Sweet friend,
We loved encouraging you this week as we celebrated National Day of Encouragement! We have challenged each of you to get active for 30 minutes a day and incorporate strength training at least 3 times a week! We know that you can do it because we know we are #StrongerTogether. Remember, the winner of the challenge will be entered into a raffle to win a MONTH of FREE sessions!
Y’all, our incredible September client spotlight will encourage you that YOU CAN do anything you put your heart, mind, and soul into! Believe it, achieve it, and never give up! This beautiful friend, Lynn Robinson, exudes strength in so many areas of her life, and we are all blessed by her presence. Lynn is consistent, dedicated, hard-working, focused and does it all with a smile! We are so proud of her! I hope you get to spend time with this amazing woman. Thank you, Lynn, for living transformed and being an inspiration to us all!
Lynn’s Transformation Story:
“Thirty years ago, my husband and I were delighted at the birth of our second child, a beautiful baby boy. As any newborn does, he became the center of focus in our household; his older sister, who was then 7, loved him dearly, as we all did. But, there was a problem looming. I didn’t bounce back from his birth as quickly as I did with my first child, I couldn’t lose the baby weight, and I had to return to work. I felt overwhelmed with guilt and concern that I couldn’t properly parent my children; in fact, I was certain that I was a poor excuse of a person. Yes, I had developed a classic case of postpartum depression. In those days, there were few treatment options. My husband suggested that I consider joining a gym, which I thought was crazy; how could I work full time, care for our children and all the other “things” that seemed so important? Yet, that’s exactly what I did – I joined a gym, and I’ve been in a gym, for the most part, all those thirty plus years. The exercise program, coupled with counseling, enabled me to recover from the depression I experienced.
In exercise, I discovered that regular, challenging workouts gave me new energy and focus, improved my physical as well as mental health, and enabled me to whittle off those extra pounds I carried. Through the years, I‘ve exercised at many gyms, participating in cardio classes like step, dance aerobics, HIIT, spin, etc. I’ve taken numerous strength and conditioning classes, like FIRE, Pilates, and PUMP. I’ve worked with weights, bars and all kinds of machines. I even spent 5 or 6 years in a CrossFit gym, primarily with a personal trainer. While there, I set a goal to complete a pull up before my 60th birthday, and, to my surprise, I accomplished that. But, again, there was a problem looming. The aging process crept in, and I suffered a torn labrum in my left shoulder. Despite surgery, physical therapy and a long recovery, the shoulder still challenges me, and continually reminds me that there are limits to what I can, and should do. I was quite discouraged about my exercise program (or lack of one I considered meaningful), when my daughter suggested I try a class at her new gym, TransFit.
TransFit was totally unlike any other gym to me. First, the décor is brimming with encouraging phrases and Bible verses of affirmation; the business model based on the scripture from Romans 12:2 is motivational in itself, but it’s linked to the development of our whole selves, with particular focus on building our bodies, which are “Temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). I love that each exercise session ends with praise and thanks for God’s grace and blessings in our lives. I’ve learned a great deal about food and nutrition since joining TransFit. The frequent reminders to drink 80 ounces of water daily, read food labels, avoid added sugars, eat the right amounts of healthy protein and fats, along with questions like “what did you eat for breakfast” and “what’s your goal for today” prompt me to focus on the “little” dietary improvements I can make to achieve the larger goals of living healthfully. Initially, I was impressed that all the instructors remembered my name, (and I still am impressed with that!), but I marvel that they remember the aches, pains, and limitations I had last week and inquire about them next time I’m at the gym. And, to receive text/email reminders/affirmations from them is such a blessing. The workout sessions are always challenging, but the Instructors are helpful with modifications, when they see a need. If I leave the gym ‘glistening’ with sweat, I feel a sense of accomplishment.
So, with this welcoming and nurturing environment, I enrolled in TransFit classes and primarily now attend the Small Group Personal Training sessions, with a goal of attending at least three days each week. There’s a wonderful camaraderie among the women in that group that inspires me to achieve greater discipline in my life. Since I usually purchase the 30-day all access pass, I also participate in HIIT and/or Yoga classes. I do cardio work three to four times per week on the treadmill, row machine, or elliptical. In cool weather, I enjoy power walks through our quite hilly neighborhood. Generally I allow myself two days per week “off” from an organized approach to exercise.
I have been truly blessed to access the TransFit experience, where participants are encouraged to strengthen themselves physically, for sure, but our health is also addressed in spiritual, mental, nutritional, and social ways as well.”
Lynn, we are so grateful for your story and incredibly proud of your transformation. We are thankful to join alongside you! We hope you feel so encouraged after reading her story.
Here is one of Lynn’s favorite recipes! It’s the TransFormer Pear and Spinach salad. Try it at home this week with your family!
TransFormer Pear and Spinach Salad
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Salad
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
1 cup pomegranate arils
4 oz feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup dried cranberries
2 Bartlett pears (firm but ripe), cored and sliced
1 avocado, peeled and sliced tossed in lemon juice
9-12 oz baby spinach
Dressing
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Place all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well or blend.
Place all salad ingredients in a large salad bowl, drizzle with desired amount of dressing, then toss to evenly coat.
Serve immediately
If you would like to meet with any of our trainers, nutritionist or registered dietitian, you can email us at transfitathens@gmail.com for more information. Let us know how we can help you be STRONG and live transformed!
Blessings,
Team TransFit
