motivation

Member of the Month - January 2019

Kelly Holbrook

Member since April 2016

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Kelly Holbrook, known by many as the “Mayor of TFL”, has become a staple to the morning sessions.  She goes out of her way to introduce herself and make others comfortable, and embodies many of the qualities we nurture here at Train for Life.  You can count on her to be welcoming, positive, and enthusiastic in literally every session, and she cares about the progress of others just as much as she does her own.

“Anyone who works out with Kelly knows that she’s quick to crack a joke, but also takes her training and other people’s training very seriously.  She’s a great support person to have around too, if you’re having a bad day!”
— Jill Lueb, Fellow TFL Member

Kelly is all about balance, which is something we foster here at TFL.  She is a hard working entrepreneur who balances being a wife and business owner, while still making time to participate in many self and business development events.  Her attitude and commitment to our training philosophy make her a joy to coach.

 Kelly has always been eager to learn and embrace everything we educate her on from proper recovery to how to hit that big, personal best lift.  We are eager to help her prepare for her first Strongman Competition this year, and look forward to showing her endless support throughout the process like she has done alongside many of her peers.

We want to thank Kelly for being a rockstar student.  We appreciate that she has put her trust in TFL all of these years, and we can’t wait to watch her CRUSH her goals throughout 2019!

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Member of the Month - November 2018

Kim Sweeney

Member since February 2013

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Over the past five years, Kim Sweeney has become a core member of the TFL community, and is one of our biggest transformations in regards to movement and confidence in the gym.  Kim comes in everyday with a smile and is eager to crush each workout, but that’s not how she started out…  It took a lot of coaxing by Kim’s husband, Mike, to initially get her in the doors, and even after she booked her first appointment she tried to cancel.  When her daughter showed up without her, we called Kim immediately to make her comfortable coming to her session, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Kim started off barley being able to balance on one foot.  She was nervous and a little shy in her small group sessions, but it wasn’t long before she came out of her shell.  Once she got in her strength-training groove, she was encouraging and high-fiving those around her.  She would joke and yell with all the football guys and was often the center of attention. 

Aside from Kim being an encouraging and supportive member to her peers, she is a joy to coach.  Kim loves feedback from her coaches and is eager to learn and perfect her movements.  She owns all of the basics and focuses on her breathing, making it easy to trust her to excel at more advanced exercises; and many of these movements she would often say “I’ll never do that” in the beginning of her time with us.  Kim has also participated in many of the challenges and has come out with something to be proud of each and every time.

We hold stories like this near and dear to our hearts.  We appreciate that Kim has put her trust in TFL all of these years, and couldn’t be more proud of how far she has come.  Kim, thank you for being such a special part of Train for Life!  We are so honored to be apart of your journey!

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I look forward to going to the gym and working out with my parents and sister. This is the best shape that my mother has ever been in and I am so proud of all that she has accomplished.
— Erin Sweeney, Kim’s daughter and fellow member.
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Member of the Month - July 2018

Lizz Brierley

MEMBER SINCE APRIL 2017

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Lizz Brierley can be found in our large group sessions often wearing a witty, self-made fitness pun t-shirt which is just one of the ways she expresses her bright personality.  Lizz was originally referred to us by her best friend, Melissa Lavallee, whom she laughs her way through most of her sessions alongside.

Since joining us last year, Lizz has made major changes in both her lifestyle and mindset.  Through her consistency and dedication she has lost over 30 pounds, has drastically increased her strength and has so much more energy throughout her days!  Lizz conquered some of her weight loss goals by focusing more on her nutrition and training consistency, as well as holding herself accountable to measurement check-ins with her coaches every 5 weeks to avoid falling off the wagon.  She sets goals, and achieves them.

Lizz is constantly pushing herself out of her comfort zone at the gym. Her weight loss story inspires others, and she is always there for anyone.  She is an incredible friend and workout partner in crime.
— Amy Wozniak, Fellow TFL Member

Lizz cares about the progress of others just as much as she does her own.  She is extremely welcoming and supportive.  It’s typical of Lizz to go out of her way to help others in a group.  She often makes the time to share a quick conversation with new members to let them know that she felt the same way to on her first few visits too. 

The encouraging community we are proud to offer here wouldn’t be possible without the actions of members like Lizz.  Thank you for being a special part of Train for Life!  We are so very proud to be apart of your journey!

