Our Breakthrough Spotlight Member this month is Kelly! In her interview, Kelly shares about the importance of making time for yourself no matter how busy you feel. Her consistency and commitment have also helped her do things outside of the gym more easily than before she began training.
BREAKTHROUGH: Thank you, Kelly, for being our next spotlight member.
KELLY: Yes!
BREAKTHROUGH: I am excited to hear what you have to share after being a member since the end of last year. So, tell me what was happening before you joined. How were you feeling? What was going on?
KELLY: I was in search for something like this, I think. Not a typical exercise program. I am 62 and I have done everything; it feels like I have done everything. And I saw a Facebook post and then I stalked your website for a while. I reached out to you, I think, in October. And then stuff came up… So, how was I feeling? The best thing I can say is ‘in search’ – of something like this that didn’t have a lot of aerobic but had more strength training.
BREAKTHROUGH: Yes. You said you waited awhile. I remember we chatted a bit…
KELLY: I had a lot of stuff going on. And then I did actually join during the holidays, and I remember thinking – don’t do it during the holidays. But it turned out that was the best gift I could give to myself during the holidays. I am in retail, and it is very busy. So, to take time out to do that for myself was just a real gift to me. For sure.
BREAKTHROUGH: Yeah! I can totally relate to that! I think so often we feel like we will do it when we have time.
KELLY: Right, right.
BREAKTHROUGH: Well, we are never going to have time unless you make time to take care of yourself.
KELLY: Right, right! It’s like they say if you don’t have time to meditate, meditate for an hour.
BOTH: Ha, ha!
KELLY: I really needed it. So, I am happy. Anyone can carve out time when you ask them how much TV they watch.
BREAKTHROUGH: Oh, totally! Myself included!
KELLY: Yeah!
BREAKTHROUGH: So how are you feeling now that it has been the better part of this year.
KELLY: I would say the best part about it, first of all, is I look forward to coming…
BREAKTHROUGH: That’s great!
KELLY: And if I don’t, I always feel good as soon as I start. Number one, I like coming here.
BREAKTHROUGH: Yay!
KELLY: Number two, I think what it helps me with is my life. So, I had done a work move in the past 6 months. My office is upstairs, and I was carrying some file boxes upstairs. My knees were very weak when I started. They still need some strengthening – it’s a journey. But I remember that I was walking upstairs holding file boxes. And I do not think I would have been able to do that before coming to Breakthrough.
BREAKTHROUGH: That is a great thing to notice!
KELLY: I really do not think I could have. Yeah. So, things like that. I feel like this place helps you with life.
BREAKTHROUGH: I love that!
KELLY: You know. This is going to sound so silly. But just groceries and things that you need strength for in life. I think it’s really good.
BREAKTHROUGH: That doesn’t sound silly to me at all. Most times when I do these interviews, people say things like that. I feel like the gym is fun. It’s fun to do stuff in here. But mostly, it’s about being strong so you can do everything you want in life more easily.
KELLY: Yes, yes! Exactly!
BREAKTHROUGH: So, I know you also shared about doing stuff with your granddaughter. You guys were playing some kind of crazy game…
KELLY: Oh yeah! There are definitely things that I can do with her now that it would have been a real strain to do, if I could have done them at all before coming to Breakthrough.
BREAKTHROUGH: So, life is easier?
KELLY: Life is easier.
BREAKTHROUGH: OK, the last thing I would like to ask you is what is your why? What is the thing that keeps you motivated to take care of yourself like this.
KELLY: I want to live long. And not only live long, but I also want to live healthy because it’s not about just living long. I think doctors can keep you alive for a very long time, but I want to live healthy.
BREAKTHROUGH: Quality of life, then?
KELLY: Quality of life, yes.
BREAKTHROUGH: I agree with that! Wholeheartedly! Well, thank you very much for sharing all of this.
KELLY: Thank you, thank you!
BREAKTHROUGH: Is there anything else you want to say?
KELLY: Yes, I will say that is always a very nice environment here. I feel like the people who work here really care and like their job. You can feel it!
BREAKTHROUGH: That’s good! We do love to see you guys getting stronger!
KELLY: You can tell and that is great!
BREAKTHROUGH: Oh, good! That’s very nice to hear. Thank you so much for sharing, Kelly!
KELLY: You are so welcome!
BREAKTHROUGH: We appreciate you, Kelly!