Member Spotlight: Justin B.
We LOVE our #spengafam here at SPENGA Dayton! We are thrilled to introduce our Member of the Month, Justin B!
You inspire us with your energy and dedication in session, and your kindness outside of it. Keep up the awesome WERK, friend! Here is a bit about Justin:
What made you want to try SPENGA in the 1st place?
I began my fitness journey a few years earlier, working out on my own at the Washington Twp. Rec Center and Planet Fitness … And had made decent progress in losing weight. I even made it to my goal of losing around 30 pounds and becoming more physically fit. But over time, my fitness progress and muscle strength plateaued. When the pandemic hit, I took up running and some weight work at home. My mom became ill and passed away — in part because she just couldn’t fight the illness that attacked her. I became more determined to double down on my goals. When Apple launched Fitness+ in Dec. 2020, I was intrigued by the concept of spin cycling (and mixing it in alongside strength training, yoga and other work). I honestly tried SPENGA at first, in part, just to see if a spin bike was for me; if I enjoyed the work and if one would be a good fit for my home. But it didn’t take long for the daily combination of SPIN=STRENGHT=YOGA to click with me. I enjoyed the challenge of increasing my sweet spot and the coaches were excellent at correcting poor form and habits in the strength room. Yoga taught me to stretch confidently and trust my body to relax, recovering more quickly, ready for the next challenge so much sooner.
What is your favorite part about SPENGA?
This changes day to day, but my favorite is the combination of the three. We get to mix high-intensity, interval cardio with strength training … And then finish off with recovery stretches — something all of us are guilty of foregoing when left to our own devices. Right now, I like to ride hills and lift heavy; and am getting more comfortable with TRX. But I still hate Little Method and the BOSU.
How has SPENGA impacted you?
SPENGA has helped me overcome hurdles since joining. First, I overcame a general apprehension of group fitness classes. I was never an athlete and just wasn’t sure I could make it through. But the idea of competing against yourself with the support of the team around you has been amazing. I was able to push well beyond my own fitness expectations while becoming comfortable with riding, lifting and yoga techniques I would have never mastered on my own. And when I had an emergency surgery in May, SPENGA, along with the immense support of my wife and kids, helped me rehabilitate and get back at and beyond my fitness levels within weeks. I’ve also been working remotely since November 2018, long before the pandemic. So to have a place I can come in regularly to see familiar faces, put in work, and build positive habits has gone a long way to filling the gap left by not having in-person coworkers.
Best piece of advice for someone just starting out on their fitness journey, or for someone interested in trying SPENGA.
I never considered myself an athlete. And there is an infinite amount of “advice” out there on the internet; along with different fitness programs here in the area. But SPENGA combines the best of everything. You get your cardio, sprints and climbs in SPIN; you get to work different muscle groups and the trainers will help you cater strength training to your experience; and yoga will have you ready to come back for more. If you’re beginning your fitness journey, or want to take it to the next level, SPENGA can get you there.
