I’ve been at 212 since March of this year but the journey really begins back in January of 2019. I was walking back to my car after picking up Avenue N (and had to park in the back due to lack of parking out front) when I saw a sign that said – “Hey You. Yeah you, the chubby one carrying the burger and fries. That’s not going to help you even though it tastes good. You know the better it tastes the worse it is for you. Call us for a nutrition appointment. We can help.” It may not have said those words exactly, but it was close.

Since I was a little boy I would walk past 212 all the time and I was always so interested in what was happening inside. About a year ago I was nearing the start of High School sports and I needed to get stronger.

I am truly honored to be this month’s spotlight, and truthfully, I grappled with the decision to say yes to sharing my journey.

I have lived in the area for 45 years and have seen Rumford Center be transformed from a dump to a thriving community resource. I had walked past 212 Health and Performance on my way from Seven Stars many times but never ventured in.

I finally realized I had no more reasons to say ‘no’ to Sean. Being his aunt, our paths always cross and many times he’d speak so kindly of his 212 family. Well, he is correct, the 212 family/community is kind, friendly and welcoming.

I’m a bad gym member with minimal commitment, coming to small groups only twice a week!  However, 212 Heath and Performance isn’t a gym for me, it is a community of like-minded people coming together around a common goal of being a better version of ourselves. 

It was a dreary March day. I had probably eaten an entire pizza for dinner the night before and I was getting coffee, and likely a pastry, at Seven Stars when I decided to walk through the door of this gym I had been noticing across the way.

Each month when the 212 newsletter comes out, I always look forward to the Member Spotlight. To read other members’ 212 journey is inspiring and encouraging.

The gym.

In the early days of 2020, after returning to the area following a soul crushing divorce and moving in with an old friend, this generic word gym began to be inserted into daily conversations—several friends and acquaintances seemed familiar with “the gym” and all had positive things to say.

212 prepared me for the fight of my life.

Hey I’m Ryan, most folks just call me Harper. 212 absolutely rocks and becoming a member has been such a positive influence in more ways than one.

Hi, my name is Amy, and I was so surprised when I received the email from Kerry that the team picked me to be the spotlight member for the month of October. I’m so honored.

A few years ago I was searching for a new gym and a friend suggested 212.

Hi, my name is John (AKA Pops). Being chosen to be a spotlight member is an honor. I have been a member for about a year, and it has been life changing.

Hi, my name is Jenn and I was pleasantly surprised to be a spotlight member of 212. I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary at 212, as I had my introduction with Colin on 7/14/21.

My name is Marina and I have been a member of 212 Health and Performance since 2018. I have always been an active person but 212 changed my entire perspective and attitude surrounding fitness.

The gym has always been a part of my everyday routine, but joining 212 has changed my entire mindset for going to the gym.

Hi, my name is Mike Zabbo and I’m honored to have been selected as the April member spotlight! My journey started 3 years ago when I was encouraged by a colleague who was a Punch Kettlebell Gym member years ago.

Since I joined 212 in 2016, I have felt like a student in the classroom, hoping the teacher would not call on me to be in the ‘spotlight,’ but when Kerry sent an email asking if I could write something for March, the timing felt perfect.

Hi, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Curtis. I’m honored to be voted as this month’s Member Spotlight!