Shannon Ward - Featured Member

Shannon is one of the sweetest, most positive people we have ever met, and she brings her fun loving personality to every workout. We have seen her grow in her fitness and are so impressed with how strong, stable and fit she has become! Thank you Shannon for always having fun in class, and for inspiring everyone around you!

We had the chance to ask Shannon some questions. We hope you enjoy reading it.

What have you achieved or overcome in your health and fitness?
 
Finding RF has taken me from wanting to exercise to actually doing it and having fun. In the past I tried the gym, which lasted for like a second because I'd get bored and I didn't have a support system. I used to love my workout videos, but then I'd memorize them and get bored. RoughFit keeps it spicy and outside so workouts are always different. I guess I could say RF has helped me overcome workout boredom.

How has RF been a positive influence or helped you?
 
Greg, Jenni, and Matt exude positivity so it's hard not to absorb it. Also, I've met some amazing friends with similar interests and beliefs. Just being around people who work hard and play hard changes a mindset. Because the RF community is so welcoming I look forward to getting to the park and exercising 3 times week.

Has RF changed your lifestyle, if so, how?
 
When I started RF the Summer before last I never anticipated how much my life would change. The first year I made a commitment to myself to go to class 3 times a week and see what happens. I was shocked, honestly. I've become a much stronger, faster, and calmer person. I also eat better, because I want to give my body the right fuel to compete with my 6 pm uber fierce friends.

How long have you been attending RF?
 
I've been attending RF since the Summer before last and I love it! My goal is to be like so many who have been a part of RF for 10+ years. You all amaze and motive me.

What is your favorite part of RF?
 
Choosing my favorite part of RF is like making me choose my favorite part of an Oreo.  Every aspect perfectly compliments the other. I love watching my exercise friends push themselves and achieve physically what they didn't think was possible. The games are truly fun, who would think Connect Four could make me sweat me that much? Many days, I have no idea what I did for the hour in class. My brain completely shuts off and I only focus on breathing and not falling over. I also think there's a conspiracy by Greg, Jenni, and Matt to make us do things that make us look as ridiculous as possible for their own enjoyment. For instance, the weave. I mean, really, what's up with that Matt?  
 
How do you feel the RF trainers and community help you in your health and fitness?
 
The trainers are insanely amazing. I remember the first time I spoke with Greg before I started RF. I asked him, "Now this Boot Camp you offer, am I gonna get yelled at? I'm not motivated by yelling." He laughed at me, I mean, he assured me there would be no yelling. He said that he and Jenni have a passion and they make it fun. I said, "Okay, so you don't yell?" Guess what, I haven't been hollered at once. The man is true to his word. Greg, Jenni, and Matt are truly passionate about fitness and making it super fun. For me, laughing and playing while working out is the key to success.

Why did you join RF?
 
I wish I could say my reasons for joining RF were to run a marathon, lose a lot of weight, or look killer in a bikini, but nope.  I joined RF because I like to exercise. Well mainly, it was to kill time while the children I nanny attended their RF Kids class during the Summer. I loved it so much I never quit. Also, I live in Corona so being a part of the amazingly awesome and oh so competitive 6 pm class helps me conquer traffic. Oh, and to answer the questions in your mind: no I haven't run a marathon, I have lost about 10 pounds, and I'm a one-piece bathing suit kinda gal!

How do you feel the RF community supports you?
 
I've never met a more motivating group of people, EVER. I'm referring to both the trainers and members. I now have friends that I see 3 times a week. We are a part of each others lives. We push each other physically; are there with open hearts and arms if the problems of life get too big; and we make each other laugh...a lot.

What keeps you coming back?
 
For me, RF is similar to CHEERS minus the alcohol, laugh track, and Norm. It's a place where everyone knows your name and they're always glad you came. I find myself laughing and I leave with a high. See just like CHEERS!

