April Athlete: Steven Rees Davies

Who is Steven?
I am 38 yrs old and probably your typical professional worker who is trying to balance an ever busier workload with an ever growing family (William is half way to 3 yrs and Louisa just turned 4 months). I have a wonderful, supportive and loving wife, Caroline (who has just joined Carola’s training sessions after seeing the results on me!) and believe that I have found the ideal physical fitness regime to fit into a seemingly impossible schedule. I want to ensure that I do all I can to maintain a healthy and strong body and mind so that I can continue to perform at my best for myself, my family and my work. For me, one of the most positive aspects of functional training with Carola and her team has been that I am encouraged to take responsibility for my own progress (i.e. I can work out at my own pace) whilst being provided with just the right level of encouragement and support to push me that little bit farther each session. I am doing things now that make me feel 10 years younger!1. How long have you been in the Functional Training classes with LifeThyme Wellness?
Since the first session of 2012 – 12 January.
2. What made you decide to try Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?
I was looking for something different and more enjoyable than my hourly routine at the gym and that would focus on core movement and strength AND that would fit into a busy work schedule.
3. What is your favorite exercise?
The lunge – it reminds me of John Cleese and the Institute of Silly Walks…
4. What is your least favorite exercise?
The reverse lunge – its just impossible!
5. What was your workout routine before you came to Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?
One or Two hourly workouts at the gym a week (a mixture of treadmills/cross trainer and weights).
6. Are you intimidated when you start a class or do you know that you can make it through whatever is on the whiteboard? For the first month I kept wondering whether anyone had actually died in one of the classes, but now I just get on with the regime knowing we are as close to a graveyard as one needs to be. It was tough to start with, but after a few sessions I began to follow your instructions and focus on the quality of the movement and exercise rather than the feeling of wanting to quit or how I might feel the next day. Now I look forward to the sessions – its my bi-weekly fix!
7.In what part of your life has Functional Training had the biggest impact?
Playing around with my children as if I was still a child and my wife commenting on how hard my glutes are!
8. Biggest functional fitness accomplishments?
Sticking to it for three months.
9. Future Goals with Functional Training?
Complete pull ups without assistance from the bands and to compete in a Functional Training Team in the next Island Challenge.
10. Favorite Quote/Saying in class?
“that’s it, your done…”

March Athlete: Krista Barnes

Who is Krista?
I am 30 years old with a great job and an awesome husband. Before functional training I felt like I put in half the effort to eat properly and exercise. Since functional training I am more adventurous with new workouts and exercises. My eating habits have improved and I am loving life!
1. How long have you been in the Functional Training classes with LifeThyme Wellness?
6 months
2. What made you decide to try Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?
I was looking for something different. The gym was not doing much for me and I was having a hard time motivating myself.
3. What is your favorite exercise?
Does foam rolling count? If not when we use the barbell to do squats.
4. What is your least favorite exercise?
Mountain Climbers!!!! and there are always so many….
5. What was your workout routine before you came to Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?

Spinning and walk/runs on the treadmill
6. Are you intimidated when you start a class or do you know that you can make it through whatever is on the whiteboard?

I know I can make it through but I try not to read the whole board at the start as to not get overwhelmed!
7. In what part of your life has Functional Training had the biggest impact?
On all of it! I have more energy, I am less tired and I am very happy
8. Biggest functional fitness accomplishments?

Push Ups!! (and snatches second)
9. Future Goals with Functional Training?

To stick with it and see how much stronger I can get. I also want to improve my endurance.
10. Favorite Quote/Saying in class?
Carola “I have a fun work out planned” definition I have an extremely challenging work out planned!
11. How did you enjoy the Island Challenge?
It was really fun! It’s a good bench mark to see how and where to improve as we did so many different types of exercises in the challenge.

Feb Athlete: Michelle Hodder
Who is Michelle?
I’m Michelle, a working mom who does accounts & blueprinting at Signworx Ltd. I enjoy sports, being outdoors and hanging out with my friends & family. I love joking around and having a good laugh, it keeps me young (at heart anyways haha), because life shouldn’t be taken so seriously. 

