MEMBER OF THE MONTH - FeBRUARY 2020

DEVIN LARAMIE

Member Since December 2016

Since joining TFL in 2016, Devin has made major changes in his mindset and lifestyle. Through dedication and consistency, Devin has been able to conquer his goals, inside and outside of the gym. Not only has he had an incredible weight loss journey, but has also gained a ton of physical strength. That is why we would like to recognize Devin as February’s Member of the Month. 

Devin is usually the first member in the gym every morning and is without a doubt, committed to the process. Devin pushes himself and those around him by increasing weight, trying the next skill level, and moving faster! You can find Devin in our large group sessions usually picking up some of the heaviest weights.  

Devin’s outgoing, friendly, and energetic personality fills up any room he enters (Along with all his brightly colored clothing and headbands, especially on #EDMFridays). People are naturally drawn to him because he is easy to talk to and get along with. Devin is constantly supporting his fellow members. Not only is he eager to reach new PR’s himself, but shares the same excitement when fellow members do too.   

We would like to recognize Devin and Kate for their outstanding efforts and results during the 2019 Get Your Self Off the Shelf Challenge. You both continue to grow and get incredibly stronger each day.

Congratulations Devin! Thank you for always working so hard! We know great things are in store for you this year!

““Anyone who has had the opportunity and privilege to workout alongside Devin knows he always puts in 100% effort. Devin is my favorite partner because he knows how to push me with his competitive nature. It has been incredible to watch his improvements during the 2 challenges we’ve done together. He is more than deserving of becoming February’s member of the month. Congrats Baby! I’m so proud of you! Love you!””

— Kate Guggino, Fiance' and Fellow TFL Member

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - JANUARY 2020

WENDY RUSSO

Member Since June 2017

Wendy Russo has been lighting up our large group sessions with her bright smile and personality since 2017. Wendy has a great attitude and works her butt off in each and every session. She shows up consistently and has a passion to learn new things. 

Wendy is the epitome of everything we love about our TFL family. She is friendly, hard working, committed, and her spirit knows no bounds! Wendy believes in everything that Train for Life stands for. She never misses an event, workshop, or an opportunity to show her passion for TFL. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Wendy, you’re missing out. Her spirit week costumes never disappoint!

Wendy has been crushing her fitness game in the last year and is a pleasure to coach. Not only does she get up early to get her 5:15am workouts in, but she’s been getting under the bar more during our Saturday morning Barbell Club. Wendy’s eagerness to improve shows. She always asks questions in order to perform each movement to perfection. 

Congratulations Wendy! We can’t wait to see what this year has in store for you. We look forward to seeing more of your smiles and costumes! We are so proud of all you have accomplished!

“““Whether I’m working out with her, Wilma or Tinkerbell… I know that my “gym wife” is going to push me to the max, support me, and be there if I fall or say I can’t. However, that is how she treats everyone that she comes in contact with. Over the past couple years at TFL I’ve seen her come out of her shell and comfort zone to become the strong, kick-ass woman that she is today. So proud to call her my gym partner, gym wife, and most importantly my friend.””

— – Jeff Hoess-Brooks, Friend and Fellow TFL Member

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2019

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2019

JESSICA DONDI

Member Since December 2015

As we come to the end of 2019 we would like to recognize Jessica Dondi as our December member of the month! Jess has been a member at TFL since 2015 and we are excited to celebrate all of her success! Jess is a staple at our 5:15am large group sessions. Even though she may not be the loudest member, she is certainly a force!

Jess is dedicated, hard working, and a joy to coach. She is eager to learn and takes corrections in order to perform at her best. Jess is one of our most consistent members. As hard as it is to get up for 5:15am, she rarely misses a class.

Over the last couple of months, Jess has taken her strength training to the next level by joining our Saturday morning Barbell Club. It has been an honor to watch her make some truly amazing strides in her strength with these more complex movements. She was one of the first people to sign up for the second session and we are excited to keep watching her grow.

Congratulations Jess! Thank you for being such a special part of Train for Life. We are so very proud to be a part of your journey.

““Jessica is the strongest and most dedicated person I know. From work, to working out, to her family and friends she is always giving everything her all. Since we were little, she has always been the bright light in the room and it’s why everyone loves her. Having her as one of my biggest cheerleaders has been such a gift. I love seeing other people recognize in her what I’ve always seen.” ”

— Jennifer Dondi Farrell, Sister and Fellow TFL Member

2019 Get Your Self Off The Shelf Holiday Challenge

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 2019

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 2019

BETH HOWLAND

Member Since December 2016

This month we would like to highlight Beth Howland as our member of the month. Beth shows up to every session with a huge smile ready to give 100%. She embodies every one of TFL’s values and is an inspiration to our members. 

