Mike & Karen Keller
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Tanya Schweiger Preferred Name: Tanya
Age: 33 Where did you grow up? Meadowlands, MN (40 min NW of Duluth) When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? July 2017 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I have been working for part of Blue Cross for a little over 10 years. I process claims for their sister company called Further. When I'm not working overtime or working out, I'm cooking, doing photography, hot yoga, snowshoeing, or working on never-ending home renovations. I'm hoping to use my kayak a lot more this summer too! How did you find out about Mi5? I had been thinking of trying Crossfit for a while after watching the Games on TV so I did an internet search and found that Mi5 had an amazing Groupon deal to try 10 classes. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? I decided it was right for me after I was sick for two weeks and wasn't able to come in to work out. The front desk staff texted me a couple times to see if everything was OK. I thought that was SO sweet that a gym cared enough to check in on me. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Back squats What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Assault bike. (But I will learn to love it!) What would your perfect WOD look like? Rowing, Singles, Handstand Walk What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? I never in a million years thought I would ever be able to do a chin up. What motivates you to stay fit? I'm a big believer in, "You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you DO good." What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I have two older brothers, a teenage niece and nephew whom I just adore, I'm currently working on my second college degree and yoga teacher certificate, and I'm starting lessons in May to learn my third musical instrument. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Get a nutritionist. Make a plan. Make a schedule. Stick to it. And MAKE NO EXCUSES. Craig Hillier Preferred Name: Craig Hillier
Age: 51 Where did you grow up? Redwood Falls MN When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 2013 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Bowling. Traveling. Cruising the Caribbean. Reading. Writing. How did you find out about Mi5? My son and I walked in and met Chris G before the gym officially opened. We both knew we would become members after hearing the vision for the gym. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? After only a few boot camps, I knew it was for me. The format was upbeat, fun, and challenging. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Deadlift What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Pull-ups What would your perfect WOD look like? 500m row, heavy sled push, deadlift. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Deadlift 400 lbs. What motivates you to stay fit? Fighting father time, Hy Vee donuts, and the friendships created with others who train at Mi-5. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I’ve presented seminars in 46 states, wrote three books, dislike heights, get squeamish with a pin prick, enjoy learning about the mafia, and a goal of rolling several 300 games of bowling—before I permanently split. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? You will find the members to be the most supportive, non-judgmental people in the world. In the five years of being a member, I have walked out of each class feeling better than I did when I walked in. Ron Knips Preferred Name:
Ron Age: 54 Where did you grow up? On a farm in southwest Minnesota near the village of Lismore (population 200 then, smaller now!) When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 4.5 years ago What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Work life has progressed through engineering, management, interior design, and now occasional subbing for special education paras. I'm pretty handy and always seem to have a home or yard project going. Love to travel, camp, kayak, and rock climb. How did you find out about Mi5? A friend I met during bootcamp classes at Lifetime convinced me to try it. When/How did you realize Mi5 was the right fit for you? After a few weeks, there was no going back to lifetime! The "community of Mi5" is it's greatest asset and makes this place much more than a gym. The encouragement, support, and friendship shared among the members and staff have helped me reach increasing goals. I love to come in for a workout, but there is never enough time to talk with everyone. What is your favorite WOD/movement? I really kind of like burpees... as well as rope climbs, toes to bar, assault bike, and various obstacle course challenges. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Lunges and squats. Bad knees, with a unilateral replacement in one, make these a challenge. Accommodations performing these movements help to maintain strength and stability, but not doing the workout as prescribed is a personal struggle. With guidance from excellent Mi5 trainers I have become more attune to my body and how to develop and strengthen it... correctly. They still suck! What would your perfect WOD look like? A chipper with a variety of movements and challenges of strength, mobility, and endurance all in one workout. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? The Mi5 games. Previous competition always focused on running. What motivates you to stay fit? To keep my abilities in line with my attitude rather than my age. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? There was a time in my life when I was known for having really good hair! What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Try a variety of classes. Arrive early to roll, stretch, warm up, and get to know everyone. Learning the proper technique is key. Know that each class will have a range of skill levels, but everyone had a beginning and progressed at their own pace. Don't rush the progression, but learn and do as much as you can along the way. This place will change your life! Becca Naill Preferred Name
