A journey of Strength, Accountability, Support, and Self-Improvement.
At Helena Health Club, one of our missions is to create a welcoming and supportive community where members can thrive and reach their fitness goals. Maggie, this month’s HHC Member Spotlight, is a great example of this! Maggie’s dedication to her fitness and health journey, strength training, accountability, and self-improvement has been nothing short of inspiring.
Her story highlights the power of consistency, personal growth, focus on self-improvement, and the importance of having a fitness community that helps you stay on track – and give you a nudge every now and then.
What do you like most about Helena Health Club?
All of the trainers are always willing to help if I have a question about a machine or exercise. They are especially helpful in telling me I need to go heavier. 🙂
There’s an unspoken accountability that keeps me motivated too. If I come back after a few days off, others will ask if I’m okay, or jokingly give me a hard time for being out. It feels good to know you are missed and others want the best for you.
What are 3 things you are most proud of accomplishing since being at HHC?
- I have become more consistent over the last year. I started telling myself that the goal is 3 days a week. If life gets in my way and I miss a day or two, I promised myself I wouldn’t beat myself up over it and to keep moving forward.
(our blog post on Incremental Change speaks to this as well: click here) - My husband and sons are proud of me. Whenever I get a new personal record (PR), I text them and let them know.
- I’m stronger than I thought I was.
Consistency is key in any fitness (and/or nutrition) journey, and Maggie has made it a priority to stick to her goals, even when life gets in the way. Her ability to stay focused, celebrate her wins, and push through challenges speaks volumes about the determination and growth she’s experienced.
Do you have a favorite exercise or machine you like more than others?
The area I struggle with most to define is my legs, so I focus on them a lot. I love doing the leg press – it makes me feel strong!
Strength training is a great way to improve your fitness and build confidence. It not only gives you a toned and strong look (and reality), it also gives you a sense of empowerment – a feeling that carries over into every other aspect of your life.
What does a typical training week look like for you?
I usually try to go 3-4 days a week:
-Monday is legs/glute focused
-Tuesday is back, biceps, and abs
-Wednesday is chest, triceps, and abs
-Thursday is full body
I want to be better at getting my cardio in – cardio is my least favorite thing to do.
Building a routine that targets different muscle groups throughout the week is a key part of her success. By focusing on specific muscle groups on different days, she’s able to build strength while giving her body the rest it needs to recover.
Do you follow any sort of nutrition plan or philosophy?
While getting lots of protein and minding your calories are very important – and I do try to focus on those – my biggest thing has been hormone health. I can’t speak for men, but as a woman, balanced hormones are so important, especially as we get older. I did a lot of research on this so that I could speak intelligently about it with my doctor. It has made a huge difference for me.
Hormone health is often overlooked when it comes to fitness, but for Maggie, understanding and prioritizing hormone balance has had a significant impact on her well-being. It’s a reminder that fitness isn’t just about workouts – it’s about understanding your body and taking a holistic approach to health (fitness/exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress, hormones, recovery, etc)
What has been your biggest hurdle or challenge to getting your health and fitness to this point?
Making time for myself is definitely the biggest challenge. As parents, we get to the point where everyone comes first. But since my special needs brother moved in with us and our parents are getting older, they demand a lot from me and my husband. So not only do our kids need us, but the rest of our family does also. It can be overwhelming, but I have to make this time for myself. It sounds selfish, but being able to just focus on me for an hour or so is good for my mental health. It is like ‘therapy’ for me.
It’s often said that self-care is not selfish, and her story proves it. Balancing family responsibilities with personal goals can be overwhelming, but by carving out time for herself at the gym, she’s not only improving her physical health but also her mental well-being. And it’s harder to take care of others, if you don’t first take care of yourself.
Any advice for those that want to start a fitness routine but don’t know how or where to begin?
Do your homework, but don’t get overwhelmed. I took a weight training course which helped me build a training routine. That helped me a lot. For women, it’s important to advocate for yourself, especially with hormone health; and don’t be afraid to lift heavy.
I also ask a lot of questions, and everyone around here (Helena Health Club) is so great about helping you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. Don’t get frustrated with yourself and where you are now. Just remember you are further along than you were when you started.
Starting a fitness routine can be intimidating, but with the right resources and support, it can also be incredibly rewarding. If you’re looking for a gym near me that supports and motivates you, Helena Health Club is the perfect place. At HHC, we are always here to guide our members, whether it’s about form, exercise, or nutrition. No question is too small, and no goal is out of reach.
Ready to start your own fitness journey? Or maybe you need help leveling up from where you are. Visit Helena Health Club, your local gym near me, and see how our personal training, nutrition coaching, or our guidance can help you reach your goals! Schedule a FREE Fitness Consultation today.