We are really excitedto announce our very first Member of the Month for 2014 - Lauren Shadid. Lauren has been a member of Chicago Fit Performance for almost 3 years and since joining Lauren has achieved a lot not only phisicaly but mentaly! Now Lauren is a lot stronger, leaner and in the best shape of her life. Lauren always works out with a positive attitude and is a fierce competitor! She challenges not only herself but those around her as well.
As a thank you for being such an awesome person and for winning Member of the Month for January, Lauren received a Massage Spa Gift Card as well as a spot at Chicago Fit Performance' blog.
Check out Lauren's interview below and be sure to congratulate her with a great comment in the COMMENTS section below. If you’re using social media please share this post with your friends using the SHARE buttons below... THANKS!
Congratulations Lauren!
1. What do you do for a living?
Sports Marketing / Sponsorship and Activation for Chicago Cubs.
2. How long have you been a member of Chicago Fit Performance?
3 years
3. Tell us about your fitness background?
I’ve always been the athletic type. It’s definitely elevated in the past 5 years, but I enjoy a variety of workouts and workout 7 days a week. I’m a big fan of spinning, barre classes, and High Intensity Interval Training. I’ve done two marathons, a triathlon, and an Urbanathlon. Next on my list is conquering Mount Kilimanjaro!
4. Take us back to your first workout with CFP... what was it, and how did it feel?
I started back in the day when CFP would focus each day on a different body part, i.e. legs or arms. I think my first day was arms and since I love anything to do with arms I immediately became hooked! Then I remember doing a super hard core circuit, which was amazing for me at the time because I never pushed myself to do core workouts on my own. I think for a solid week afterwards I had difficulty raising my arms to wash my hair, and my abs definitely hurt anytime I laughed.
5. What is your favorite/least favorite workout exercise?
I would say at this point in time my least favorite is anything that has to do with box jumps/lounges/squats because of my knee injury (marathon running!). My favorite is anything that has to do with arms :).
6. What is your strongest attribute or favorite workout?
My favorite workout is definitely Tabata days because it gets my heart rate up and keeps me moving. I would say that I also have strong will-power and mental strength during my workouts... I feel like for the most part I know my strength and I know I am capable of doing all of the exercises without adjusting to make easier modifications (when I’m not injured from not properly training).
7. When did you realize that Chicago Fit Performance was right for you?
I first started doing CFP with my coworker. It was perfect for us because we are both the athletic and competitive type, so CFP was a good way for us to challenge one another. Because of our jobs, one of us would often times have to leave the workout a little early, sometimes missing the hard core-workouts at the end. I remember doing the workout that I would miss with Anna in her cube at work, and that’s when I knew that CFP was doing me good. It became addicting – I didn’t want to miss any part of a workout because oddly enough I really looked forward to that burn that my body would feel afterwards. I knew something was working!
8. What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting Chicago Fit Performance (before/after)?
I’ve definitely lost inches and gained significant muscle. My posture has gotten a lot better and my energy level has skyrocketed. I’ve become more conscious about the foods I eat and limit my alcohol intake to little or none at all. I work too hard to negate my workout with too many drinks during a night out, which ultimately only leads to skipping a workout and eating poorly the next day. Working out has definitely also helped my overall mood and stress levels.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like Chicago Fit Performance that were totally unexpected? I gained this overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment when I started to become a regular member with Chicago Fit Performance. I think when one starts a new work-out regime it’s often times the intent to just stick with it until you see changes in your body and reach your goals. CFP was different for me; once I started noticing a difference in my overall tone and weight, I also realized a positive shift in my overall attitude – I had more energy, I was more optimistic about things, and approached everyday obstacles in a more calm and less stressful manner. They saying is true, when you feel good about yourself you feel good about everything else. Over the years of working out with CFP I’ve undoubtedly become the most strong, most confident, most satisfied version of myself. I’m proud of the changes I’ve seen to my body and proud of my commitment to CFP’s workouts but most importantly I’m proud of the self-confidence that I’ve gained. Working out to me now has become rewarding and uplifting – my ‘happy place’ if you will – not burdening like it once was.
9. What do you think about the trainers and the staff at CFP?
They’re my family away from my family. I always know if I’m having a bad day or need someone to brighten my spirits, I can count on Kosta and Joe. I also know if I come in and start slacking on a work-out, Kosta and Joe are going to motivate me and push me to my limit because they know I’m capable. And, at the end of the workout, I’m extremely grateful that they pushed me to my max. There is often times an overwhelming sense of personal fulfillment when you walk out of class, knowing that you just gave it your all for the past hour and the day is yours to take on. I’d also say that over the years of doing races without training and ultimately ending up with numerous injuries, CFP has been great about helping me modify workouts and find alternatives to work around my injuries. In a world where the fitness world has become a multi-billion dollar industry, knowing that Kosta and Joe have my best interests and health in mind has definitely made CFP worth it. They really take the time to get to know you and SUPPORT you, which is huge.
10. How would you describe yourself in one word?
Strong. I’ve had a lot of heartbreak over the years, and when I first started getting serious about my fitness and workout regimen I read the quote, “A heart is a muscle…and what do muscles do when they’re torn? They grow back stronger.” When you feel strong - when you ARE strong - you feel unbreakable…physically, mentally, emotionally.
11. What is your greatest strength/weakness?
My greatest strength is my perseverance and determination. When I know what I want, nothing stops me, I always find a way. I would say my greatest weakness is the inability to open up to others easily. I have a huge brick wall up, and it takes a lot for someone to knock it down. I hate being vulnerable, and I often feel like if I show my true feelings I’m being weak.
12. What is your favorite healthy food & “cheat” food?
I love seafood. I can’t cook to save my life but I love salmon so that’s always my go-to with vegetables. My roommate would also probably be disappointed with me if I didn’t also say I’m a huge fan of protein shakes – I think I’ve woke her up one too many times with our blender early in the morning after a work-out. They’re so easy! As far as cheat food goes, I’m a sucker for pizza 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’ve spent time in the Oval Office with a President. I'm also extremely proud of myself for this accomplishment of Member of the Month. I've worked hard and woken up way too early on some mornings to make it here or to make it to the gym, and this validates it.
14. Do you have any advice for people just getting started at Chicago Fit Performance?
Have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously, and never give up on yourself. As Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “The last three of four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That’s what most people lack, having the guts to go on get through the pain...” You have to stick with it, believe in yourself that you can do it, and push yourself through the pain and discomfort. When you do that you’ll see the change, not only in your physique but your mind and heart as well. Your muscles get stronger so by default, so does your heart :).
Click HERE to some pictures of Lauren in action at the gym.
Each month at Chicago Fit Performance will be 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<=