Gretchen has been an RF member since we opened the doors! She is a mother of two and a teacher. Her number one goal, when she started, was to feel like an athlete again and get back on the field to play ultimate frisbee. When she did exactly that, it was one of the coolest moments because I know how hard she worked for it.
Gretchen is always ready to lend a hand and loves encouraging others to try their best. Gretchen wears her heart on her sleeve and is a welcoming face in the gym for new and old members. She lives, breathes, and shouts RF. She took some time to answer some questions and you can read more of her story below.
- Coach Jesus
If there was one thing you could say to your Coach, what would it be?
Thank You! There could be a lot more words but the ones that matter are Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have given and continue to give!
Tell us a little about you. Where are you from? Are you a parent? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I often say I am from nowhere and belong everywhere. My dad was in the Air Force for 20 years and I grew up nowhere cool but in a lot of different places. My dad retired when I was a sophomore in high school and we moved back to AZ where I graduated from HS and then went to ASU. Yes, I am a parent of two awesome strong kiddos, Emmett and Clementine. In my free time, I often attend swim meets, parkour events, or play ultimate frisbee. I also very much enjoy using my creative brain and making things.
What was the moment that made you decide to join Resilient Fitness?
I first met Jesus back in the day at another gym he used to work at. I had heard through the grapevine that he was leaving to start his own thing and I knew that I wanted to follow him and become a part of whatever He and Annette were going to cultivate and I am glad I did!
What is your fitness/nutrition experience prior to RF?
I was a pretty serious athlete for most of my life. Ran cross country and swam in college and then found my love for Ultimate Frisbee which stole my heart and allowed me to really find my way in the world. I have played in Nationals and at Worlds and also met my husband playing frisbee. I have continued to stay involved with Frisbee and my kiddos now have found the love!
What were your fitness habits like before joining RF? Were you already active? Were you new to fitness?
I was playing in a lot of local frisbee leagues and swimming.
Why do you think RF worked so well for you compared to other programs and/or diets?
I knew I wanted to get stronger and start to support my body in different ways than the ones that eventually caused me to have multiple knee surgeries and aching bones. I knew Jesus was an athlete and understood my desire to get back out on the field and play again despite my aging body. I so very much appreciate the way he and the other coaches push me to be better and get stronger. I needed to start supporting my body in different ways and this RF crew is so knowledgeable in all those things while also knowing when to push.
What was the biggest challenge or change when you first started with RF?
Just being sore in ways that I didn't know were possible and not really understanding the strength I have.
What has been your biggest success while attending RF?
Making time for myself to be there and knowing that I get the support I need to do that.
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with RF?
Time for me
Stronger
Learning that I can lift some heavy stuff!
How has your life improved thanks to your time with RF?
Stronger, more confident in my body, lifelong friends.
What are 3 tips, based on your experience, that you’d give to new members of RF to help them see success early on?
Consistency, don’t be afraid to ask questions and you are stronger than you think.
If someone is considering joining RF, what advice would you give them before beginning their journey?
Come for a visit, and talk to the people.