Happy New Year everyone!
We are so excited to bring you our next edition of our Member of the Month series (the first one for 2021!), where we feature some of the amazing people who are part of our Loyobo FIT family. We think it is important to share their stories to help inspire others and to celebrate their amazing accomplishments!
This month that member is David Chatson, who is one of our VIP Members. Our entire team truly admires Dave’s enthusiastic support of and participation in our community. He impresses us all with his consistency and dedication towards his health and fitness goals!
So many of our members love Dave and really appreciate his willingness to reach out and connect with them in classes.
This month, DAVE, we celebrate YOU! We are so grateful to know you. Thank you for being a part of our family and for sharing your story with us!
How long have you been coming to Loyobo FIT and what initially inspired you to try a class?
15 months. Tara (my partner) joined first and said, “you’ve got to join”. I always do what I’m told! The idea of a smaller studio with a wide variety of classes sounded perfect.
What are your top 3 health and fitness goals?
-
Maintaining mobility
-
Feeling good about myself
-
Making healthy choices
What is one of the challenges that you have faced in your health/fitness journey? What have you found most helpful in working to overcome it?
I am a person who is often driven by excessive habits. At times, it has been easy to give into ones that aren’t always beneficial or healthy! Being part of a community like Loyobo FIT that is so accepting and caring has allowed me to stay accountable and focus on sticking to a healthy course.
What was your life like before you started at Loyobo FIT? How did you feel about your body?
Life has been a roller coaster since moving to this area in 2016. Stresses from a new work environment along with the “family dynamics” often left me emotionally and physically exhausted. It was easy to fall into a pattern of “unhealthy habits”.
Although I have many amazing things in my life to be thankful for, I was starting to see the results of not caring for my whole body. It was easy to feel little to no motivation leading to low levels of self esteem.
What has changed since you joined the Loyobo Family and started coming to class regularly?
Life still has struggles! But having Loyobo FIT in my life has increased motivation and accountability. Instructors and members who sincerely care about others and share in each other’s successes helps me stay on course! Knowing I have a class after a long or stressful day gives me something to look forward to and ALWAYS leaves me feeling better about myself. Connecting with others, even if as little squares on a screen, helps increase my sense of worth and community.
What is your favorite memory or achievement of your time at Loyobo FIT?
Outdoor Sculpt & Sweat classes in what felt like 150 degrees, on a sloped pavement, the odd random pebble bouncing around, maybe a stray cat, laughing so much that it was hard to tell if sweat or tears were falling to the ground! Priceless moments!
What advice would you give to someone just starting their health and fitness journey?
I have spent much of my life struggling with low self esteem. Falling into the trap of comparing myself to others and often concluding that I wasn’t good enough to be at the gym, join a club or be accepted in a team.
Start off with trying your best to just be who you are, then surround yourself with thoughts, habits and people that accept you as you are. Easier said that done, but little by little the “good stuff” will sprout, and grow! Accept encouragement but also freely give encouragement. It is always great to receive a “you’re doing an awesome job” every now and then, but nothing soothes one’s own soul as when offering up some encouragement and love to others!
What is your favourite class and why?
Sculpt and Sweat, and Step It Up (“yes, yes”!) I know it’s two, but both classes leave me feeling good-tired but at the same time energized. I often drag my butt in, and leave feeling a sense of accomplishment and rejuvenated. Okay, maybe a little rubbery in legs too! Oh yeah, Kickboxing is also kick ass!!
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
“It’s all bridge under the water.” I know I have it backwards but it ties in to my I’m-the-only-one-who-thinks-I’m-funny sense of humour. Plus, many days the bridge sure looks like it is underwater! In short it reminds me daily to let go of the things I cannot change and embrace the thing I can.
Anything else you would like to share?
Pound Rocks! [mic drop]
Congratulations Dave! You deserve this moment in the spotlight as we celebrate the awesomeness that is YOU. THANK YOU for including us as part of your journey and for sharing your story. Your positive spirit, perseverance and determination inspires us all and we are so grateful to have you as part of our Loyobo Family!
Feeling inspired? You can become part of our loving and supportive community that will enable you to make a lasting lifestyle change.
The doors to our membership will be opening soon! Book a Meet & Greet with one of our coaches to learn more about Loyobo FIT, discuss your needs and find out if we are the right fit for you.
We can’t wait to support you in your health and wellness journey!