O4W May Member of the Month: Betsy W
Please give a roaring round of applause to our May Member of the Month, Betsy! We were lucky enough to reel Betsy into FitWit after she won a free month with us through an auction fundraiser. That was back in 2019 and she hasn’t looked back since. . . well, expect for a few times at the beginning of the pandemic when we were all looking back and covering our eyes and having no idea what to expect. After the initial struggle to implement a new routine, Betsy found accountability buddies and quickly became one of our most consistent members. And you know the golden rule of fitness: consistency trumps all. Big shout out to Betsy for her commitment and positive attitude and energy, even during the darkest and coldest of mornings. You inspire us! Read on below to learn more about our May Member of the Month.
Hometown: born and mostly raised in Richmond Virginia, but I’ve been in Atlanta for 35ish years so that almost makes me a native
Age: nudging 60
Occupation: bookkeeper
When did you first start FitWiting? June 2019
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I ran for a number of years, did the Atlanta Half Marathon 2x, the Peachtree Road Race 12x; then didn’t do anything for a long time before meandering around for a while doing some of this, and some of that. I took rowing lessons with the Atlanta Rowing Club and joined a rowing gym, then decided I was going to hike Machu Picchu so hiked up and down Stone Mountain for a few months to prepare for that adventure. I joined FitWit almost as a last resort – I was out of shape, gaining weight, and unmotivated.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting FitWit? To be honest, the biggest change has been in my attitude (honestly, just ignore all my early morning grumbling). I am much stronger, and a little more flexible, but I have realized that my goals are as psychological/emotional as they are physical. I am happier, less stressed, and more motivated to live an overall healthy lifestyle since I started working out with FitWit and I will hopefully keep moving forward in this way .
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like FitWit that were totally unexpected? See answer above.
Why do you FitWit? It’s both challenging and fun! A big shout-out to the 6:00 AM Parking Lot Workout Crew (Stephanie, Travis, Doug and Sara) but especially to Jennifer. She ‘adopted’ me early on and has been so encouraging; I honestly believe I might have quit, especially early in the pandemic which would have been such a great excuse to quit coming, but Jennifer’s enthusiasm and faith in me has kept me on track.
Also, the trainers are friendly and approachable – I feel like I can ask questions, request a modification if something doesn’t work for me, and I truly believe they want me to succeed.
I can’t tell you how impressed I was that in the first week I started coming, every trainer knew me by name; they are invested in the people they train.
Favorite workouts? Ummmm…I like Thursday strength training days the best. And I really shine at the exercises where I get to lie down ;-), just call me Queen of the Hip Bridge.
Least favorite workouts? Skipping, ugh.
Three words to describe you: Dependable, helpful, overly-serious.
Any favorite FitWit moments? Nothing specific, it’s just been great to be part of this community.
Fitness Goals? To age in the healthiest, happiest way I possibly can.
Words to live by (Favorite Quote)? Progress, not perfection.
Something cool we don’t know about you? I try to spread the word about living organ donation. I donated a kidney 10 years ago and my life, in addition to the recipient’s life, is better for it! If anyone is ever considering this and has questions or wants to discuss what it’s like from the donor’s point of view, please talk to me.
I share a birthday with Elvis Presley, David Bowie and Stephen Hawking.
Anything else you’d care to share? I have a terrific husband, Tom, and a fabulous daughter, Ema.