Meet my FXB Instructors: Austin

Austin: a.k.a. Steven

I’ve been crafting this one for a while now. My buddy Steven and I went through our ten weeks at FXB together, and I wanted to do him justice. So why Austin? A few reasons, actually.

First, there’s this guy.

What could be more fitting for Steven than a British spy? Let’s look at the facts (aside from the obvious British part).

Those who have been following these instructor posts know that I like to use urbandictionary.com as my source for all things facts. I’ve gone there again, and here’s what it tells me about a spy:

n. a person or thing designed or trained to infiltrate or extract information from a normally impenetrable source, usually while disguising themselves to evade capture. 

  

1) A Person or Thing - yep, he’s a person.

2) Trained - FXB certified, yo!

3) Extract Information - here ‘information’ is a code word for ‘pain’. If you’ve been in one of his workouts, then you know that’s covered.

4) Disguising Themselves - the proof is in the pictures!

I’d say that’s a pretty solid argument. Oh, and I have to throw in his ability to spy all my errors. I’ve tried really hard to keep this post error-free, but I know Austin will let me know if I’ve missed one!

But we won’t stop there, because Austin Powers is only half of Steven’s personality. The British half. So what’s missing?

The American half.

This leads us all the way down to Austin, Texas. I knew I was on the right track when I was trolling Steven’s Facebook page for pictures and stumbled upon this gem.

Texas is the state of ‘go big or go home’. From his Texas-sized laugh to his epically crafted workouts, Steven brings this attitude into everything. Those who have been working out at FXB the past couple months have had the pleasure/pain of partaking in a Steven created resistance training workout, even if he wasn’t in the building. Here’s just one tail of pain from his epic-sized workouts:

They say the best things come in threes, so let’s give one more Austin reference. And that would be this guy:

Is I said at the start of this post, I’ve been thinking through Steven’s nickname for some time. The last few months I’d been settled into Austin, but as with all my nicknames I had to let it marinate to make sure it was truly fitting. And then just yesterday Steven sent me a message saying I should consider wrestling for a future challenge theme. Could this be a sign? Yeah, I thought so too.

So why Stone Cold Steve Austin? Well, in this case it’s actually Stone Hold Steve Austin—because that man dishes out holds in a bands class in an impressive stone-faced way!

Keep giving us those epic Texas-sized workouts, holds and all, Austin! And I’m sure you’re actually spying from somewhere in the gym during all the classes just to make sure we’re all giving our Level 10 best!

~ Carrie

Meet my FXB Instructors: Flash

Flash: a.k.a. Sarah B.

Sarah B. holds a special place in my FXB heart (and my regular heart for that matter). We joined FXB on the same day, and she became my first steady bag partner. Anyone who knows Sarah well would assume the nickname Flash comes from this guy:

But that’s not the reason. Nope, not at all. I had promised her I wouldn’t base my nickname for her on a sloth, and a promise is a promise ;)

That takes us to this Flash as a possibility:

While Miss Sassy Sarah is quick on the bag, that’s not the source of her nickname either. So what’s left? This guy.

That’s right—Flash Gordon, baby!

Here’s a link to the movie’s theme song in case you want to play it while reading this post. It will take your reading experience to an epic level.

I know I run the risk that my sassy friend is too young to connect with Flash Gordon, but that’s not important. What’s important is that I defend my assessment. (here’s a link to a movie recap for those not in the know) 

Let’s take a closer look at that movie theme song by Queen. The lines are a bit out of order, but it’s my blog which means my rules.

“King of the impossible”

Sarah wouldn’t hesitate to tell you she didn’t expect to still be at FXB after 2 years. Not because she couldn’t do it, but because she didn’t think it would be her kind of thing. Yet, not only is she still at FXB kicking butt and taking names, but she’s a coach and an instructor! AND she completed a Spartan race last year! Not ‘impossible’ enough for you? Then check her out on the days she gets to the gym before 7am. That girl does not like early mornings, but she’ll do it for the people!

