot of lifting and I want to be able to do it for a long time so I thought it was a good time to get back in the fitness groove. I met Erica through Main Street Gardnerville events and I started following her online. The first thing I did was her mile a day in May challenge and I got hooked. To date, I still haven’t missed a day. I am addicted, in a good way. Being outside for that extra mile is the perfect daily dose of fresh air. I really wanted to try out her training programs. Finally this spring, with a gentle nudge from Erica, I dove in. Since we have a busy schedule, I started with just one day a week but I quickly realized, I wanted to do a more so I started going two days a week. I also joined the online summer tank top arms challenge. What does a typical workout week look like for you?
W
e get a lot of steps in with daily work activities. Despite that, I still get at least an extra mile in every day. Then two days a week I am in the gym with Erica. If there is time, I try to get a third at home workout in. How do you fit it all in?
Some days are easier than others but what I realized is that it’s up to me to prioritize my health and time for exercise. In comparison, it’s a short amount of time with a lot of benefit for your health both physical and mental. It’s a dedicated 30-minute investment in myself. How has your workout routine changed over time? Starting small with just being active walking escalated into wanting to make sure I stay strong and wanting to do more. What I love about working out with Erica is that she never lets me coast and she is constantly helping me improve. I would not be seeing the results I am seeing if I were doing this all on my own. Her extensive knowledge and well developed repertoire of exercises keeps workouts fun, engaging and effective. I never know exactly what I am going to be doing but I know I am going to get a great well-rounded workout in. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
Getting started. I kept telling myself that I didn’t know if I had enough time to
commit to a scheduled workout but what I realized is that you have to make time and prioritize yourself and your health.
How do you manage to eat healthy?
Well, I love pizza and would eat it every day if I could. I utilized a free app called Noom that I use to track my food when I feel like I’m getting off track. It helps me focus on balanced meals. Also, Erica has provided me with tips for eating healthy or increasing protein consumption that have proven helpful. I always keep Think!150 Protein bars on hand as well as OWYN protein shakes for times when we are really busy so I don’t get too off track and eat a whole bag of M&Ms instead.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family. They are all simply the best.
#1 tip for someone struggling to find a way just getting started?
Just start. As my grandma would say, “inch by inch, everything is a cinch.” You don’t have to be excellent at first you just have to start and you will thank yourself for doing it.