Miriam Gunn

I saw a quote once that said "Your Body is Your Business Card"

—wow was that indicting. I'd had a rather large health adventure a while back (non-Hodgkins lymphoma) that truly messed with my metabolism, blood pressure, stamina—in short, prior to joining CVSC, I was a health catastrophe.

My daughter, Jessica, a DPT and cross-fit lover had been after me for YEARS to try this form of working out. Now, I am NOT an athlete and, unfortunately, have a pretty sedentary job (I coach high performers and entrepreneurs toward their preferred life). There came a day where I was so out of breath and felt like if I didn't do SOMETHING, I wasn't going to have a long and healthy life. Enter CVSC.

I found CVSC with a simple google search and I set up a consult appointment. 

When I first met Brad, he did such a great job introducing me to things I could do even in my super-out-of-shape level and gradually, I learned how to do each of the exercises correctly. I'm still learning.  

I think the second or third time I came to the gym, we jumped rope, something I hadn't done since middle-school. I don't think I could go even 6 or 7 jumps without missing and getting tangled in the rope and feeling breathless.  The other day, I did 67 jumps before I missed and 200 jumps in total! That was such a clear indicator to me that I had made some pretty large improvements!

The atmosphere at CVSC is chill. No one is yelling at you to do more. People are encouraging. It's easy to invite others. While my son lived in Cache Valley, I invited him to come and CVSC, which he did and loved. It became a fun way to connect. When the kids are home for the holidays, sometimes we all come to the gym. That actually shocks me, because the 'me of 5 years ago' would never believe we would want to do that. Each time I go, my husband asks "How was your workout?" and I always say, "Good!"—because it's true. Each time, something has gone well. 

I have been surprised to find out that I actually enjoy rowing. That was something I had never tried before. It is an activity that I can push myself with, or I can just "get in the zone" and do almost meditatively.

I have been coming to CVSC for just over a year now—and I would say it took me about that long to train my brain that going to the gym is not a debate ... it's just what we do now! 

My ongoing goals are to become the healthiest version of who I can be. I live on a small farm, and working out has made the farm chores easier. It's reducing my blood pressure and increasing my overall stamina. Recently, to celebrate working out for one year, I took a trip to Costa Rica with three 30-year-olds. I was gratified that mostly, I could keep up with them! I would like to be able to do that for the rest of my life-span—keep up with those I love, regardless of their ages. 

I like to travel for random reasons, like in the featured photo, I went to AK to try to see the Northern Lights. Staying fit is the best way I know to have the energy to pursue these goofy "quests" that I set out upon.

Advice for someone new: KEEP COMING. Don't be intimidated by other people. Just try the thing and notice yourself getting a little bit better each time.  I often tell the instructors: the win was just getting here. Everything else is a bonus.  Some days I push myself for a personal record in a specific exercise. Other days, my body is tired and I work out in a more measured way. 

Either is fine, because I'm learning to listen to my body and the only one I'm competing against is me.