Gamechanger :: Discovering Bodyshop Athletics X

0

Columbia SC Moms Blog is honored to partner with Bodyshop Athletics X to bring our readers the following post. All opinions are entirely our own.

Gamechanger - Discovering Bodyshop Athletics X and Meeting Fitness Goals with Family- Columbia SC Moms BlogI decided to get my FIRST EVER gym membership last year. I needed cardio in my life and I really wanted to familiarize myself with an amateur weight routine. My goals were to tone, boost my mood and most importantly exercise my heart. My dad had a recent heart attack, in his early sixties. Thoughts of him as a passenger on a life-flight, paired with concerns about my own genetic predispositions were enough to motivate me to get myself in gear.

My plan was to be at the gym once or twice a week for 45 minute workouts. I called multiple facilities {and as is the case with most moms} my first questions were regarding childcare. I wanted my son to be safe and to enjoy the kid space. Never having left him with anyone other than family, I figured it would be a good growth opportunity for me {I was intimidated by gym settings} and for him {as he had no experience with daycare.} I was satisfied with the tour of the gym most local to us and signed up for my membership with the extra, monthly childcare charge.

My Prior {Failed} Gym Experience as a Mom

My kiddo wasn’t wildly interested in going to the gym. He was confused and I couldn’t really help him with the feeling of disconnect because young children aren’t allowed in the main gym areas. I felt bad for him, which made me feel a little guilty for going to workout. I showed him how to do some stretches, squats and jumping jacks so he could show other children in the kids’ space. I see great value in teaching kids healthy habits while they are young and I really HOPED the gym could be a place for my little to associate fitness and fun.

I stayed committed to once a week workouts … for less than 5 weeks. {Womp, womp…} Priority demotion was the name of the game. I hadn’t really connected with anyone at the gym and though I enjoyed zoning out during cardio, reps with weights became monotonous. Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure that I was using some of the equipment properly. Rather than search out staff members to ask questions about proper form or a customized plan, I read machines and made the most of illustrations. I had an idea of what I should be doing to target certain areas and didn’t want to bother the young guy who had processed my gym membership {he’s the only staff member that had introduced himself.} Without seeing much in the way of results, I was feeling lukewarm about the gym, at best.

GAMECHANGER :: Discovering Bodyshop Athletics X

I knew as soon as my son and I walked through the door of Bodyshop Athletics X, that the atmosphere in this place was different. I felt at ease and very welcomed as I received and returned a bunch of smiles. In front of us was a large, open room with tons of equipment lining the area. Men and women were weightlifting toward the back, right of the space. To the left was a large, separate room with seating sections and an office. Behind that was the kids’ room. I liked that the building was bright and airy with open egresses that led out to green space which trainers and clients can use for running trails. Every employee introduced themselves and Jason Windley, the owner, spent time answering my questions and personally familiarizing me with pertinent information.

IMG_20160606_090326733
Owner, Jason Windley, during a one-on-one session with one of his clients

Jason emanates positivity and I am really impressed by the way he runs his business. I began working one-on-one with personal trainer Alli Edens. She has a magnetic personality and is one of two female trainers that I have seen in action. It is refreshing to work with a woman who is energetic and knowledgeable. I had wrongly assumed that since this is a male dominated field, I would be paired with a male trainer. I asked her what has motivated her to excel in her career and she explained that she has led an active lifestyle since childhood. She was inspired by her brothers’ athletic abilities and actually began working with Jason, as a client herself, when she was in sixth grade. She’s worked with Jason throughout college and was passionate as she spoke about her experience at Bodyshop Athletics X, especially with kids’ camps. Throughout the summer months, the team works with 60+ kids ranging from ages 7-17. Soccer is one of the focuses for camp and sharing the sport with local youth is something that is near and dear to Alli’s heart.

IMG_20160606_090734864
Personal Trainer, Alli Edens working with me on proper form

Child and Family Friendly

My son enjoys his time at Bodyshop Athletics X. The children’s room is stocked with a bunch of great toys. I love that the trainers spend time with the kiddos and are happy to welcome them into the gym space, as well. Tim looks forward to watching weightlifters and has asked to go to Bodyshop Athletics X, outside of one of our scheduled days. There is no separate childcare charge, which helps illustrate the culture of Jason’s business.

IMG_20160516_115937
Alli, Jason, Me and my kiddo, Tim, having a blast

Personalized Sessions

We always begin my sessions with a short warm-up on the treadmill, moving into exercise with equipment, stretching and floor exercise. Alli has based my plan on my initial consultation and fitness evaluation, which took around 45 minutes on my first visit. Having personal instruction has made a huge difference in my confidence. Best of all {any mom will agree, here}, Alli’s direction has actually cut down the time it takes me to do a full workout! {SCORE!}

IMG_20160606_090722228
Me, getting the hang of lat pull-downs

One-On-One Encouragement is Key

Alli’s shown me techniques to maximize my results with less muscle fatigue and she is a constant encouragement. She has helped correct a few bad habits that I’ve developed and in turn, I’m not straining or pulling anything. Having her count down when something is challenging or give me a high five when I’ve pushed myself, goes much further than I expected. Honestly, having an appointment to workout is super helpful. I know that Alli is expecting me to show up and not give up.