Shelley Miller - Featured Member

Congratulations to Shelley on being selected as this month's featured member! We have gotten to know her well over the past 6.5 years and are so grateful for her commitment to RoughFit and her health during that time. Shelley takes on so much in her daily life, but has always made the time to workout. By prioritizing her health amidst a busy schedule, she has accomplished so much and sets such a great example for those around her, including her two wonderful sons. Thank you Shelley for being willing to put your health first, and for being willing to reach outside your comfort zone to try new things!

 

From Shelley:

I used to see the boot camp class working out at the Tustin Sports Park when I took my kids to the elementary school. I had a friend that was doing the class, so I asked her about it. That particular day they were doing 1000 step-ups and I thought it was insane! I ended up joining and loved it from the beginning, although I couldn’t move for a few days!

The workouts led by the Jenni, Greg, Tammy and the other instructors are challenging, and they continue to push me to be better. The trainers mix up the routines each day, which is great because we work all areas of the body, and it helps keep it fresh and fun. The trainers motivate us to do our best and I have run three half marathons, 3 - 10 K’s and several 5 K’s which I would never have done without their encouragement. They are very knowledgeable about nutrition and healthy living, and I have been able to share that information with my family.

I have been a member of RoughFit for 6 ½ years and have met so many wonderful people and have made great friends. I also started taking RoughFit Outdoor Yoga over a year ago. I "hated" the first class because I am not very flexible but now I don’t miss a class, and I’m beginning to touch my toes! Ashlyn is a fabulous teacher and it is such a great way to start your day.

Working out outdoors is so much better than being inside a gym.

I can’t say enough about RoughFit, the trainers, and the friends I have made these past years. I encourage everyone to take a RoughFit class and you too will be hooked!

Judy Clark - Featured Member

We are so proud to recognize Judy as the RoughFit Featured Member for this month! She has made such huge strides since starting with the boot camp classes, and continues to learn and grow every day. One of our favorite moments was watching Judy and her daughter run a 5K together! We know it wasn't easy, but they were all smiles every time we saw them. By taking control over her nutrition and exercise, Judy is a sparkling example to her family and a constant reminder of what hard work and dedication can accomplish. Congratulations Judy!

 

I joined RoughFit boot camp in July 2013 after bidding on a free month at our school fundraiser. I had done the gym thing and the home fitness DVD’s but nothing ever seemed to stick so I thought I would give RoughFit's outdoor fitness a try. I can honestly say that I was hooked from the get go.

I have never been a runner so I was a bit anxious and nervous that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone else. The personal trainers were so supportive and encouraged me to push myself. At first I could only run for a short distance and would walk until I could catch my breath. Each month I started to notice improvements and could go a little further until I was able to do the entire run.

This month I will run in my sixth 5K race and my goal for 2016 is to do a 10K and eventually a half marathon. If you had asked me to run a 5K three years ago I would have thought you were crazy! 

Being outdoors is one of the things I love about RoughFit. Breathing the fresh air and change of scenery makes working out so much more enjoyable. I typically go to the early morning class and it is a great way to start my day and I feel like I have already accomplished something by 7:00 AM!!

The trainers are my favorite part about RoughFit. They truly care about each and every members health and well-being and are an excellent source of nutritional and health information. Before I joined RoughFit I never looked at food labels or paid much attention to what I was eating. Although I still have a sweet tooth, I am a firm believer in moderation and make a conscious effort to eat healthy. The long term benefits certainly outweigh the short term cravings!

RoughFit has changed me both physically and mentally. I am in better shape than I have ever been and have so much more stamina now. We recently went to Mammoth and I skied all day long, whereas in the past, I was pretty much done after lunch. I have two young daughters (8 and 10 years old) who are very active and full of energy so it is essential that I work out to keep up with them.

I know it is such a cliché to say that working out gives you more energy but it is 100% true. If I don’t work out I start to feel sluggish and crabby. I have met a lot of nice people at RoughFit and we all share the same goal of better health and fitness. 