Becca Age 45 Where did you grow up? Apple Valley When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? October '16 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Hang out with my awesome kiddos, run, spend time with friends, run a real estate transaction management business How did you find out about Mi5? I drove by daily, enviously watching groups running/working out. Then one day Jill Metkowski (easily) talked me into trying a class when I was dropping off Homecoming flowers for her son Miles. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? The first bootcamp class had me hooked! I never thought I was a "group fitness" person, but I loved it! Plus, the fact that I could hardly move the next day demonstrated it was the best work out I'd had in a long time! What is your favorite WOD/movement? Med ball slams!!!!! What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Pull ups/Rope climb What would your perfect WOD look like? Boxing! What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Well, I can't say I "never" thought I would do it because everything is possible but...Rowing the 5k without resting surprised me! What motivates you to stay fit? Truth??? Vanity... What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 15 years ago I had my private pilot's license What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Don't look at the workout before you head to gym...It is *always* best not knowing 😋 Brennan McKeag Preferred Name: Brennan
Age: 27 Where did you grow up? Apple Valley and Lakeville When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? I took a few classes in the summer, then became a full fledged member in the fall. What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I'm an Autism Spectrum Disorders teacher at a special education school in Apple Valley. When I'm not working, I like spending time in the boundary waters, cooking new foods, checking out new breweries, snowboarding, trying new things. I'm enjoying being able to be active and feel good about it, so anything along those lines. How did you find out about Mi5? From my dad, Kegger! When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? After realizing how welcoming and nonjudgemental everyone is. The environment and community is inviting and a comfortable place to put yourself out there and work hard, regardless of your skill level. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Probably the bear complex. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Really anything bodyweight. Burpees. Actually jump rope is incredibly aggravating at times. What would your perfect WOD look like? Probably something like 21-15-9 Squat cleans and pull-ups. Or Heavy Grace. That one looks pretty perfect. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Hand stand pushups! What motivates you to stay fit? After my college athletic career was over, my lifestyle got away from me and the bad choices started adding up. Eventually I got tired of feeling like I was falling behind my friends and family. Have you seen my dad? Try keeping up with that! I want to be able to continue snowboarding with my brothers, portaging canoes in the boundary waters, and maybe even compete in something. My lifestyle before that wouldn't have been conducive to that, so here I am! What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I'm a retired acro-yogi, a form of yoga that involves a partner and acrobatics. Look it up! What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Trust the process! Change happens over time, keep putting in the time and the changes will come. Also, don't be scared to just get out there and try things. Chances are you'll surprise yourself with what you can do! Michelle & Michelle
Michelle KalblerPreferred Name: Michelle Age: 46( but don't feel it😊) Where did you grow up? Woodbury When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? I became a member at Mi5 about 4 years ago. What do you do when you are not at Mi5? I am a taxi driver to my kiddos- driving to various activities and sports events. 😊. We also love to play soccer and basketball as a family -boys against the girls ( of course). Also, I love to take my dog on long walks and go on short runs. I have worked part-time as a dental hygienist for 13 years (so yes I floss my teeth!) How did you find out about Mi5? My girlfriend stalked Mi5 for a month and convinced me for another month that we should give it a try. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? It didn't take long to realize that it was an awesome community to be a part of, especially when I didn't laughed out of the gym for my total lack of coordination! I had never done anything like this before, only running some and doing a little yoga. Everyone was so supportive and kind. What is your favorite WOD/movement? I love when we do tabata style and lots of circuits! What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Probably back squats since I still struggle with form. What would your perfect WOD look like? Maybe a little yoga, core and cardio! What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? A pull-up!! I can do 3, but I really want to conquer a kipping pull-up. What motivates you to stay fit? My family! I want them to see how much I enjoy staying fit and I want them to be proud of me. Also, I can't forget about Michelle B- She has been so motivating about getting in shape and keeping me accountable! What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? Big groups intimidate me! What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Stick with it and it really will get easier😊- nobody's judging because we all have struggled at one time or another. Michelle BousheePreferred Name: Michelle Boushee