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Member of the Month - June 2018

ERIC STASZKO

Member Since July 2015

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When Eric Staszko joined our community a few years ago, with his wife Lynette, he had a general goal to establish a healthier lifestyle for him and his family.  Although, this still sits at the forefront of what he is trying to accomplish, he has dug much deeper than that over his years with us.  Eric trusts the process, and no matter what we throw at him, he’s in it to win it, and always takes things to the next level.

Eric is a true student of strength, and has always remained impressively consistent with his semi-private training schedule.  He dates his workouts ahead of time, and always makes a plan with his coaches if he has to miss a session to ensure everyone is on the same page.  Eric does his homework and concentrates on the basics just as much as the new and complex movements.  He understands the importance of moving well, and the positive effect that it has on his training as well as his leisurely activities such as enjoying time outdoors, and vacationing with his family.  Eric prioritizes massage therapy to keep his body healthy, and was so intrigued by the Stick Mobility work that he learned with us that he purchased sticks to practice more at home too!  He has even added to our program by discussing some of his favorite movements with his coaches who have implemented those with other members as well. 

Aside from his positive qualities as a student, Eric is a stellar member of any group he trains with.  He is welcoming, relatable and energetic.  He is always one of the first people to introduce himself to new members, making them feel at home and supported on their new journey.  He encourages others, high-fives and cracks jokes throughout training sessions always doing his best to make others feel included.

Eric, thank you for demonstrating all of the values we believe in.  We are lucky to have you as a member of our community!

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Member of the Month - May 2018

JARED JOHNSON

Member Since May 2018

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Jared Johnson is and always has been a team player that we are proud to have as a member of our community.  Whether he knows you or not, you can count on Jared to cheer you on, spot you on a lift or simply ask you about your day with a huge smile on his face.  He is always eager to make others feel welcome.  All of these things are a complete change for the shy guy who walked into TFL just over a year ago.

Since his first day, Jared has dedicated himself to our process.  He has demonstrated tremendous focus on his goals, both inside and outside of gym walls.  Through his dedication to training he has gained a ton of physical strength (have you seen his overhead presses?!), but even more importantly, the ability to let his terrific sense of humor shine brighter than the quiet Jared who began with us.

Jared isn’t a quitter!  Recently, he was feeling less motivated and immediately made an effort to meet with his coach to refocus and set new goals to stay on track.

One of the things I admire most about Jared is that when he feels like it’s getting hard to stay on track, he never quits.  He always asks for help and I appreciate his trust in me as a coach and him as a human being.
— Drew McConaha

As coaches, we find pleasure working with individuals like Jared. He’s practices every movement with integrity, and is a constant student of strength training.  He’s always eager to learn and hit another PR, yet equally as happy for those around him when they do too!


Thank you for your focus and working so hard over this past year, Jared!  We know great things are in store for you this year!

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Member of the Month - April 2018

DON MAY

MEMBER SINCE JANUARY 2017

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Don May is a member of our Semi-Private Program and is one of the most positive and cheerful people we have in our community.  Don always greets other members by name.  He is proud to share stories and pictures about his experiences and his family, and is always eager to listen to others.

Don’s dedication to his training program has paved the way for some substantial accomplishments!  When Don joined us just over a year ago, his goal was to lose enough weight to get back to the things he loved the most – skiing, hiking and enjoying the outdoors.  We are delighted to say Don will be hiking the trails this summer – 100 POUNDS LIGHTER!

It doesn’t stop there…  In addition to Don’s impressive weight loss he has also undergone immense lifestyle changes.  He has rehabbed nagging injuries, maintained a solid fitness regimen and created a healthier relationship with food.  Don has proven he is in this for life.

Don is the workout partner to crack a joke, or pose a silly question just to make the person next to him laugh.  He never takes himself too seriously.  You will never find him pushing a sled without barking a deep “woof woof” as he plows through.  He is uplifting and motivating, which makes him a pleasure to coach and be around.

We would like to congratulate Don on all of his accomplishments.  We are thrilled to be a part of his fitness journey and look forward to what the future holds.  Next time you see Don, be sure to give him a big WOOF WOOF to motivate him to the same way he motivates others!

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MEMBER OF THE MONTH - February 2018

TANYA TORRES

MEMBER SINCE MARCH 2017

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Tanya Torres radiates so many qualities we are proud to have in a TFL member… Tanya is a team player, a motivator, a listener and an all around badass.  If you have had the opportunity to train next to Tanya, then you definitely know what we’re talking about.