“No one but the pure at heart may find the golden grail”

According to dictionary.com, the definition of ‘pure hearted’ is:

(of a person) without malice, treachery, or evil intent; honest; sincere; guileless

Based on this definition, I’m not sure I’ve met anyone with a more pure heart than Sarah. She is certainly always without malice—unless your name is Steven. Then there might be a bit of evil intent in a few of her actions . . . As for the honest and sincere part, her sass level requires her to tell it like it is!

 So yes, Sarah is pure hearted right down to her knickers (sorry, I had to incorporate at least one British term into this post).

“He’ll save every one of us”

It’s clear Sarah is on a mission at FXB—to help as many people as possible. She puts her heart and soul into coaching and instructing. Even as a friend her support is never ending and is always unconditional. She will fight, just like Flash Gordon, to save every last man, woman, and child from an unhealthy lifestyle. And just like Flash Gordon, she’ll talk a little sass along the way. She might even have used one of his quotes, “This place is a lunatic asylum.” Oh, wait . . . that may have been a secret . . .

There’s only one thing Sarah may not be willing to save us from.

She’d be too busy cuddling the lot to try and save us.

I’ll end this post with a play on a popular line from the movie:

Flash, Flash, I love you! But you have less than 48 hours before you have to start saving the next round of 10-weekers!

Oh, one last thing. Flash, the sloth from Zootopia, had no role in solidifying Sarah’s nickname. None whatsoever. Honest.

~Carrie

The importance of having a fitness family.

Left: September 13, 2014
Right: September 13, 2016

Over the years, I’ve participated in many different workout programs. I’ve done solo workouts in the home, one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer, and classes at the local gym. Two years ago to the day, I joined Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping (FXB). It was a nerve-wracking day for me, and you can read about it here if you haven’t already. Despite my nerves, from that very first day I knew FXB would be like nothing I had experienced before. These were not people who simply worked out together. No, they were much more than that.

They were a family.

In the two years I’ve been at FXB, I’ve learned that having a fitness family is one of the most critical components of being able to sustain progress. Here are just a few resons why I’m so thankful for my FXB family.

They share my sense of fashion.

FXB is the one place where I can feel good about wearing my Spandex. I may not like that it shows off every bump and lump, but wearing it says I came to work. The fact that the vast majority of everyone else is wearing it too makes it even easier.

Beyond the active wear, we also share the same love of accessories—from the headbands to the Fitbits. Oh, and the sweat. Can’t forget about the sweat. At FXB sweat is the new black, and I rock it during every workout!

They speak my language.

It’s important to have someone who you can confide in for all aspects of your life. My non-FXB friends don’t understand my love/hate relationship with Sally. Or why I’m toast after 45 minutes of straight density sets. But my FXB family gets it. They share my lingo. And my pain.

They hug me even when I stink.

I often see a friend as I’m leaving the mat, getting ready to hit their own workout. It always amazes me when they are willing to give me a hug even though every square inch of me is dripping in Liquid Awesome. And to be clear, my form of Liquid Awesome does not smell like roses. My husband and daughter won’t even come within 50 feet of me when I get back from the gym. But my FXB family is willing to get up close and personal even when I’ve got my stink on. Now that’s #Friendship.

They know when to call bullshit.

I may think I’m too tired to push harder. I may think I’m too weak to do my push-ups from my toes. I may not think I can run the rest of the way in. But my FXB family knows better. They know when to call bullshit. And they know how to give me the right kind of motivation to tell my inner voice to shut it.

They always have my back.

No matter what, I know my FXB family will be there to support me. Time and time again, they have shown me they will not let me travel on this journey alone. They help pick me up when I fall down. They keep me focused on what’s important. They give me unconditional support and a never-ending stream of encouragement. I can only hope I am repaying them in kind.

So here’s to you, my wonderful FXB family. I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring!

~Carrie

Meet my FXB Instructors: Ali

Ali: a.k.a. Lyndsey

There might actually be a few of you out there who think I’m referencing the amazing Prince Ali Ababwa.

I will admit that Lyndsey and Prince Ali share charming conman abilities. Prince Ali is able to make Princess Jasmine believe he is a real Prince, and Lyndsey is able to make you believe you are capable of giving a Level 10 you never knew you possessed. Oh, and it looks like they also share some amazing guns!