Age: 45 (46 on January 2nd so expect burpees after New Years!) Where did you grow up? A farm near the VERY SMALL town of Zell, SD. I'm sure everyone has heard of it! When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? October of 2016. Sorest month of my entire existence. What do you do when you are not at Mi5? Jogging, watching my son swim, Reading, Playing with 2 Crazy Dogs and a Cat, Traveling, Enjoying the Occasional Cocktail How did you find out about Mi5? Michelle Kalbler has been telling me about it for YEARS. I finally decided to listen to her and see what was behind the sign I kept seeing from Interstate 35. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? In June, after 9 months of talking myself into going each time, I realized I actually wanted to go. I felt better, I LOVED the people and my trainers, I could see muscle tone changing...and it was a huge moment for me! What is your favorite WOD/movement? I love the box jumps. And yes, I fall off them. And any kind of crunch the trainers can throw at me. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? That damn bike. What would your perfect WOD look like? Heavy cardio, some dumbbell work and end with yoga/adjustment. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? Michelle and I competed in the MI5 games. It wasn't even on my radar. I didn't think it would ever be possible. What motivates you to stay fit? My son is a swimmer. Watching him dedicate himself was huge motivation for me! Michelle Kalbler and I push each other to get there every week, to try new things to see what we old ladies can do. I want to be her!!!! Athena (who needs to say anymore?). What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I can be serious. And I once worked for Sesame Street. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Find a friend to motivate you each day. Don't let those first workouts scare you. Give it time and you will see changes and feel incredible about yourself! Try all the classes to find what fits. You will LOVE these trainers and this community of people! Walid Gharwal Preferred Name:
Walid Age: 46 Where did you grow up? Bloomington, MN When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? October 2013 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) I have a demanding job as an IT consultant but when not working, I mostly spend time with my family both immediate as well as mom, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. I also pay volleyball whenever I can. Other than that, I like to spend time in the kitchen - I'm mainly in charge of breakfast 😊 How did you find out about Mi5? Back in 2013 when I attended LifeTime in Lakeville, I took a HIIT class from Rachel. Halfway through the class I walked out and couldn't take the intensity. Rachel and I spoke after the class and she mentioned Crossfit and Mi5 Fitness. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? I had never heard about Crossfit until Rachel mentioned it to me. After that conversation, I looked into it further and immediately realized that this is what I need; something that will not only challenge me but keep me coming back as I need variety and change. I have always been athletic but since I stopped training in a group setting as I did when playing soccer, I just could not get motivated enough to keep the level intensity on my own. Once I started Crossfit, I couldn't wait until the next WOD. What is your favorite WOD/movement? Basically any movement that incorporates Cleans, squat cleans, presses mixed with some cardio in short bursts is great! Something like the Saturday October 28th 2017 WOD. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Hard to say - if I'm feeling well, there is nothing I don't like. Though, due to my shoulder immobility, any incorporation of snatches or overhead squats in a WOD I can live without. For strength training, both exercises are fine. Oh, and I don't care much for the bike 😉 What would your perfect WOD look like? I don't know, maybe a 15 minute AMRAP of 8 squat cleans, 6 HSPU, 4 shuttle runs, 1 rope climb. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? When I first started and saw others clean 135lb, I wished I could do that. Now, I can actually stick to a prescribed WOD that includes that weight. But, the biggest thing that CrossFit has given me is the mental strength - not just in the box with finishing the WODs but in life with finish some tough tasks. What motivates you to stay fit? I have one body, life does not stop and if I don't take care of my body the body won't take care of me. That's it - I think it's that simple. I am very grateful for this! What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? ha! I think there is a lot of things but I do speak 5 languages. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Take care of your body and the environment! Stay positive and try to be empathetic. Shannon Stordahl Preferred Name: Shannon
