FitWit Decatur Member of the Month (July): Shawna Mikes!
Team, please put your hands together for July’s Member of the Month: Shawna Mikes! Shawna is really all about practicing what we preach here at FitWit. She is a long time part of this family, and has been a consistent part of this close community for many, many years. She brings the spirit, smile, and an all-star attitude to each workout. Every class is better with Shawna, especially amidst the 8:15 chaos đ Shawna continues to strive and get stronger and has worked hard to earn this recognition. Way to go, Shawna!
Age: 48
Hometown: Bellefontaine, Ohio (Hour outside of Columbus)
Occupation: Sales for Microsoft
When did you first start FitWit-ing?
I started FitWitting in 2016!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
I was never much of a sports person growing up â however I was a cheerleader and spent many minutes at Golds Gym doing step aerobics! As I got older I continued to âgo through the motionsâ at big box gymsâŚdoing lots of time on step machines, ellipticals, treadmills and free weights. I realized I was going through the motions, not making any progress on my goals, and then I discovered FitWit!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting FitWit?
I have seen many changes â mostly around strength and mobility. Pre-Fitwit, I didnât pay much attention to mobility or the importance of being strong as I age đ …. Since I started I have seen myself progress with core strength â along with the core strength my balance and mobility are also at a level I’ve never even known were possible! Doing things one-sided really made me learn about balance and strength, again things I never thought about when going through the motions at my other gyms.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like FitWit that were totally unexpected?
Two huge things come to mind when I think of unexpected benefits. The first being self image, and second being the community.
I have âworked outâ for yearsâ always having one goal in mind, to lose weight and look better. In my mind I never really achieved that goal. When joining FitWit, I had the same goal⌠but after being here a few months my mentality and goals completely shifted. I have been taught the importance of being strong, and the importance of being consistent. I have proven to myself that I can do these things and I am proud of what I have accomplished! I am so thankful to FitWit for this!
The community is another unexpected thing! I didnât realize I needed this! I never really played on sports teams so never really experienced the camaraderie of a team. Every day when I show up at 8:15, I see my team and it just makes me happy. Thank you 8:15 and FitWit!
Why do you FitWit?
I Fitwit because it challenges me and always sets my day on the right foot. I FitWit because of the awesome community and the teamwork we all do together.
Favorite workouts?
My favorite workouts include agility (I love the ladders and obstacle courses) and interval training. I like the idea of a workout having a little bit of everythingâŚ.strength, conditioning and core.
Least favorite workouts?
RUNNING! – Not a fan đ
Any favorite FitWit moments?
I really enjoy team games week and our FitWit celebrations â as mentioned the community is something very special and I love to celebrate with all of you.
Three words to describe you:
Kind, Open-minded, Structured
Fitness Goals?
My fitness goals are to continue building strength and mobility â and improve on my endurance in conditioningâŚmaybe being able to run without hating it!
Words to live by?
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness!
Something cool we don’t know about you?
Not sure this is about me being cool, but a cool experience that I had⌠I love to travel. I have been to many very cool places and have enjoyed learning about other cultures and seeing new thing. Once on a trip to Dublin, Ireland I had the pleasure of meeting Bono â lead singer of U2. Now some of you may not find this cool, but I met him at the height of the band’s popularity (in the 90s) in his home country. It was just a very âcoolâ experience. He was very kind, down to earth and the epitome of cool⌠.
Anything else you’d care to share?
Thank you Fitwit and thank you to our community! You make every day better!