Member of the Week

Michael Theobald

I became interested in Fit2Live early in 2009 when we received a "try it out" pass from a friend who was already a member. My wife and I had been on the lookout for a gym that offered more than sterile rows of workout equipment monitored by disinterested trainers who rarely had any contact with the clients after the enrollment papers were signed.

I joined the gym in February of 2009. I lived through the initial shocking adjustment period. I haven't ever regretted the decision. It's probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I could come up with a very long list of things I like about Fit2Live but rather than trying to list them all maybe I can touch on a few high points.

I like the training staff. Every one of them has helped me out at one time or another. They have provided helpful tips for completing workouts in a way that maximizes benefit and minimizes injury. But over and above that, they never cease to be encouraging. That's important! It's impossible to be discouraged when you see Stephanie's smiling face or Shea explains a technique or Lane amazes you with his strength and his patience. Aaron has done something right by assembling his great crew.

I like the workouts. They change every day. They are challenging but achievable. They seem to always have a purpose that is directed toward a goal somewhere in the future. They actually get results. Like all members, I whine about them but truthfully I look forward to doing the workout. I hate to miss them. I feel good when I finish and I feel a sense of success.

I enjoy the company of the wide variety of people that I have met. This has been an opportunity to meet people with whom I may have never had contact. Everyone has an amusing story or an interesting adventure. Like the training staff they encourage each other. That makes things more fun. Working out alone is not very interesting. My rotating work schedule gives me an opportunity to participate with lots of people. That's a plus.

Outside the gym you may see me walking our three dogs on the West side of town. They are large and require lots of exercise. I like to ride bikes, swim, hike, camp, cross-country ski, kayak and lots of other things. Unfortunately, like most people, finding the time to devote to all of them is a challenge.

If there is a secret to fitness, I think that it must become an activity that is fun. If it is not fun then it becomes work. Finding Fit2Live was a real blessing. Slogging through a workout because you have to will eventually end in failure. Participating in a workout because you like it can only end in success.

I don't really have a hobby but I am interested in a lot of things. I like books, movies and sporting events. I enjoy following politics. My wife Jodie keeps me busy in the garden. If I had the time and the money I would love to travel more. We have three grown children and four grandchildren. It's always nice to spend time with them. I like all kinds of music. A year ago I even took piano lessons.

Two years ago I became motivated when I went to the first day of our try it out week. I was fairly certain that paramedics would have to be involved when I attempted to do 30 seconds of box jumps. Little by little, I have made improvements. There is plenty of room for more but I'm certain that hard work will help that along.

I don't really feel qualified to give fitness advice. I do think that we live in a digital age where everything is moving along at an incredible pace. We are constantly bombarded by instant news, instant messages, texts, pictures, media and so on. Maybe life could be a little better for everyone if we all drag our feet a little. Slow down. Enjoy life at least a little bit. Don't be in such a hurry.

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