We are really excited to announce our Member of the Month for May - Rekha Rao!
For being such an awesome client and for winning MOM, Rekha receives a Massage Gift Certificate as well as a spot on our blog.
Check out Rekha's video above and be sure to congratulate her with a great comment in the COMMENTS section below and give her a high five next time you see her at the gym!
We really appreciate you Rekha!
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1. What do you do for a living?
I am the internal communications manager for a nonprofit organization that supports all aspects of early learning (from birth to age 5).
2. How long have you been a member of Chicago Fit Performance?
I have been a member since September 2013.
3. Tell us about your fitness background?
Honestly, I really don’t like to exercise. I used to do some run/walking but nothing that was consistent. A few years ago, I did the Soldier Field 10 Mile as a personal challenge for my 40th birthday, and then I pretty much stopped. Until I joined CFP, exercising just wasn’t a priority, only something I knew I was “supposed to do.”
4. Take us back to your first workout with CFP... what was it, and how did it feel?
My first workout was probably June or maybe July of 2013? It was an outdoor workout at Montrose Park, which I joined at the invitation of Anupy Gupta. At the time, I was in terrible shape, physically and personally. I wasn’t sure I would make it. I’m pretty sure I could only do about a 1/3 of what we were doing. Those burpees sent me straight back to my 7th grade gym class. And I was so sore 48 hours later. I joined CFP as part of a special program a couple of months later.
5. What do you like the most about CFP and why do you think our program works?
I think CFP works for someone like me because it has a structure for me to follow. Kosta is very motivating without being militaristic. I would leave if someone at CFP just yelled at us all the time. I think the coaches at Chicago Fit Performance do a great job of meeting you where you are, in terms of your physical ability, and helping you to move forward. Kosta doesn’t expect all of us to be at the same level at the same time. We are respected for our individuals strengths (pun intended), and we are supported to grow stronger.
6. When did you realize that Chicago Fit Performance was right for you?
a.After the special program that I joined. I realized I could do this program, that it wasn’t just for people who were already physically fit. I started with evening workouts. One day, I was really, really late to class due to some crazy traffic situation. And yet, I still wanted to come to class. That’s when I knew that CFP and my training sessions had become important to me.
7. What is your favorite workout?
Deadlifts are my favorite exercise, and I look forward to strength-training days. I never thought I would say something like that!.
8. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Chicago Fit Performance (before/after)?
I have much more strength than ever before. I am a much healthier eater (though I have my moments), and I understand food so much better. a.This past weekend, my parents, who are both in their 70s, came to visit. I am seeing them getting slower and losing their strength, even though they are both quite active. I was thankful that I have gotten stronger, so I could readily carry their luggage up to my apartment and help them with their things. It reminded me that we must all do what we can while we can. As we age, we have to keep both our minds and our bodies strong.
9. What do you think about the trainers and the staff at CFP?
LOVE! Kosta (and Joe and Donna, and now Adam) is so encouraging! He pushes (not shoves) you in working harder than you thought you could. And when some days are not as good as others, he reminds you the next time will be better. It’s the energy and attitude that the coaches bring to the training that makes such a difference.
10. How would you describe yourself in one word?
Loayl.
11. What is your greatest strength/weakness?
Greatest strength - I am a very loyal person. I don’t like to “discard” the people in my life - unless they cross me.
Greatest weakness - I’m not much for forgive and forget. Okay, there is my weakness.
12. What is your favorite healthy food & “cheat” food?
Helthy food - Leafy greens are high on my list of healthy foods; spinach, kale and arugula, especially.
Cheat food - Chocolate cake, no frosting necessary. And dark chocolate.
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.)
Silly talent: I’m a good whistler. My dad taught me to whistle when I was very young. Sometimes I can whistle in a way that no one knows it’s coming from me, and it’s funny to watch people try to figure it out.
14. Do you have any advice for people that are on the fence of joining Chicago Fit Performance?
If you are ready to make a change — one that will help you feel good about yourself — and you would like to do it in a way that is supportive and fun, try CFP!
*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<=