Athlete of the MonthApril

Before COVID I was really into rock climbing, hiking and mountaineering. Unfortunately, those activities pretty much came to an end due to the nature of being around people and in remote areas. I got fairly out of shape and was looking for something fun and challenging when my friends invited me to BSC. I really didn’t have any idea what the workouts would be like, and I had never lifted weights before, so it was a lot at first, but I really liked it. I am getting better at all of the movements and am able to lift a lot more weight now. I am also more conditioned and flexible than I have ever been in my life.

My general goal when I started BSC was to get in shape so I could get back to climbing rocks and mountains again. My ultimate goal and motivation of everything I have been doing over the last year at BSC and about six months before was to be able to climb strong and fast. I hated always being in the slow group or not being able to join teams because of my pace. I also wanted to do something fun and challenging on a regular basis and not have to rely on another person (like a climbing partner) in order to workout. I did the nutrition coaching program and was finally able to reach my goal weight and maintain a healthy BMI. I have been able to hike significantly faster and more easily, especially in the last few months while training for a climb. In February I climbed Pico de Orizaba (18,500’) and was in the fastest group (fast is relative- 5 miles total, 4500’ elevation in a mere 17 hours) for the first time ever. I consider that a major goal that I achieved.

Every workout feels hard in one way or another, but I feel so empowered as soon as I get done with it. I keep coming back because I see my progress, the workouts are more fun as I improve, and I really like the group atmosphere. I can be kinda quiet and shy, but I really look forward to seeing lots of people in the 5:30, 11:30 and afternoon classes.

Before BSC, I thought that to climb a rope you had to have significant upper body strength, so I just figured it was something I could never do and didn’t ever think about it. Then I came to BSC and saw those ropes. The first time Sasha showed me what to do, I realized that it is pretty much all in the legs and feet. I sent that rope on my very first try and it might be my favorite part of a workout. It is the closest thing to rock climbing that I have found in the gym and I love getting to the top and hitting that beam every single time!

So many people inspire me! There are lots of people I could name, but it would be a long list. The experienced members inspire me because I see their strength and endurance and I know I can be like that someday. The younger members because they seem so strong and brave to come in before or after school and do a challenging workout with a ton of adults. The new members because they are trying something new and willing to be vulnerable, ask for help, be bad at lots of things, and still come back. The trainers because they can see the details in the movements and give helpful feedback, know how to both challenge and support, and make the workout fun and entertaining.