TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
My husband Brian and I live in Uptown with our 2.5-yr-old daughter, Lorraine. When I’m not at Hardware, I’m likely running on the lakefront path or spending time with family.
For work, I’m a clinical audiologist at the University of Chicago. I work in the ENT department testing hearing and balance and working with hearing aids, cochlear implants and other implantable devices. (And I start clinic at 8 … so if you see me running out of Hardware in the morning, that’s why!)
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
After my first marathon, I ended up with IT band issues and couldn’t run for several months. Brian knew about Hardware from his (then) job at Fleet Feet and suggested giving strength training a try. I was intimidated (only at first!), but the coaching and inclusive environment were so welcoming – and it was exciting to learn new skills and develop strength in my 30s.
The movements did not come naturally to me – I remember the first time I tried an overhead squat with a barbell … and quickly traded it out for a PVC pipe. I love how every movement and workout can be modified to meet you wherever you’re at in your fitness journey.
WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My forever goal is consistency – I try for 3 classes at Hardware and 3-4 runs each week. My day doesn’t feel complete without some sort of movement, even if that’s a walk or some yoga. My parents are really active at 70 years old and that’s the goal, right?
For Hardware, I’d love to get kipping pull-ups and TTB down – I’ve got some work to do there. Finally, the next time I train for a marathon, I’m going after that Boston qualifier!
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
Getting fitness back after having Lorraine was a huge accomplishment – for me at least, that shit was hard! It involved a fair amount of physical therapy and a lot of humbling workouts both in the gym and out running.
I was also pumped when I got double unders, some pull-ups and a HSPU.
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Give me a chipper any day. Squat cleans, cardio and double unders are movements I enjoy.
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Wall balls. Ugh. My target gets progressively lower throughout the workout.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?
Do it! I’ve joined a lot of gyms and tried many different fitness classes. Hardware is the only one that I’ve ever enjoyed sticking with – and the only one that’s actually given me results. While I think anyone benefits from this type of training – in particular, I can see the benefits of strength training for women. It does wonders for body image when you feel strong.