Kimberly

September 2023

1.  WHAT DID LIFE LOOK LIKE BEFORE YOU FOCUSED ON CONSISTENCY ON NUTRITION AND FITNESS? 

I grew up incredibly active in sports and dance. By high school, I was a three sport athlete. I was constantly moving and didn’t really have to worry about how I was nourishing my body (like diet coke and smores poptarts for breakfast…yuck). In college, that sports routine was gone and I struggled to add working out voluntarily into my routine so I didn’t. Nothing ever stuck for me and that continued on throughout graduate school and the start of my career. I felt like working out was a chore and I didn’t enjoy myself. In fact, I hated it. I thought warming up and cooling down was a waste of time and mobility would be something I would worry about “later.” I didn’t eat horribly, but I didn’t put a lot of thought into it. I had a lot of friends who struggled with eating disorders, so I worked hard on having a positive relationship with food.

 

Right before COVID, I finally found a slight interest and commitment in myself to workout and began doing Youtube videos with a trainer I liked and attended a few barre classes and boxing classes at different studios in Edina. It was the first time I was somewhat consistent. After moving to Lakeville, I became excited about finding a studio and was so thankful the Warehouse popped up on my Google search.

2. What made you decide to make a change? 

The people. I’ve quit every other type of workout I tried and the missing piece was a community. I love being part of The Warehouse Community and all of the incredible people I have met. I was always very intimidated to particpate in classes and would typically be pretty quiet. If you know me, that is not my personality at all! I love that I can be my full authentic self in class and have the best time in an atmosphere that welcomes it. It is the tone set my the instructors AND the members. I have been so inspired by the members, their stories, and their dedication to feeling strong. I’ve created mentors, friends, and even teammates!

As I have entered my 30s, I’ve noticed the changes in my body that come with that. It has been a struggle mentally and has been a great source of frustration with self-image and confidence. I was recently diagnosed wtih Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), an inherited disorder. Thankfully, besides some lower back discomfort, I have no major symptoms. There is no treatment for PKD and could have health impacts on my life in the future. I know that the one major way to stay healthy is to keep moving my body. That is the best gift I can give to myself.

3. What has changed (attitude, energy, weight, habits, priorities, race times, blood work, confidence, etc.?)

So much has changed for me! I actually enjoy working out and look forward to seeing my Warehouse friends when I walk in the door. Working out is no longer a chore, but a fun priority that has become a natural part of my routine. I even kind of like cardio now… It has also become such an important component to my mental health journey. I have anxiety and try to take a very hollistic approach to navigating it. I know I am my best self when I am at consistently at the Warehouse.

Another thing that has changed for me since joining the Warehouse is what my health and fitness goals are. I originally joined to lose weight with the hopes I was also stronger and less anxious. However, my focus was mostly on the scale. I’ve really struggled with losing weight and still have that as a goal, but feeling stronger, fleixible, and more mobile has become stronger priorities for me. Before I joined, I would get massive headaches from using 3 pound weights for arm workouts and now I can lift a lot more!

The Warehouse has taught me to love myself more, give myself grace, and appreciate my body.

Share the following below:

1. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAREHOUSE WORKOUT SONG?

Transform Ya or anytime a Taylor Swift comes on. I can make any song fun, especially when I am standing next to Trish in class 😉

2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAREHOUSE WORKOUT CLASS?

It is hard to pick one, but probably Bootcamp!

3. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

We all do better, when we all do better – Senator Paul Wellstone 
“You are strong, you are breathing, you are focused.” – Nickie Carrigan