1. How long have you been in the Functional Training classes with LifeThyme Wellness?
I started in February 2011 for a few months, slacked off, then have been back fulltime since September 2011.
2. What made you decide to try Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?
A couple of my friends sent me info for LifeThyme Wellness’ 30 Day Challenge in Jan 2011 because they knew I was always looking for ways to try and lose weight. I thought this would help motivate me and get me in gear to start an exercise regime again and because it was a ‘challenge’ I was even more intrigued. Through the challenge I was introduced to the classes. Turned out to be the best thing I could have ever signed up for.
3. What is your favorite exercise?
Hmm………I don’t have one particular favorite but I like kettlebell/weights work…my upper body isn’t as strong as my lower so I feel myself push even harder when doing those.
4. What is your least favorite exercise?
It’s a toss up between Burpees and Mountain Climbers!! argghh!
5. What was your workout routine before you came to Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?

Mainly playing squash and cycling, some weight training off and on.
6. Are you intimidated when you start a class or do you know that you can make it through whatever is on the whiteboard?

A little intimidated yes, I find myself almost holding my breath in anticipation. But when I see the list, (I exhale..deeply), then I look at it as my mission and do my best to get it done. No sense moaning and groaning (unless completely out of breath in which case that can’t be helped hahaha). I feel a real sense of achievement when I complete the challenge given.
7. In what part of your life has Functional Training had the biggest impact
Biggest Impact? Losing weight which has always been a struggle!! And helped (along with diet) in lowering my cholesterol levels back down to normal…no drugs, something I never would have thought I could do.
8. Biggest functional fitness accomplishments?

Improving my strength and my stamina. Doing 210 burpees at one time AND signing up and doing an 8K… I would have NEVER done that! (before FT I was NOT a runner…well still not really but a lot better than what I was!) haha
9. Future Goals with Functional Training?

To continue to get stronger and fitter and keep my weight off. Also to beat my benchmark times I have set….all while having fun! Did I say fun out loud?? 
10. Favorite Quote/Saying in class?
You’re Almost Done!!!! 

Jan Athlete: Susannah Cole
Who is Susannah?
I’m Susannah, an autism consultant with Bermuda Autism Support and Education. I’ve always enjoyed individual sports like running and swimming because I like being competitive with myself, but I’ve never been much of a team player. I like to root for the underdog, so if my team is winning, I try to help the other team

1.How long have you been in the Functional Training classes with LifeThyme Wellness?
Since January 2011.
2. What made you decide to try Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?
I had just moved to Bermuda from Canada when I met Carola and Anne. I was missing rebounding (exercises on a trampoline) classes I used to do. I thought I would never find another class I enjoyed as much until Carola explained FT. I was immediately drawn to the idea of exercising outside. I also knew I would work harder if I had someone there to challenge me. Thankfully, FT has been even better for me than rebounding.
3. What is your favorite exercise?
I don’t have one favourite exercise; I have a favourite structure for exercising. I work harder during timed challenges as opposed to completing a certain number of repetitions.
4. What is your least favorite exercise?
It used to be burpees, but since both Carola and Scott have started challenging me to improve the form of my mountain climbers, they have become incredibly difficult to do.
5. What was your workout routine before you came to Functional Training with LifeThyme Wellness?
I have been running short distances of 5 to 10km for the past 4 years. I used to do Pilates and rebounding a few times a week.
6. Are you intimidated when you start a class or do you know that you can make it through whatever is on the whiteboard?
Yes. As soon as I look at the whiteboard I’m shocked by what we are going to do, but after class I am amazed that I did it. I can’t believe that every single workout is different (except the dreaded 12 Days of Christmas).
7. In what part of your life has Functional Training had the biggest impact?
I now realize that my body is capable of doing more than my mind thinks it can. During FT, I push myself harder then I ever imagined and I keep being surprised by what I can do.
8. Biggest functional fitness accomplishments?
I feel stronger at 40 than I have in my entire life!
9. Future Goals with Functional Training?
To improve in the benchmark workouts and challenges (Yes Carola, that includes 100 burpees in 10 minutes).
10. Favorite Quote/Saying in class?
“You can do anything for 30 seconds”