Here at Elevate we are all about community and working together to support each other’s fitness journeys. By sharing our journeys with one another it has helped motivate and provide a fantastic support network to our members and celebrate each other’s achievements. Each week we will sit down for a chat with one of our members so they can share their personal journey with you. This week we caught up with Justine, who has been joining in on our online class throughout the lockdown.
Please introduce yourself to our readers
Hi, I’m Justine, I’m 47 years old and I’d say I’m quite an active person and focus my hobbies around exercise, whether it be running, going to Elevate, outdoor activities with the kids swimming and Badminton.
What made you want to join Elevate?
I used to go to classes led by Dan and Foxy at Escape so I have known them for a while. I have been to other gyms but I find I get a lot more from going to Elevate, both from the social side as well as the fitness.
I like that Elevate welcomes everyone, all abilities and fitness levels, no one feels like I can’t go there because I need to be at a certain level of fitness as everybody is welcomed when they come in. I did have a short spell away with another gym, but I came back because it just was not the same and I missed the people.
My daughter has also seen results from going to Elevate and she has got a lot out of it so this prompted me to re-join again. My daughter is 16, nearly 17 and has dipped in and out fitness. However, during lockdown she has trained more than ever and has gained a lot out of it in terms of how she feels about herself, her confidence and how she looks too. With studying at home since September it has also helped her mental as it has been challenging not seeing anyone.
What are your current fitness goals?
My most important goal is to maintain my overall fitness as I get older. I think in the long term it helps with mental health, helps to destress and make you feel good about yourself.
Working at home in lockdown is challenging in itself, so having the option of classes has been great and improves your mindset.
Which classes were you doing at Elevate before the lockdown?
I was pretty much doing most classes with my daughter before lockdown, we love the variety so like to mix it up every one is so different.
Which online classes are you enjoying?
It depends on the day and my work commitments but, some days I do the 8am and other days I do the 5:15pm class. I always make sure to do both the Saturday and Sunday morning class without fail. Generally, I do a class a day.
Do you think the online sessions are helping you through this lockdown?
Yes, I would definitively say that.
From my perspective and also with my daughter they’re great for helping you keep upbeat with being stuck at home. It makes you feel good after you’ve done it and with the online classes, they’re very varied so it’s not like you’re doing the same thing.
Every session is something different, I think that’s what makes the Elevate classes stand out to other online classes, as you do get some that are just the same. I think now, especially when we are all in this routine with lockdown at home, you need variety to keep you stimulated.
Which online class is your favourite?
It’s quite difficult because I don’t have just one favourite, as all the online classes are so very different and it’s great. I must admit I like my Saturday mornings as I get to see my buddy although not sure Dan feels the same lol. Joking aside the other classes I really enjoy is when they do the kettlebell flows. it’s one class I did a lot of during the first lockdown and do miss it.
Could you offer one piece of advice to someone wanting to achieve a similar fitness goal?
Although I train a lot. I do have days where I think I can’t be bothered today. But I soon switch of the can’t be bothered attitude as I know once it’s done I will feel great afterwards. We all have days like that and it’s mind over matter.
Never give up and as foxy says switch your brain off you can do it 💪
We want to keep you motivated and on track during this lockdown so, we have made all of our online classes free which you can now book by clicking here:
https://www.elevatefitnessuk.com/group-classes/
We hope to see you soon (virtually of course).
If you are a member at our Elevate gym and would like to share your fitness journey then please get in touch info@elevatefitnessuk.com we’d love to hear from you.