Age: Take your best guess and I’ll let you know if you’re right 😊 Where did you grow up? I moved around a little. I was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and was there until half way through my 7th grade year. My family moved to Milwaukee and I was there until I completed 8th grade and then we moved to Minnesota. I’ve called MN home ever since. When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? Hmmmmmm…..I started about 3.5 years ago (I think – it’s all a big blur), then I took a break (Yoga was calling my name) and then I came back about a two years ago and haven’t looked back. What do you do when you are not at Mi5? My occupation: I had worked for Target for 18 years and I decided it was time to spread my wings so I recently joined TalentQ as a Search Associate – I get to find and match great talent with great opportunities. For fun: Hanging out with Matt (believe it or not 😊), our three Mini Schnauzers (Lucy, Jaz and Ria), Boating, Golfing, Traveling, Shopping, Reading, Yoga, ….. whatever the day might bring 😊 How did you find out about Mi5? My hubby Matt found Mi5 first, although when he told me about his first workout I thought he had taken a bottle full of extra crazy pills 😊 I think he’s been slipping me those same pills 😊 When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? Every time I’m working hard and having fun!! What is your favorite WOD/movement? Lateral box jumps or Back squats What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Burpees!! What would your perfect WOD look like? I’m a little more familiar with my worst possible WOD would look like. Essentially the perfect WOD is anything that mixes it up, challenges me and I feel accomplished when I’m done. What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 5K – I ran all but about 75’ of the Fall 5k – I think I walked at least 25% of it in the Spring. Yay me!!!! What motivates you to stay fit? I’m big on if I’m going to talk the talk I better walk the walk. Easier said than done. Ultimately I would say that the what keeps me motivated when the tough gets going are the people I work out with who push and support me 😊 Then of course the “side effects” – when my Doctor asks me how my energy level is and I say “I Crossfit 5-6 days a week – what do you think?” or when I can ski terrain in Colorado that I couldn’t before because of lack of confidence, strength, power or stamina. What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I used to have a pretty thick southern accent What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Commit, Be Patient with yourself and Listen to Your Body – no one is going to shame you into doing something that doesn’t feel right but we are going to cheer you on to help you go further than you thought you could and celebrate your accomplishments. This is a journey and it all starts by committing to trying, learning and accepting help. Bret Wiski Preferred Name
Bret Age 47 Where did you grow up? Born in Duluth, grew up in White Bear Lake (Go Bears) When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? April 2016 What do you do when you are not at Mi5? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) IT Manager for Hennepin County Community Corrections and Rehabilitation. Current hobbies revolve around raising my two boys MacLane (6) and Finnegan (2) with my wife Angie. I love to scuba dive, but it may have to do with the tropics. Former competitive cross-country skier, rower (Macalester College and Mpls Rowing Club), and mountain biker. Played adult recreational soccer, softball, and broomball until I had kids. Love to cook (former career in restaurants) and drink wine. How did you find out about Mi5? Brother-in-Law Pat Sewald brought me to bring-a-buddy day. When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? First class provided all-muscle group (good) pain. Second class put me in an ambulance (yup, I forgot I grew old and out of shape and needed to ease into it). Thanks to Andrew, Kristin, and Chris for helping me through. Their attention and assistance gave me a good feeling about the care of the staff. What is your favorite WOD/movement? I feel pretty comfortable Rowing. What is your least favorite WOD/movement? Assault Bike What would your perfect WOD look like? Anything that includes an obstacle course or the May 4, 2017 WOD (thanks to my partner Kegger): In Teams of 2 100 Cal Row 75 Box Jump Overs 24/20 100 Deadlift 155/105 75 Wall Ball 20/14 100 Burpee 75 Wall Ball 20/14 100 Deadlift 155/105 75 Box Jump Overs 24/20 100 Cal Row What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? More than one handstand pushup. What motivates you to stay fit? My family and memories of my competitive days (can I ever get back to those days). What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? I have a pair of K2 skis signed by Phil Mahre (my childhood hero) from when I had breakfast with him at my uncle's house in Duluth in the early 1980's. What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? Perseverance...stick with it and you will see results. It took a 6-8 weeks to see improvements and then the results start to come faster. The variety of movements and classes keep things fresh. Try each of the classes at least once and figure out what feels right for you. My favorite quote I learned from Tommy. "Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can't!" |
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March 2019
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