Tanya exudes positivity and is never in a workout just for herself.  If you’re lacking motivation or feeling like you can’t finish a round, she’s the one you want next to you with the amazing ability to make you feel like you’re in this together.  Quitting isn’t an option for Tanya, and she makes others believe that too.

Tanya is almost as dedicated to her training as she is to the Oakland Raiders (that’s huge), and she rarely misses a session.  She has been working towards specific strength goals since adding Hybrid to her program, and recently hit a huge PR on the Barbell Front Squat of 135lbs!  Even though it’s often on her way to or from work, Tanya remains consistent and always brings the same level of energy and passion even on her longest days.

We would like to congratulate Tanya on all of her accomplishments and never-ending hustle over the course of her time within our community; and thank her for bringing such a spark to each one of her sessions.

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Member of the Month - August 2017

JEN NYMAN

MEMBER SINCE JUNE 2015

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Jen Nyman is the first person to introduce herself to anyone she doesn’t know and embodies many of the qualities we nurture here at Train for Life.  She’s welcoming, positive, and enthusiastic in literally every session.  We know that when Jen is here to train she will make others to push harder, but won’t let them leave without feeling like they did their best.

Her attitude and commitment to our training philosophy is something we can all learn from.  Since day one, Jen has always been eager to learn and embrace everything we educate her on from proper recovery to how to hit that big, personal best lift.  Jen is all about balance, which is something we foster here at TFL.  She never skips a workout, and is still a rockstar mom at every event, birthday party or school function her son, Kris, has.

Jen is always willing to help a fellow member so the next time you see Jen in one of your classes, be sure to partner up with her if you’re looking for someone to inspire you to have one of your best workouts!  We thank Jen for being a shining example of what it means to be part of the Train for Life community.

Jen is one of the people I look forward to working out with most. Always fun. Always funny. Always motivating me to do more.
— Amy Zajac

Member of the Month - March 2017

AMY ZAJAC

Member Since November 2015

Amy is, without a doubt, dedicated to the process.  Despite being a mom of two young, crazy boys, she always shows up early to her sessions, and is the last one to leave – usually after a few miles on the AirDyne with friends to hit her personal MyZone goals.  Amy originally came to us with a simple weight loss goal, but her fitness has evolved tremendously since that first day.  

When we asked fellow members about Amy there was consistency among the replies: motivating, encouraging, and persistent, and her presence during training sessions is always a positive one.  She has made others around her stronger, both mentally and physically.  A “You got this!” or a cheer from afar, is typical of Amy as she is always eager to motivate and bring out the best in those around her.   

Not a session goes by without Amy asking for a form check, a weight recommendation, or a how-to on a movement.  Just one of the many reasons she is a joy to coach.  It’s been a blessing to work with Amy, and we look forward to supporting her constant strive toward new goals and accomplishments this year – especially at the SPD Road Race next week!

She’s motivating, encouraging and persistent; and her presence during training sessions is always a positive one.

Member of the Month - December 2016

BOBBY COLLAZO

MEMBER SINCE DECEMBER 2011

HE’S THE ULTIMATE MOTIVATOR. NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, HE’S ON YOUR TEAM.
— Laurie St. Marie

One of the most common reasons people join a community like ours is for motivation.  Bobby Collazo is the definition of that, and has done nothing but motivate those around him since he walked into our doors 5 years ago. 

Bobby is a man of zero-complaints and is always eager to push it to the limit in sessions.  He’s completed many road and obstacle course races with his TFL squad, including the grueling Seven Sisters Trail Run and Ragnar Relay Race.  He enjoys outdoor activities from hiking to hill sprints, and is often in the company of his wife, and fellow TFL member, Aurora.

Bobby is a world-class member.  He’s so devoted to our system that he hasn’t been late for a session in 5 years, and NEVER begins without a good foam roll.  He is always eager to learn new exercises and techniques, and gives 100% effort every time, every session.


Congratulations, Bobby!  Thank you for your endless motivation, and pumped up attitude.  You make our jobs so easy to love.  Happy 5th TFL Anniversary!

Bobby and Aurora have been so supportive of me and everyone in this challenge. Honestly, I would not get through the physical challenges without them.
— Chris Watton