IMG_20160606_124121
Alli helping me focus on upper body strength

The Social Element Made ALL THE DIFFERENCE

I’ve had the privilege of watching one of the many group classes that Bodyshop Athletics X offers. I had barely any experience with classes and thought my interest was solely in the one-on-one training aspect, but found myself surprised by how cool I found this class session. Six women who meet regularly on different days at varying times started in a circle with some stretching and exercises.

IMG_20160606_092059681
One of the MANY group classes that BodyShop Athletics X offers!

As they talked and warmed up, Jason and I spoke off to the side. When I pointed out that I liked the natural feeling of the circle they stood in, as opposed to a row formation, he shared that he never dictates the shape of the classes. He explained that each group finds a pattern that suits them and told me a funny story about one of the family classes that meets, weekly. He said that he was amused for a long time by their creature-of-habit positions in a half circle. Each family member from dad to youngest sibling falls in exactly the same order and one week after he pointed it out to them, they tried to mix it up and wanted to go “back to normal,” before long!

Jason paused our discussion to shout, “Two laps around the parking lot!” to his class and I thought he was kidding {Jason is funny} until the women all hustled outside. I asked how long the group classes maintain the same routine before the trainers switch things up {Jason is all about keeping things fresh} and he let me know that the routine is generally the same for three weeks, which helps clients master the exercises. Within a few minutes I was watching the women do a drill with some pretty fancy foot work and I could definitely see the value in sticking with the exercises for a few weeks at a time {I would have fallen on my face, first try!} They are strong, committed people and I was inspired watching them.

IMG_20160606_123837
Watching these ladies was super inspiring!
IMG_20160606_093546706
It was so cool to see this group’s dynamic and level of support for one another.

Engaging Kids in Physical {Fun} Activities

In addition to the vast group class schedule offered, I’ve loved getting to see the gym’s emphasis on family. I met a mom and her two children who were working with Jason, during one of my 9:15 workouts with Alli. The children, who were a few years apart in age, were engaged and having a blast! Their mom was able to concentrate on her goals while, nearby, they played one of the many fitness games that Jason includes in his customized plans for families with younger people.

I was impressed that Jason also caters to families who home-school by maintaining slots for these clients both at the gym and in their homes. HOW CONVENIENT, right?

They also offer fitness activities for the WHOLE FAMILY. What a great way to bond! Check out this fun video of a tic tac toe challenge. Looks more like fun than work!

Support Outside the Gym

Another convenient and unique way that Jason has expanded his business is by offering clients the ability to receive online training assistance. He showed me some of the forum posts and messages, ranging from how-to weightlifting videos that he creates to recipe ideas being shared. I thought that was pretty genius … giving clients an extra way to stay motivated to move, at home, while being able to quickly get questions answered and having reminders to stay cognizant about nutrition. I love how the team customizes lifestyle plans for their clients and understands the importance of support.

My End Result? Making Lifestyle Changes that STICK and Seeing RESULTS

I’m noticing some serious changes in myself both physically and mentally. I’ve realized that a huge part of the formula for success is feeling connected. Life moves quickly and for a multitude of reasons, people {moms especially} back burner what they should be prioritizing in order to be their happiest, healthiest selves. I want to be healthy for myself and for my family. How awesome is it that at Bodyshop Athletics X, I can better myself without sacrificing?

I’ve talked to my husband about beginning a family fitness session. Meeting Alli has been a blessing to me! I’m so excited to continue making progress. I’m feeling stronger, more energetic and continue to impress myself with what I CAN DO. Sometimes I think back to the shape I was in 9 months ago. I remember that I was feeling a little lost in my tighter-than-they-should-have-been jeans, worrying about my health instead of improving it. Today, I’m thankful to challenge myself with a team of people who WANT to see me achieve my goals.

IMG_20160606_124306
Me nailing a kettleball plank, if I do say so myself!

Intimidated By Gyms? Not at Bodyshop Athletics X!

I can promise you, when I first began here, I was as intimidated as they come. I had never really worked out. I was nervous about doing the moves wrong or people judging me. That is so not the case at Bodyshop Athletics X. Fight your fears, make an appointment, and work on becoming a healthy and happier YOU.

Try It For Yourself!

If you’re looking for a gym and workout program that has it all, Bodyshop Athletics X is the place! Bodyshop Athletics X is the premier personal training group fitness and athletic performance center in Irmo, SC. They also serve the Chapin, Ballentine and Columbia areas of South Carolina. Their certified personal trainers and coaches are results driven and desire to serve. They offer personal training, group fitness (bootcamp), sport performance training, and nutritional support to help you change your life. Come in for an appointment. Call 803-730-6996 or email [email protected].

Bodyshop Athletics X is dedicated to making YOU better!

bodyshop athletics x

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here