But that’s not the Ali that reminds me of Lyndsey. No, I’m talking about the late, great Muhammad Ali. Aside from the fact that I believe she could hold her own in an actual boxing ring, there is one famous Ali quote that I believe embodies Lyndsey:

As I break this down, I’m actually going to start with the ‘sting like a bee’ part. There are 3 elements to this:

1) Power

I think this should be obvious. Lyndsey is a BEAST on the mat (and, frankly, off the mat too). I seriously would not want to be on the receiving end of one of her punches or kicks. I’m quite certain it would feel much, much worse than a bee sting.

2) Purpose

I don’t know a lot about bees, but what I do know is that they are very hard workers. They are endlessly doing their bee-thing, and Lyndsey is no different. She works hard on the mat, both as a FIT member and as an instructor. She has often been accused of designing intense workouts in her sleep. She is determined to perform at her best and make the rest of us do the same.

3) That hair . . .

Lyndsey has another fitting nickname—Pebbles. It’s because of her usual hairstyle at the gym:

Well, I’m here to set you all straight. That’s not a Pebbles Flinstone ponytail—it’s actually her stinger.

Now for the ‘float like a butterfly’ part. I know the initial intent behind this quote was that Ali was quick and hard to catch on the mat. While Lyndsey is also very quick, I feel the symbolism behind the butterfly fits her perfectly. The way it’s said here on Pure Spirit is a perfect description of Lyndsey:

Butterfly is the power of air, the ability to float upon a breeze. It is known for its daring flight; thus, it represents the mind and our ability to change it when necessary. Butterfly represents the never-ending cycle of life; therefore, its medicine bestows not only the ability, but the clarity of mind needed before self-transformation.

Butterflies appear to dance as they flitter among the flowers. They remind us not to take things so seriously within our lives. They awaken a sense of lightness and joy. They remind us to get up and move, for if you do not move, you cannot dance.

Butterflies bring color and joy with them. The colors of the butterfly should be examined for significance and to help you understand its role within your life. Look at how much or little joy is in your life. Lighten up. Look for change. Make changes when the opportunities present themselves. The butterfly will teach you that growth and change do not have to be traumatic. Change can occur as gently and as joyfully as one wishes.

Since my first day at FXB, Lyndsey has been like a butterfly in my life. She is there when I need encouragement, a slight (or strong) push to keep moving, or a reminder of why I’m on this journey. And I know for a fact I’m not the only person who can make this claim.

So, Ali, keep on floating like the butterfly you are, but never stop stinging us with your inner beast!

~Carrie 

Meet my FXB Instructors: DJ Thunder

DJ Thunder: a.k.a. Andie

When someone says “DJ”, most people think of a disc jockey—you know, the kind you’d find at the radio station, in a club, or at a wedding. A few of you that attend the Columbus FXB location might think of a certain instructor named DJ, but it’s not his turn yet (I can’t give him a nickname that includes his actual name . . . that’d be too obvious). A few of you cool kids might be thinking of this DJ:

In Andie’s case, I’m talking about the kind of DJ you’d find in a club. My research shows that the characteristics of a good DJ can be boiled down into two primary categories:

1) Music

A good DJ not only puts out a great musical mix, but they are also willing to take a few calculated risks. Like most of our instructors, Andie can pump out a good mix for the workouts. However, she’s the first instructor that I’ve had put on Buffett during kickboxing (at an amped up pace of course). While it was a bit distracting—I wasn’t sure if I should be kickin’ the bag or back with a margarita—it certainly energized the group. I mean, it’s kind of impossible to not smile at a Buffett song. She doesn’t stop at Buffett either. She can throw together the most random of songs, at least from a workout perspective. From Margaritaville to What does the Fox Say, somehow Andie makes it all work.

2) Crowds

A good DJ is able to energize a crowd. They perform with gusto and aren’t shy about engaging with their peeps. All of our instructors walk the mat during the kickboxing classes and are energetic—that’s one of the reasons why they’re instructors after all. But Andie takes the challenge to the next level. She engages in a way that sets her apart from most instructors. Her level of energy is not frantic or overpowering. It’s set at the perfect level for Level 10 motivation. She also engages by doing things such as running from one set of feet down in a six-inch leg lift to another, pushing them even lower.

