We are really excited to announce our April Member of the Month - Karen Schwartz. Karen is one of the many amazing members we have here at Chicago Fit Performance. She has been a member for a little over 2 years which speak for her dedication to her fitness and health. Karen is usually very quit and focused during the workouts but she really knows how to push herself. She also brought her sister Barbara to CFP and we are really happy to have them both as a part of our fitness family.
As a thank you for being such an awesome clients and for winning Member of the Month, Karen received a Massage Gift Certificate as well as a spot on our blog.
Check out Karen's video and be sure to congratulate her with a great comment in the COMMENTS section below.
You ROCK Karen!
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1. What do you do for a living?
I work in residential real estate. I work for a Developer selling their new construction.
2. How long have you been a member of Chicago Fit Performance?
2+ years
3. Tell us about your fitness background?
I played sports in high school, and prior to joining CFP would do random workouts: cardio suchas running at the gym, Spin classes, etc., but nothing incorporating strength training and cardio like we do at CFP
4. Take us back to your first workout with CFP... what was it, and how did it feel?
My first day was a Tabata workout and I thought I was going to die. It was a really good workout– we did exercises that I had never done before and I was out of breath the entire time. I felt so good after the workout, though, and knew this was going to be an awesome program.
5. What is your favorite/least favorite workout exercise?
I despise burpees and push ups, even though I know they are some of the best exercises for you.I love jumping rope and kettle bell swings.
6. What is your strongest attribute or favorite workout?
I like the Tabata workouts and the Hard Core workouts the best, because they are a really goodmix of strength training and cardio and they keep your heart rate up the entire workout.
7. When did you realize that Chicago Fit Performance was right for you?
Probably after the first work out! It’s not only the actual workouts that are awesome, but Kosta and Joe are amazing trainers, and they are dedicated to your success with whatever your goals are – weight loss, healthier eating, etc. I knew that CFP was right for me because this wasn’t just a work out I could go to, but rather an overall health program with great support from the coaches.
8. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Chicago Fit Performance (before/after)?
I’m a lot stronger than I was before I started and my endurance has increased. If I run on my own I can run at a much faster pace as well as run farther distances. I have decreased body fat %, lbs, and increased my knowledge of nutrition and healthier eating. I’ve developed a healthier lifestyle where working out and eating healthy have become a part ofmy daily routine. I’ve met some great people at this gym, too, so it’s always great to make new friends!
9. What do you think about the trainers and the staff at CFP?
They are literally the best and a huge part of why I’ve stayed at CFP for so long. Sometimes you can get used to your workout and want to try something new, but Kosta and Joe always mix up the workouts so they are fresh. They are extremely motivating. They make the workouts fun, and you can tell they truly care about you. They are committed to helping you achieve your goals, whatever those may be.
10. How would you describe yourself in one word?
I hate questions like this, but I guess my answer would be motivated.
11. What is your greatest strength/weakness?
My greatest weakness would probably be that I’m too hard on myself, but that weaknessprobably pushes me towards one of my strengths, which is that I always work hard to achieve or exceed the goals that I set for myself.
12. What is your favorite healthy food & “cheat” food?
My favorite healthy food is a protein shake (with the right ingredients) and my favorite cheatfood would be alcohol :).
13. What is something that we don’t know about you? (Your hobbies, interesting fact, accomplishment you are proud of, obscure/unique talent, funny story, etc.)
I completed my MBA Program a few years ago while working full time, and have been a member of their Young Alumni Committee, so between work life and social life, this keeps me busy. Something related to workouts - I cut my leg open down to the bone last Summer doing box jumps, so it took me about 3 months to feel comfortable doing box jumps again.
14. Do you have any advice for people just getting started at Chicago Fit Performance?
My advice would be to stick with it! Also, use Joe and Kosta as a support system. You might not notice results right away but believe me, they will come soon! Also, you may go through periods of being in a slump, but Joe and Kosta will give you the professional advice you need to start seeing results again.
*Each month at Chicago Fit Performance we are selecting a Member of the Month. This person will be selected based on a variety of criteria ranging from accountability, motivation, team spirit, results, and more... You can get more details on how you can qualify for Member of the Month by visiting this page =>HERE<=