Louie
Where were you in your fitness journey before BCF and where are you now?
First, I am really humbled to be chosen this month’s athlete – there are so many great athletes here at BCF, so thank you! Before I started with BCF, I was doing old-school weight training four times per week (you know, chest, back and shoulders one day, followed by arms and legs the next) and cardio two to three times per week, but I wasn’t seeing any results and I was getting bored.
What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My main goal was to become more physically fit. I definitely have achieved that, and I continue to see improvements today. Now I’m working to improve on some of the more difficult movements, at least for me, like overhead squats, HSPUs and DUs, and to get stronger overall. My ultimate goal is to be able to do all workouts Rx which, for now, doesn’t happen too often.
What about BCF makes you keep coming back?
Mike’s playlist keeps me coming back! Who doesn’t like to work out to a little AC/DC and Van Halen? But seriously, the other athletes and our great coaches are what keep me coming back. Without their help and support, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have achieved so far. And, honestly, at almost 54 years old, I feel better than I have in my whole life – that’s definitely worth coming back for more!
What is your favorite part of being a member at BCF?
The sense of family is my favorite part of being a member at BCF. I think the encouragement from the other members and coaches has really helped me on my path to better fitness.
When/what was your “ah ha!” moment?
I would say my “ah ha” moment was about a month after I started with BCF. The changes I saw in my body, mostly fat loss, were amazing to me since I’d only been at BCF for a short period of time – especially after years of the weight training and cardio regimen that yielded little results.
Does anyone the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Everyone at BCF inspires me – some people are coming off of an injury or an illness, others have busy lives with active children (I remember those days), but they keep showing up and working hard – it inspires me every day. Thanks to Mike, Chad, Dawna, Drew and Sasha for all of the help with my lifting techniques, with a special thanks to Chad for his tireless help with my overhead squats on Thursday mornings. Who hasn’t been in a class with me and heard Mike say, “a little deeper on those squats, Louie”! I think I’m starting to get there…
Mike’s thoughts on Louie…
Louie ….what can you say about the man, the myth, the legend?
Louie started at BCF in July of 2014 and has seen nothing but GAINZ ever since. You can pick Louie out pretty easy as he is always smiling and is a super nice guy.
Some things you may not know about Louie….he’s a big hockey fan, one of my favorite sports. (favorite team is Chicago Blackhawks) He is very funny, his wife Penny and daughter Lindsay also train at BCF. He’s very consistent with his training….hence…GAINZ!!
Louie hits it hard each and every time he’s in the box and this is what it takes to improve. Louie continues to strive to be better and get stronger, fitter and faster.
Some gains Louie has made ….50# add to deadlift , 40-50# add to back squat , 20#+ add to shoulder press. Not bad at all. Moving forward and getting better every day.
Louie is always fun to have in class and i look forward to his morning wit each day. Be sure to say Hi to him and congrats on being Athlete of the Month.
-Mike