February Client Spotlight
This month our February Client Spotlight is KaSarah Smith! KaSarah started October of 2018 and has been making great progress ever since. She has recently begun teaching the TRX classes here at the gym and is studying to get her personal trainer certification. Here is a little bit of her story…
Q: What is your favorite inspirational quote?
If it excites you and scares you at the same time, it probably means you should do it.
Q: What are your personal health and fitness goals?
I want to be that old lady that travels the world and jumps out of airplanes any chance I get!
Q: What is your “word” of the year?!
Audacious
Q: What ONE thing keeps you focused and motivated to continue to work hard to reach your goals?
My son. He has really made me think about my life and my choices and how they affect my long term health.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with us?
I love the outdoors and LOVE to cook (I started culinary school when I was 17). I moved to Sandpoint in August of 2018. My family and I live completely off grid outside of Sandpoint. Our new life allowed us to not have to work as much as we had been accustomed to and that took a toll on me pretty quickly. One day I realized I was heavier than I had ever been, and it was exhausting to do the necessary household chores. I was becoming depressed and ended up hurting my back pretty bad, just by moving my couch. I finally decided that I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and do something about it. That day I started to research local gyms and found Missi Balison Fitness. From the first time I attended a class I knew I would love it here.
Q: What made you decide to want to join Missi Balison Fitness?
I was looking for a gym that offered small group training. At my previous gym those had been my most enjoyable classes. I loved getting to know the trainers in a more intimate setting and always received a better workout than just going on my own or even to a group fitness class. Missi Balison Fitness did not disappoint.
Q: What did you THINK training was going to be like vs. what it actually was or what you received?
I really didn’t know what to expect when I first showed up. I knew what previous small group training was like, but
that was at a pretty large gym. What I received was better than I could ever imagine. There is an amazing sense of community here that I truly don’t believe you will find anywhere else. Just listening to the encouragement and camaraderie in every class makes you feel so welcome.
Q: What kinds of milestones have you accomplished?
My favorite milestone would have to be completing the Spartan Race with the ladies from the gym last spring. It is something I (once) never thought I would be able to do but, with Missi’s motivation, I did it with confidence and an amazing group of ladies! Another milestone was getting my TRX certification and beginning to teach TRX classes here at the studio!
Q: What kinds of results have you achieved so far?
Since I have started I have lost 25 lbs and 16.5 inches. My face is thinner, arms less flabby and I actually have a defined waist line!! But, what I have gained is so much more! Strength in body and mind. I feel so much better everyday, so much more capable to handle what life throws at me. Whether it is 3 ft of snow to shovel, a cord of wood to chop, or a difficult situation to handle emotionally. I now feel like I am able to accomplish anything.
Q: How has Missi Balison Fitness made a difference in your life?
Missi Balison Fitness has made an amazing impact on my life! Not only have I met an amazing group of women, but I have had amazing opportunities because of it. My life is truly changed forever and I couldn’t be more grateful. I am on a path to long term healthy lifestyle changes and hope to help as many people as I can in the future. I have recently started studying for my personal training certification and started an internship with Missi to learn as much as possible about this industry.
Q: What would you say to someone on the fence about making a change & committing to their goals?
Just do it! If you feel weak and helpless and defeated, we are here for you. No one is here to judge or compare themselves to you. We are all here for different reasons, at different points in our lives, but we are all here for each other! Change is hard, but having a great support system makes it a little easier, and Missi Balison Fitness offers an amazing support system!