I’ve played softball for as long as I can remember, started running and practiced yoga for about 2 years before I joined 212. And although it was a good start, I was looking for something different.
I think back to those first few classes when I didn’t know what a Turkish Get-Up was or how to do a Dead Bug. I wouldn’t be able to clean a heavy weight, let alone press it over my head. Do ten pushups? No way! Run to the dumpstah? Nah. Swing, snatch, jerk, one hand, two hands, on your back, hands and knees, grab the ropes, take out the loops--WHAT? It was all so new and uncomfortable… and I guess that’s the point.
Kerry encourages us to “get uncomfortable” all the time, and if you google the benefits of being uncomfortable, you’ll find over 150,000,000 results. So, over the past few years in addition to learning all the exercises, I’ve tried all the uncomfortable things: Superhero, Kettlebell competition, Drop 2, Tough Mudder, Boxing, Dragon Boat, Kickball…yes we played kickball!
I am always a little freaked out trying something new--not knowing anyone in the room, not being able to do whatever it is we are doing, never mind doing it well, not achieving the desired results, and of course the risk of hurting myself, because I am wiser now and things hurt and take longer to heal. But, with the unwavering support and encouragement from Kerry, his amazing team and 212 members I’ve been able to get past the fear and do some really cool things.
The community at 212 keeps me motivated and accountable. From the expert training and coaching - so you can be successful and not get hurt - to the encouraging words that push you to squeeze out one more rep, to the comradery of training for a competition or pulling your muddy teammates over a wall. Even the simple “hello”, “where have you been?” or “wow that class was hard,” make me feel that I’ve come to the right place. There are truly awesome humans hanging out here.
I’m not 100% sure how long I’ve been a member, 5 years, maybe more. Showing up every Thursday night for small group with Kerry is one of the most consistent things I’ve done, ever. Even though I lose count and forget which exercise is next, I learn something new at every class… and we laugh a lot.
So, thank you to Kerry and all of the trainers for helping me get uncomfortable. I did not set out on any particular journey when I joined 212, but I’m glad to be here.