Welcome to another edition of our Member of the Month series, where we feature some of the amazing people who are part of our Loyobo FIT family. We think it is important to share their stories to help inspire others and to celebrate their amazing accomplishments!
This month that member is Linda McFadden, who has an All In Virtual Membership with us. Our entire team has been so impressed with Linda’s consistency when it comes to attending classes, trying out new class formats and stepping out of her comfort zone as well as the positive energy she brings to our community!
Our instructors love her calm and grounded nature and her willingness to ask questions!
This month, LINDA, we celebrate YOU! We are so grateful to know you. Thank you for being a part of our family and for sharing your story with us!
How long have you been coming to Loyobo FIT and what initially inspired you to try a class?
Information about Loyobo FIT kept popping up on my Facebook page. I have belonged to other gyms in the past but it never lasted….I always found an excuse to opt out! On a whim, I decided to book an orientation for March 9th, 2020. Knowing me, and to keep my momentum, March 10th was my first class: Pilates with Katie aka Katie-lates. I was hooked and never looked back despite the fact that the gym closed due to COVID 1 week later.
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
Initially I thought it was to lose weight and get fit. I have been told, and also teach, about the benefits of exercise on all aspect of life. My goals are changing over time with shifting priorities. Right now it is to increase strength, to maintain some flexibility and to use exercise as a healthy coping strategy rather than some of the unhealthier habits I have picked up (ie. eating dill pickle chips) and that continues as COVID continues. I am really happy that my body is developing strength and shape that I was losing with increasing age.
What is one of the challenges that you have faced in your health/fitness journey? What have you found most helpful in working to overcome it?
My biggest challenge is motivation. I am great when I have signed up for a Virtual class. I struggle without the presence of a facilitator. This continues to be my challenge but my latest approach is to include the classes I plan to take in my agenda and telling my family about my plans. This helps with accountability too!
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
My life was about everyone else. I work in health care and there is always something to do for someone else. I have 2 children, a husband and a dog which occupied a lot of my time pre-COVID. With having to drive kids to dance and sports, there was never enough time to exercise! I walked on occasion but nothing on a regular basis. I was not happy with my body at all, and all of my usual coping strategies to manage my weight/mood had stopped working.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
I started classes with body weight only and am now able to use weights. I did a sit-up last week for the first time in years and I can actually do a push up now! My body gets stiff and sore when I don’t exercise, which is so much better than the pain I lived with on a daily basis. I am learning to be comfortable in my skin (an ongoing process). I am ‘walking the talk’ , and doing what I encourage my patients to do every day. I actually look forward to my daily schedule of classes!!!
What is your favorite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
I still remember walking in the door the first day and feeling so welcomed by the space and the people. Jen C. was the first person I met; she introduced herself before Pilates, was so kind and genuine and helped me to feel like I was in the right place. Everyone has been so kind, gracious and encouraging, even though I haven’t been into the physical space since March. Loyobo FIT is truly helping me ‘come home to myself and my body’!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
Just do it and keep doing it! Try every class and try different instructors. Take advantage of all that Loyobo FIT has to offer. It is an amazing place with amazing people and there are no stupid questions. And when you are most frustrated or outside of your comfort zone, just breathe!
What is your favourite class and why?
Hard to pick one! Pilates was my first class, and I still love it. I also love Tone and Flex and the fact that my strength is increasing, and is visible to me. I just added Step, Fab Abs., Mind/Body, and LoYoga to my schedule schedule. The only class I struggle with is still Zumba….but I haven’t given up on it yet!
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
Hard to pick one quote as I am quite the quote collector. Right now my favourite is, “Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.”
and;
“Dill pickle chips are to die for!”
Anything else you would like to share?
Loyobo FIT is helping me in ways that is hard to put into words. I am so grateful for the support and encouragement I have received. My family has adjusted to my ‘exercise schedule’, which is something I always used as an excuse (don’t have the time, should be doing something with them). I truly feel like I have found a ‘home’ at Loyobo and it is providing me with the space to ‘come home to myself’.
With gratitude,
Linda
Congratulations Linda! You deserve this moment in the spotlight as we celebrate the awesomeness that is YOU. THANK YOU for including us as part of your journey and for sharing your story. Your positive spirit, perseverance and determination inspires us all and we are so grateful to have you as part of our Loyobo Family!
Feeling inspired? You could be our next Member of the Month! Join our 30 day trial and become part of a loving and supportive community that will enable you to make a lasting lifestyle change.
Not ready to try classes? Email us to book a FREE Love Your Body Orientation session with one of our coaches to discuss your needs and find out if we are the right fit for you.