That covers the DJ aspect of my nickname for Andie. What about the Thunder, you ask? Well, for those who do not have the privilege of attending an FXB location, ‘thunder’ is what we call the sound made by kicking the bag.

BOOM!

Andie has this unique ability to make people want to bring down the thunder. In an Andie led kickboxing class, the thunder can be heard loud and clear even near the end of the 45 minutes—the point at which many people are barely clearing the base of the bag in any non-Andie led class. This ability probably stems from the whole crowd engaging talent I mentioned above. It could also have something to do with her ability to inspire thunder through her own demonstration:

It’s like thunder and lightening. The way you kick the bag is frightening . . . Sorry, whenever I hear or say the word ‘thunder’ Knock on Wood gets stuck in my head! And I think this last pic of Andie is kind of appropriate for Amii Stewart’s video for the song!

Thanks, DJ Thunder, for keepin’ the crowd performing at a Level 10!

~ Carrie

Meet my FXB Instructors: The Liger

The Liger: a.k.a. Pete

The first time I had Pete for an instructor was back during my first 10 weeks at FXB. About halfway through the workout I thought, “Man, this guy is funny.” Over this past year I’ve concluded that Pete jokes around while on the mic for two primary reasons:

(1) He’s naturally funny.

(2) He aims to give us the best workout possible. His jokes make us laugh, which makes it harder to hold a resistance band, and therefore we work harder. In addition, laughing burns extra calories.

If you’ve attended one of Pete’s workouts, then you’ve likely heard such cracks as:

“Protect your money-maker!”

“Show off your Superman quads.”

“I just want to hear a gentle rain before the thunderstorm.”

“Are your biscuits burning yet?”

“Bueller . . . Bueller . . .”

But that’s not all. He can get creative in the workouts as well. I was extremely disappointed to have missed his session where he introduced The Easter Egg Hunt. Maybe someday he’ll bring it back.

It should be no surprise that for a while I considered Pete “The Joker.” However, whenever I think of The Joker, I think of this guy:

Well, Pete is no villain so that just wasn’t going to do. I had to come up with something more creative that would be worthy of the all the awesomeness that is Pete. As I’ve gotten to know Pete better, I’ve learned that he’s kind of a Napoleon Dynamite fan. I imagine that he’d be able to apply some of the Napoleon Dynamite quotes to his roles at FXB.

Instructor

He could use this during a kickboxing burn out.

Coach

I think his 10 week students would appreciate this kind of direct approach.

FIT Member

Pete could intimidate his bag partner with this one. Because he probably does have secret ninja skills he learned from the government.

Fun Day Participant

Although for Pete, the tots would be replaced with donuts. But only on Saturday Fun Days.

The shared ability to deliver hysterical one-liners isn’t the only reason I reference Napoleon Dynamite in this post. Enter the Liger.

I know Napoleon Dynamite didn’t invent the liger, but the movie certainly made it more popular. The Liger just seemed a fitting nickname for our Pete. Why, you ask? For one, the liger is bred for magic (at least according to Napoleon Dynamite) and Pete must have some magic skills. How else can he make a 45 minute beating, er workout, seem fun and fast? Magic—that’s how. Also, the liger is a cross between a Lion and a Tiger. I’ll show you how I think this fits Pete with just a few examples.

The Lion

According to the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, lions are highly territorial. They are known to occupy the same territory for generations. At FXB, Pete has his specific territory. It’s a good thing he arrives early enough to ensure he gets his spot, because I’m not sure I want to see what would happen if someone tries to take his square!

Lions have been a symbol for strength and courage throughout history. Not only is Pete strong, but he makes each and every one of us stronger as well. And his courage can be seen mainly through one of his non-FXB lives where he often steps on the stage to portray a character in one of many plays.

The Tiger

Pete’s Chinese zodiac sign is the Tiger. Coincidence? Me thinks not. The primary characteristics of someone born in the year of the Tiger are: Powerful, Tough, Dynamic, and Mighty. Yep, that sounds about right.

Tigers also maintain control over their territories by constantly patrolling them. Pete’s got that down.

So, Pete is The Liger to me. If you haven’t already, you really should attend one of his magical classes! And when you do, Napoleon Dynamite would only have one thing to say: