Carli

October 2025

1. What did life look like before The Warehouse? What past experiences shaped your views on health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness?

Growing up I lived in a house focused on weight and diets. We had all nonfat foods and only exercised in order to lose weight. As an adult, I went to treatment for an eating disorder where I realized the focus on weight loss was stopping me from living life. I realized wellness starts in the mind and worked hard to find mental wellness.

After many years of hard work, I started moving my body for fun. In 2016, I found hiking. It was the first activity I enjoyed despite how difficult it was at first. I didn’t hike because I had to. I hiked because it was fun. I wanted to be outside and felt so much pride as I climbed every hill and increased my miles.

In 2024, I decided it was time for a bigger challenge. I signed up for a 4-day backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. I was terrified and excited!

To prepare physically, I knew I had to build muscle and be fit. I joined a local chain gym and got a personal trainer. The personal trainer lectured me about commitment and constantly talked down to me. He assumed because I have a larger body that I was lazy and knew nothing about health. I knew it was not the right place for me.

Thankfully, I told my friend Molly about my bad experience because she encouraged me to sign up for The Warehouse’s February challenge. It has changed my perception of movement and gyms again.

2. What has your experience been like since being part of The Warehouse? What have you learned? What has helped you grow or evolve?

Coming to The Warehouse doesn’t feel like an obligation. The classes are fun and I never feel judged for only doing the “easier” modifications. I feel a sense of community and acceptance that rarely comes with a gym membership.

I say this having only been to one class in the last month. At every other point in my life, my guilt and shame would take over and I would never go back. But now, I give myself grace and compassion. I have faith in myself and know I will be back because this month is not every month. When I’m back, I know I’ll be greeted with smiles and joy!

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

I have gained so much over the last year. I increased my maximum miles hiked in one day from 6 to 12, I consistently moved my body for 11 months (and counting!), I hiked 31 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with everything I needed strapped to my back, and I am training for a 20-mile, 8-hour hike in October. For the first time in my life, I feel like an athlete.

The biggest change for me has been the increase in self-compassion. When I’m tired, I rest. When I’m stressed at work, I adjust my schedule and give myself grace. I don’t have to beat myself up because I know I am determined and will keep pushing to reach my goals.

4. What is your favorite Warehouse workout song?

I don’t have a favorite song but I’m a big fan of Queen!

5. Anything else you would like to share about your Experience at The Warehouse?

My favorite class is a tie between Boxing Fusion and Pound. But they are all so good!

6. What is your favorite quote?

You cannot control the universe.