Cathy Matzek - Featured Member

We are so honored to be able to feature Cathy Matzek this month. Cathy is a constant inspiration to all of us at RoughFit. We have seen her true character and resilience shine when faced with overcoming obstacles. Cathy refuses to let anything stop her. She is always up for trying new activities and pushing out of her comfort zone, and we are just so proud of everything she has accomplished, and feel so blessed to have her in RoughFit.

We hope you enjoy reading a bit of her story.

Since attending RoughFit, I have had to overcome several setbacks in my health that have affected my ability to workout. I have undergone surgeries that have slowed down my ability to workout, but not stopped me. The support I got from the RoughFit Family during my illnesses/injuries and rehab after surgery kept me going.  There were several weeks where I couldn't fully participate in the workouts, but just completing my rehab work alongside the others in class, kept my spirits up.

I am in the best shape I have been in since high school. I am dedicated to maintaining my fitness level. RoughFit and my ElliptiGo are helping me to succeed in this goal.

I have also achieved several PR's in running since attending RoughFit.  My most recent one was at the Turkey Trot this year in the 5K. The Running Class has really helped me concentrate on proper form to avoid injuries (most of the time).

RoughFit has help me change my lifestyle in a positive way.  Participating in the challenges has made me more aware of what I am eating and what I should be eating.  I am definitely more active now and a lot more adventurous. I have been introduced to many parks and places to explore through RoughFit runs and hikes. (I have lived in Tustin since I was 16 and never knew Peter's Canyon existed!)

I have tried so many new activities that I never thought I would (could) do.  With RoughFit I have completed running several half and full marathons, rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, a duathlon, bike/ElliptiGo racing, and tried to train for a triathlon. I now look at mountains and open spaces in a new way...great places to run, hike, or ride!

I joined RoughFit because I was bored working out in the gym. I wanted to be able to be outside and get a good workout. I have been attending RoughFit almost 9 years. I love that the workouts are outdoors, always different, and FUN! I have made many life long friends through RoughFit.

It's just a great group of people working towards common goals. All the trainers are motivating and truly interested in helping me reach my health and fitness goals. They also help to hold me accountable. I feel guilty if I miss a class!

Trish Moe - Featured Member

It has been a joy to have Trish in RoughFit Outdoor Fitness and to see her progress towards a healthier lifestyle and accomplish things she never even dreamed of. At the young age of 61, she has shown all of us that we don't have to slow down, hold back or be afraid as we get older. Every day is new, and we can either step forward or stand still. Trish chooses to step forward.

She has pushed beyond her comfort zone many times in and out of boot camp and running classes, and is more adventurous and fit than she has been throughout her life.

That is inspiring for all of those around her. Congratulations Trish on being our featured member!

Trish's Story

I've always considered myself a pretty active person. I love the outdoors (hiking and camping to name a few) and I enjoy playing a round of golf now and then. If you asked me five years ago if I would ever take up running I would have just laughed and said no way!

But since joining RF boot camp about 5 years ago, I have completed 4 mud runs, a 5K, a 10K, 2 half marathons, a duathlon and a triathlon! None of this would have been possible without the support of Jenni, Greg, and all the other fitness trainers.  Just as important for me has been the RF members.  Everyone is so supportive and encouraging and their positive influence has enabled me to achieve new goals which has given me a new sense of confidence and a can do attitude. It's only because of my fellow Roughfitters that I now attend the evening run class. RoughFit has provided me with new challenges and adventures (rock climbing, obstacle course) and I believe I am stronger both mentally and physically because of them.

Aging is not exactly fun, but being able to participate and even compete at this phase in my life has been fun and I owe that to RF! I couldn't ask for a better bunch of people to work out with. Not only do I enjoy getting fit together but I also love the camaraderie outside of class. A truly awesome group! 

Thanks RoughFit for motivating me to lead a healthier lifestyle.