MARIAN: "I decided a little over a year ago to try exercises that would help increase my strength. My goal was to accomplish just one pull up because all I could do was hang there and swing around. I wanted to have functional exercises and an overall balanced exercise routine so that I wasn't overusing the same chain of muscle groups from my existing past times.
I was really lucky to have met Kate through Forge Training and talk to her about my goals. It has been a nice surprise for me. I have enjoyed strength training more that I thought. I feel like I am much more aware of my movement and the muscles I am needing to make a certain lift or pull or jump happen. I have also worked on muscle imbalances I have. Each month my exercises get switched up which keeps things fresh, but also my programming & instruction is thoughtfully put together.
Over the last year I have noticed that I feel stronger and it's a nice feeling to know that I have adequate strength. This is important to me because movement is freedom."
***
KATE: "I met Marian in May of 2017. She had one big concrete goal of achieving a solo chin up after having been defeated by the playground monkey bar on an early morning run one day. She took matters into her own hands and sought help to achieve her goal. And achieve it she did. We worked on building a strong foundation of movement and she worked relentlessly on mastering the basics which would ultimately set her up for success down the road. She can now successfully pull her bodyweight for 4 strict reps.
This goal was only a catalyst for subsequent goals to follow. Her nickname really should be the "Goal Crusher". She is currently working on attaining the ever-challenging muscle up. Her determination and enthusiasm to learn always astounds me as we've now been working together for a whole year and she continues to push her own limits, develop strength and flexibility (gosh darn inch worms!) and inspire and empower others in her circles to be active.
Early to rise, Marian joins her fellow sun-risers in the gym at 5:30am and is committed to every single program I've ever given her. She enjoys running, hiking, and this year is set to complete the full Tough Mudder in Whistler in June. A kind soul and a natural story-teller, she's sure to leave you giggling and smiling fondly out the door.
Marian is a true example of: it's never too late, and you really can do anything if you set your mind to it and have a plan. And, for the record, she's also one of the nicest people I've had the privilege of meeting."