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 Carrie Gordon, who is one of our VIP members. Our entire team has been so impressed with Carrie’s commitment towards her health, her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and open up to other members of our community.
During our September Team Challenge, Carrie really stepped up her class attendance and was a great source of support to her team members, developing some incredible relationships along the way.
Our instructors also love her positive spirit and her candid feedback!
This month, CARRIE, 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?
Hmmm … I am actually not sure – a year? Let’s just say time flies when you’re having fun!
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
Improve energy
Improve fitness level
Improve overall health
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?
TIME is my biggest challenge. Between working shifts and kid’s schedules (and all the accessories that come with these!) sometimes getting to Loyobo FIT is a challenge. I fully admit, I REALLY disliked Virtual classes when COVID first hit. However, my awesome team mates during the September Team Challenge (lovingly called the ‘Fit Fatales’) have taught me how to access the On-Demand Replays, and I have discovered the enjoyment of doing these work-outs at home.
It is certainly not the same as being at the space with all the amazing members of the Loyobo FIT community, however, they are something I can do at the (sometimes really weird) times that suit me. I was so surprised at the selection of replays, and grateful to access them.
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
I felt like maybe my size or my abilities weren’t enough to keep up with everyone else – that perhaps I was inadequate.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
Oh my goodness – I have to say the Loyobo COMMUNITY is a huge push in my journey. I am going to also credit the Team Challenge (and especially my 5 other ‘Fit Fatales’) for a lot of what I have accomplished recently! I love the positive body image that Loyobo FIT always strives to project – whether in comments in classes or videos, or how the Facebook group celebrates all our non-scale victories!
What is your favourite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
Favourite Memory – Courtney telling us to “twerk” at my first outdoor Zumba class; her laughing at my “look of horror”, and then me laughing at myself hysterically after trying it (but I tried it!). And the time we Zumba’d in unexpected rain!
A special achievement for me: Sobia’s outdoor LoYoga – I like stretching, it doesn’t always like me… one night I was able to fully do every pose, every flow. It was hard, but it felt so good when you realize ‘but I was ABLE TO DO IT’. As Sobia says “consistency in your practice pays off!”
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
If a challenge comes up – JOIN IT. If a class interests you – TRY IT. If you have questions or concerns – REACH OUT.
There is a true community here that you won’t find in many places. Then there is the staff; the Instructors are Top Notch and go out of their way to help you figure things out!
What is your favourite class and why?
I LOVE outdoor classes! But my personal favourite classes are Zumba, Pound, Loyoga, and Barre. I don’t think I can choose just one, because there are serious PROS to each of these classes. I like variety! I like being able to choose something that perhaps reflects my mood that day.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“Just Go Do The Thing” (L.F. the ‘Firecracker’)
Anything else you would like to share?
First of all – WOW, I am surprised, humbled and honoured to be chosen when there are so many more deserving individuals. Thank you.
Secondly – I keep talking about outdoor classes, and I know the time for that is quickly drawing to an end – just want to compliment each of you who have taught in a different space, in a different way, through weather and tech troubles – I appreciate the work you’ve all put in to make those classes happen.
(Courtney, I didn’t tell you but, I’m in AWE of your scavenger hunt! You went an extra mile!). Each instructor I have encountered has been AWESOME, so I’m gonna use this form to tell you all that! YOU ROCK!
Congratulations Carrie! 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.