November 2017
Gyms can often be intimidating, but I’ve never felt that way at the Fitness Lab. It really is an all-levels workout that gets results. It’s been great for me to see and feel changes in my body, but it’s also inspiring to be on this journey with the other members and seeing them meet their goals. Everyone is friendly and encouraging, and the coaches each have their own way of getting us to give it our all, whatever level that may be. There is definitely something special here that keeps me coming back every day at 6am.
Q/A with Lee Ann
Can you tell me 3 or 4 of your favorite things to do?
I love to cook. I find it relaxing, and feeding people is how I show them that they’re important to me. I also dabble in photography, although not as much as I would like. My biggest achievement in photography is that I had one of my photos chosen as part of an exhibit curated by the Smithsonian. Traveling is another one of my favorite things to do. Half of my trips are usually for work, but I try to sneak in time to explore wherever I’m headed.
Where is your favorite place to eat?
Locally, I really love Taco Chukis in Capitol Hill, Sushi Kappo Tamura in Eastlake, and Lola downtown.
What are some health and fitness goals you have achieved since being here?
This is probably the strongest I’ve been in my entire life. Beyond that, this is the first time that I’ve stuck with an exercise plan consistently, and that’s helped me prioritize other aspects of my health. I’m sleeping more regular hours, making sure to get to bed at a decent hour so I can make it to class in the morning. I am more conscious of the foods I consume, making sure that there’s balance. In a lot of ways, my commitment to living a healthier life is grounded in the fact that the Fitness Lab is a constant in my life.
Do you remember when you started our classes and why?
A few years ago, I injured my shoulder and my wrist doing really mundane things so I started making exercise a priority to take care of my body. I got to the point where I was running half marathons, but two years ago, I developed chronic hives which made exercise really difficult, and sometimes painful. It took nearly a year to figure out how to control it. Once I was able to start exercising again, I found the Fitness Lab and have made it the start of my day (almost) every weekday.
What is a quote that you live by?
“Let us not be afraid to imagine the most radical possible future and stretch your imagination beyond our lifetimes.”
About Dillon Kreider
Certified personal trainer and owner of SOMA TRAINING. I can’t imagine a better job – every day, I get to help people improve their lives and achieve things they never thought possible. To see the gains in strength (I just watched a woman who used to struggle with knee push-ups rip off 20 standard push-ups) and confidence that come with fitness is truly inspiring.
