On August 9, 2010, I walked into what is now 212 Health and Performance. Little did I know at the time, but it was a decision that would change my life.  I met Kerry and he hooked me up with Sean, who proceeded to take me through some drills.  

Thank you to the 212 Team for such an honor being selected for the Member Spotlight! This came to me as quite a surprise being a member for only 8 months.

My fitness journey started in 2009. My lifestyle was always healthy although I never had the body I dreamed of. I saw a photo of a girl who lifts and I decided, "I want to look like that."

Thank you, what an honor it is to be chosen for the December member spotlight. Let me start by saying 212 is so much more than gym. It has become another place to call home, full of friendly and encouraging faces.

I joined what is now 212 about four years ago. I moved to Providence from Manhattan five years ago for a job and had been searching—in truth more for a circle of friends than a gym—when someone recommended 212.

My 212 story is not as inspiring or remarkable as many I have seen.  I will, nevertheless, tell you a bit about myself and my experiences at 212 over the last 4 ½ years.

Four years ago this summer I was at a complete breaking point in my life. I had recently gone through major surgery to remove a tumor from my inner ear and bid my husband goodbye as he was deploying to Iraq for an 18 month-long tour of duty.

"I got this" was something I used to say a lot about my body and where I was. First, thank you to the amazing family at 212. A special thank you to Kerry. You're not just a great trainer, you're someone that a lot of people look up to and are very thankful to. 

This is my lifestyle now.  That’s what I tell people who have commented that I look healthier, who congratulate me on the weight I have lost, or who mention that something has changed. 

I've been an active person most of my life, playing sports and riding horses. I played basketball for many years including one year in Italy while I attended veterinary school there. 

Aaaargh! Yes, chances are that’s me grunting and yelling - attempting to summon my inner Amazon for rock cleans or barbell push presses.

I moved to East Providence, from Richmond Virginia, in 2008, to take the Director of Diversity position at the Gordon School.  

First off, thanks to Kerry and the 212 staff for selecting me for the member spotlight, to be counted amongst such 212 legends as Sandy and Nelson and Matt Joe is truly humbling.

Sports were never really enjoyable when I was younger.  I was deemed hopelessly unathletic by my peers, and for the most part, usually the last one picked for teams in gym class.

My story is probably similar to many others at 212, I was an athlete in my youth. I swam competitively for 10 years with my specialty in long distance events (200 yard and 500 yard freestyle) when I competed in high school. 

My first exposure to 212 Health and Performance was, I'm sure, similar to many of yours...it was on my way to the bakery next door. 

Growing up I actually liked school, except for a single, 45-minute period each week: gym class. You see, I was the overweight kid who struggled with all things athletic; from doing a forward roll to running a lap (I HATED to run) to climbing the rope in gym.

I have always enjoyed outdoor activities including horseback riding, biking, and especially running, but never had much interest in the weight room. 

I'm Matt Joe and one of the great disappointments in my life was the realization that gym class ended after high school. 

For about a year and a half before joining 212, I was experiencing lower back pain. I made visits to my chiropractor a few times a week, but wasn't getting any relief.