Beth has a passion for learning and is always excited about setting new goals for herself. As added accountability, Beth rarely misses a Monday Deload class, in order to share her goals for the month. Her positive energy and attitude are a pleasure to be around and make her a joy to coach. 

Beth quietly makes her way around the gym. She is silent but mighty! She is constantly working hard and is always willing to push a little harder in order to get that PR. Beth has recently completed a Triathlon, and is running more races in order to get a PR at the Hot Chocolate Run this year.  

Thank you for being such a special part of our TFL family. We can’t wait to cheer you on, as you keep crushing your goals! 

““She is the perfect mix of sweet and a little sassy if you get to know her a little better. She is beautiful inside and out, and I love working out with her!””

— Amy Zajac, Fellow TFL Member

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - AUGUST 2019

LESLIE O’NEIL

Member Since March 2018

Leslie O’Neil embodies many of the qualities we look for in a TFL member. She is positive, consistent, focused, and dedicated to her fitness goals.

Leslie is always eager to perform better than the session before and is constantly challenging herself by progressing in movements or increasing weights. Leslie is very engaged in her training sessions. She appreciates feedback from her coaches, and is always one to ask questions to help her remain safe and consistent.

Leslie is often found in our large group sessions encouraging fellow members that they are capable of more than they think! She has a great sense of humor and always brings good energy and a big smile to the room. She if very self-motivating, and her positive attitude often rubs off on those around her nurturing a positive atmosphere for her fellow members.

Leslie, Thank you for exemplifying what Train for Life stands for. We are proud to have you as part of our community, and look forward to many more sessions with you! Congrats on your accomplishments!

“You can always find Leslie with a smile on her face. She is always so positive and easy to talk to!”

— Kristie Levrault, Fellow TFL Member

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - JULY 2019

MICHELE POSSARDT

Member Since June 2015

Michele Possardt embodies many qualities that we are proud to have in a TFL member.  She is dedicated, consistent and always eager to push it to the next level.  We also can’t forget to mention her workout outfits that always match from head to toe.

Michele is an avid runner and working towards her current goal of running a marathon.  Even through the demands of marathon training, and working fulltime as a nurse, she rarely misses a training session!  Michele can always be found putting in extra work before or after her TFL workouts whether it’s miles on the Airdyne or reaching her goals on chin-ups.  If she’s not in the gym, she is usually on a run with her boyfriend (and former TFL coach) Miguel.

“She is definitely the strongest one of out the “power couple”! Michele is an inspiration to the members and the coaches and you can certainly count on her to push them during their workouts.”

— Coach Randy Hoy

We admire Michele’s dedication to our training program to keep her strong and injury free throughout her marathon training. Thank you for being an amazing member of our TFL family!  We can’t wait to cheer you on as you keep on crushing your goals!

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - JUNE 2019

KATHY BRANDTS

Member Since January 2013

This month we would like to recognize Kathy Brandts, a devoted member of our community for over six years. Kathy can be found in our large group sessions, often chatting with her fellow members and eager to crush her workouts.

The coaches often refer to Kathy as “Coach Kathy” as she is always adding extra comments during demos in class. If you’ve had a chance to workout with her, you know she never comes to class without her vibrant and fun personality. From the moment she walks into the room you can find Kathy ready to bring a smile to the faces of others with a story or a witty joke.

“The energy at TFL is already amazing, but when Kathy walks through the door the energy level instantly elevates from her funny jokes and updates on the latest news from Good Morning America. Her contagious smile, laughter, and motivation are an inspiration to us all. Kathy is hands down one of the most genuine people and I am honored to call her my friend.” — Kristie Levrault, friend and fellow TFL member

Kathy always has a positive attitude, making her a joy to coach. She is always happy to introduce herself and is welcoming and supportive to new members. You can always count on her to cheer on the group and motivating those around her.

Kathy, we are filled with gratitude that you have put your trust in us all these years. Thank you for always making us laugh and being a special part of our TFL family! 

2019 Summer Challenge

Winners will be announced at our annual TFL Summer Picnic
on Saturday, August 3, 2019

MyZone Points

100 Points per Week + 25 Points per week for the Top 10

There is a minimum goal of 800 MEPs per week.  Members will receive points for that week only if they hit 800 MEPS.  MEPs are calculated Monday-Sunday.  The Top 10 in the weekly standings will receive an extra 25 points for the week.  There is no limit on how many MEPs can be achieved.

