We are really excited to announce our February Member of the Month - Ariana Rasansky. Ariana is one of our ROCK strats and she has been a member of Chicago Fit Performance for a little over a year. Ariana is one of our early birds (you'll see her regularly kicking butt @5:30 am) ans hse is one of the most dedicated and hard workoing clients we have ever worked with. She always give her 100% and never hold back.
As a thank you for being such an awesome clients and for winning Member of the Month for February, Ariana received a Massage Spa Gift Certificate as well as a spot at Chicago Fit Performance' blog.
Check out Arianas's video below and be sure to congratulate her with a great comment in the COMMENTS section below.
Congrats Ariana!
1. What do you do for a living?
Asset Management/Business development division of a property management and real estate investment firm.
2. How long have you been a member of Chicago Fit Performance?
1+ year
3. Tell us about your fitness background?
I’ve always loved to run. I’ve run two marathons and three half marathons. Running was always my first choice for exercise, but I always wanted to do more. I tried spinning when I first moved to Chicago, and loved it, but wanted to do more strength training. However, I didn’t know where to begin/felt like I didn’t know how. I found CFP online when they were offering a trial week, and it was exactly what I was looking for. And what I needed.
4. Take us back to your first workout with CFP... what was it, and how did it feel?
I started in the middle of the Challenge last year, and I remember begging Kosta to let me come to a session – all of the times were full, and I said to him, “I promise you, I’m ready to work hard.” My first workout was so hard! I can’t remember exactly what it was, but I remember thinking: I thought I was in decent shape, but apparently I’ve got a ways to go! I was so tired and sore! But I felt amazing, and I knew I had made the right choice for my fitness routine by signing up.
5. What is your favorite/least favorite workout exercise?
My favorite exercise is anything to do with arms – ropes, push-ups, curl/press, you name it. My least favorite is the box jumps – they make me nervous!
6. What is your strongest attribute or favorite workout?
My favorite workouts are Tabata or metabolic sessions on Saturdays. Either one always manages to kick my butt!
7. When did you realize that Chicago Fit Performance was right for you?
I knew it pretty much right away. It wasn’t only the workouts that made me realize it was the perfect fit – it was the people. Kosta and Joe are awesome, and there’s a perfect balance of support and motivation and pushing you that they do so you reach your fitness goals. In addition, the CFP members are what keep me coming back every day – I can honestly say I’ve made friends here. Not only do they motivate me to be the best version of myself, but they also challenge and encourage me throughout each workout. They don’t always see me at my best (hello 5:30am!), but they know what I’m capable of, and they push me to get there. It’s incredibly rewarding. If there are days when I don’t feel like getting out of bed, knowing that they will be here motivates me to get moving and show up.
8. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Chicago Fit Performance (before/after)?
I’ve toned my entire body since starting CFP. Losing weight wasn’t my goal, but toning my arms and stomach were my top two goals, and I’ve done that. I sense a difference in my overall health – I have more energy and can better manage stress. I’ve also incorporated more protein, less carbs and more fruits/veggies into my diet since starting CFP, and I can see and feel a difference. I haven’t stopped running, as this is still a favorite exercise of mine, so that helps too. I feel more focused since starting CFP, and more positive in general about myself and my life. I think the biggest (and best) surprise was the friends I’ve made here –I’ve been to other gyms like this, and it was a different experience, so coming here, I wasn’t expecting to build relationships that went outside the gym.
9. What do you think about the trainers and the staff at CFP?
Amazing, awesome, the perfect combination of motivating, challenging and supportive. And respectful – there’s an understanding that you also need to live your life, so they give you advice when asked, but encourage you to make your own healthy decisions. If you need a push, they’ll give you one, but they want you to build that self-awareness and dedication for yourself.
10. How would you describe yourself in one word?
Loyal. I think that’s an incredibly important trait to have for any relationship, friendship, family, etc. I think it’s a great foundation for any relationship – work, personal, family or friends.
11. What is your greatest strength/weakness?
Independence – sometimes I think that’s a strength and a weakness.
12. What is your favorite healthy food & “cheat” food?
My favorite healthy food is hummus and carrots or vanilla Greek yogurt. My favorite cheat foods are fajitas and margaritas. And anything chocolate.
13. What is something that we don’t know about you? (Your hobbies, Interesting fact, accomplishment you are proud of, obscure/unique talent, funny story, etc.)
I’m a book worm, but I can’t stand reading on a Kindle or iPad. I like holding the actual book or newspaper in my hand.
14. Do you have any advice for people just getting started at Chicago Fit Performance?
Keep at it – it only gets better and more rewarding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help/guidance from your friends/those in your group or Joe and Kosta. Everyone is here to help, and I know that sounds cliché, but it’s true. Whatever your goal is, we are all working towards a similar one, and it definitely helps having others there to cheer you on.
Click HERE to some pictures of Ariana in action at the gym.
*Each month at Chicago Fit Performance are selecting a Member of the Month. This person will be selected based on a variety of criteria ranging from accountability, motivation, team spirit, results, and more... You can get more details on how you can qualify for Member of the Month by visiting this page =>HERE<=