uncommon athlete

so i said my next blog was going to be about Uncommon Athlete. i am a woman of my word so here it goes!

there are so many reasons why i love it. i actually have a love/hate relationship with it. but we'll get there...

i just want to start by saying how much i like/admire/appreciate Mike & Dennis (the owners.) i know it may sound strange that i say i appreciate them. but i truly do. you can read more about them on the UA website (like background, etc.) i won't go into all that.

what i appreciate is that they care about their clients. they care enough to learn people's names. they pay attention during workouts and make sure people are doing things correctly. they don't just care about memberships/numbers. they care about helping people get stronger, healthier, and fit. they demonstrate every  stretch and move we do during the workout and will answer any question we have with patience. they can work with people who've never worked out or train the toughest army rangers.

they focus on form. they want to keep us safe. we arent just thrown out there to get things done as fast as we can. they care more about how we are working than just flying through an exercise. of course they push us to "get on it!" and workout hard but not at the risk of injury.

they keep an amazingly clean gym. i've never worked out at a place that was that clean!! they wipe down equipment after workouts, mop all the time and pay attention to details.

i love it.

i also love that they challenge us constantly. no workout is ever the same. i'm always a little afraid going in the door!! i'm always nervous to see what craziness will be written on the board. but i am always proud of what i've accomplished when i walk out of the door.

my body has never felt this strong. i can see muscles i've always wanted, ha! but more than that i'm not sore (like bad sore) as often. of course, i'm the "good" sore from working hard but things don't hurt. even with marathon training...things hurt LESS. my hips & butt used to get sore with long runs...now not so much.

all that being said, i have to share what i appreciate most...

i've blogged before about my struggle with weight issues. sure, i still have "fat days." had one yesterday as a matter of fact! i still have to convince myself to splurge every now and then and not be afraid of gaining weight. i'm not 100% over my fears - but i am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than i have been in years past.

the UA guys do not talk about weight or size. they don't talk about food. they don't taunt us with "what did you eat this weekend...dont you need to push harder??" kindof stuff. that is not what they are about. they want strong, healthy clients. being skinny isn't what they push!

maybe it's because they are men :) they probably don't even think about working out in the same way women do. ha. either way, i love it. it is good for my heart & my mind.

i appreciate that they congratulate me when i get stronger and can lift more. i also appreciate that they are patient with my progress. they push me to do things i never thought i could...aka pull-ups!

another reason i love UA. they support community functions & encourage us to do the same. they reach out to help with different fundraisers, etc. they keep us aware of ways we can help with wounded soldiers and other events. thanks guys!

i encourage anyone who is looking for a FABULOUS workout to try UA.

here are some things to fear:
- slosh pipes (i'll say it again - those things are definitely issued at the door of Hell. thankful i'm not going to hell!)
- anything written on the board with the name of a country in front of it. oh.my.word.
- big tires
- chains
- today they had new big ropes....i'm scared to ask....

i'm being silly when i say "fear" those things. dont!! embrace them and be proud of what you can accomplish.

i'm the strongest i've ever been physically & i love it.

i know i dont have the perfect body (i'd say "who does?" but i've seen some folks who are pretty freakin close ha!) but i am proud of how hard they make me work and the changes i've seen...both physical and mental.

so thanks Mike & Dennis. you've changed my attitude & thoughts towards working out. (you'll probably never read this, but THANKS!)  thanks for making me stronger :)  i'm glad my husband thinks i'm "strong not scrawny!"

UA is the best. try it!    http://www.uncommonathleteinc.com/