Measurements

400 Points goes to first place in each category
and it scales down from there.

Weight and Body Fat % will be taken at the beginning and end of the challenge.  The difference in weight and body fat % will be scaled and points will be awarded based on where you fall amongst the group. 

WEIGH-IN: Monday, June 3rd – Monday, June 10th
CHECKOUT: Thursday, July 25th – Tuesday, July 30th

BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

150 Points to the Top 5 Transformations

Before and After Photos will be taken at TFL during weigh ins.  These are another way to measure true progress and earn points for positive physical change that isn’t always obvious on the scale.  These photos will be kept private and only shown to non-biased judges and the members themselves.

MEN - Shorts and No Shirt
WOMEN - Sports Bra and Shorts / Two-Piece Bathing Suit

Post-workout nutrition

1 Ticket Per Shake • 5 Points Per Ticket

In order to be successful in your quest to build lean muscle and lose fat, awareness of your daily protein intake is instrumental. Protein in liquid form is an easy and effective way to aid in post-workout recovery.  Liquid protein is easy to digest and is absorbed quickly by your muscles giving them the nutrients they need to repair.  This is also a way to increase daily protein intake on workout days where most people aren’t getting enough as it is.

Members will receive 1 ticket for drinking their protein shake after each workout.  Liquid protein only, no bars.  Tickets will be saved by members and turned in during challenge checkout.  5 Points will be awarded per ticket.

*Protein must be shown, and actively consumed at the time ticket is given.  Photos after sessions or “forgetting a ticket” will not be accepted.  No exceptions.

FOOD JOURNAL ACCOUNTABILITY

50 Points per Week

You cannot outwork bad eating habits.  In order to instill some accountability to what you are doing outside of the gym, members will be required to journal their food. Food journals will not be scored based on what’s in them.  The goal is to actively complete your log each week to create better eating habits and awareness of what you’re putting in your body.  As long as the log is turned in, points will be awarded.

Members may log their food via any food log app, such as “my fitness pal”, or in a notebook, whichever is preferred.  To make beneficial changes to one’s eating habits, It’s best to record the time you’re eating, what it is, the amount eaten and when you workout.

*A copy of your food journal from the week prior must be emailed to ashley@trainforlifema.com by the following Monday @ 6pm. 
For example, food journals from Monday, June 10 – Sunday, June 16 must be turned in by Monday, June 17th @ 6pm.

weekly Physical challenges

Week 1: Push Pull Challenge

Complete as fast as possible.
100 Meter Row >> 20 Push Ups >> 30 Squats to Ball

Week 2: Strongman Medley

Complete as fast as possible.
Backward Sled Drag >> Forward Sled March >> Farmer’s Carry

Week 3: Airdyne Ride

1.5 Mile Airdyne Sprint for Time

Week 4: Trapbar Challege

AMRAP in 60 Seconds
Bar is set to bodyweight the day of challenge rounded up to the nearest 5 pounds

Week 5: Prowler Sprints

5 Hi/Low Prowler Sprints for Time

Week 6: Death March

Complete as many laps as possible using the Farmer’s Bars.
Distance is measured from last lap once bars touch the floor.

Week 7: Conditioning Combo

Airdyne Sprint to 15 Cals >> Run to end of the building and back

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - MAY 2019

LAFLYN WILSON

Member Since December 2011

Laflyn Wilson, whom most of you know as Flynn, has been a long time member of Train for Life. Flynn was an original member of the early morning “Big Guy Corner” alongside current members Scott McConnell and Bob Lingenberg, and can often be found with a Johnny Cupcakes t-shirt on his chest and a big smile on his face ready to bring positive energy to any group he’s in.

“What can I say about my friend Flynn... He jumped right in and brought hard work and laughter to the Big Guy Corner! Flynn makes everyone at the gym feel great with his attitude and infectious smile. It’s a real pleasure to train with him and an even greater honor to call him my friend.”

— – Bob Lingenberg, friend and fellow member of TFL

Flynn has been on a quest to break 300lbs and conquered that goal just 2 weeks ago! Flynn couldn’t wait to share the news with his coach, and even turned around after leaving once he saw Drew puling in to the parking lot to share that moment with him. Drew said, “The type of energy and gratitude that Flynn expresses is what makes him a joy to coach. He’s a true inspiration to us at Train for Life.”

Lately, you can find Flynn carrying some of the largest kettlelbells we have during farmer’s carries and his facial expressions radiate determination making those around him want to do the same.

We are filled with gratitude that Flynn came back to our community and continues to put his trust in our team. We’d like to congratulate him on his recent successes and know that he will continue to push forward and make strides towards his next big goals. This milestone is just the first that he will SMASH through this year, and we can’t wait to be a part of them all!