Couples Spotlight: You don't have to workout together to be in it together

At Studio ME, we are privileged to have such amazing members who inspire us every day with their fitness journeys. This month, in honor of valentines and couples, we are shining the spotlight on a dynamic couple, Kristin and Kevin, who have found their home away from home at Studio ME and achieved incredible transformations. Their dedication, resilience, and support for each other truly embody the spirit of our community and I am so exited to share their stories with you.

Kristin was looking for a place where she could get back in shape without feeling intimidated and stumbled upon a Studio ME advertising board during a walk along the Mississippi River. Having tried three other gyms without finding the right fit, she was immediately drawn to the emphasis on 'functional' movements that was not crossfit. Starting with kettlebell and TRX classes, she eventually joined the bootcamp, which provided her the accountability she needed to keep showing up.

Just as Kristin was finding her stride at Studio ME, the pandemic struck. However, thanks to the efforts of our founder, Megan, home workouts were swiftly introduced to ensure the safety and continued progress of our members. For Kristin, these daily workouts became a “bright spot in some long, hard days.” Taking it a step further, she joined the demanding ME12 program when we finally allowed to back in person at 50% capacity, which introduced her to heavy weight lifting. The intensity and satisfaction of achieving new milestones in the gym fueled her passion, and she now counts lifting weights among her favorite workouts.

“I was doing things in the gym that I’d never imagined possible for me. Now lifting heavy (for me!) weights is one of my favorite workouts.”

What keeps Kristin coming back?

“I trust the coaches to push my limits, while keeping me safe. They meet me where I am, adapting my program to the ebbs and flows of my life outside the gym. In my past, I would have quit when life got stressful and hard, but now I don’t.”

Meanwhile, Kevin, a triathlon competitor and martial arts teacher, was in search of a fitness routine that would complement his active lifestyle and help him transition away from competitive sports. Encouraged by Kristin's positive experience, he decided to give Studio ME a try. Kevin’s first rowing class, Megan had the members take the rowers so we row by river. Talk about an introduction to Studio ME and rowing! With his experience as a competitive athlete and past experience with kettlebells, the combination of strength training, intensity, and rowing was exactly what he was looking for.

Then, the pandemic hit, and just like countless others, Kevin and Kristin found themselves working from home full-time with limited options for staying active. Kevin would come in person OUTSIDE our old studio to workout while others joined on zoom from the comfort of their homes. He even came to a -17 degree OUTSIDE rowing class. It was fun, cold and something we will never forget!

“Honestly, I’m not sure how I would have made it through that period if we didn’t have a means to workout and more importantly, connect with others for a brief amount of time each morning.”

Coming out of COVID, despite consistently working out, Kevin still felt dissatisfied with his body composition and how his clothes were fitting. Determined to make a change, he also enrolled in the ME12 program (only after Kristin did it first) and kick-started his journey to better shape. The program's structure and the support of his workout buddies, Tram and Carrie, provided the motivation he needed. Cementing his commitment, Kevin signed up for semi-private lessons to continue working on a customized program tailored to his goals.

Over the past couple of years, Kevin has achieved remarkable milestones through his dedication and the guidance of his coaches. From hitting a deadlift goal of 315 pounds to focusing on long-term health and mobility, he looks forward to enjoying an active and healthy life well into his older years.

“Now I’m focused on my long-term health. I’m turning 55 this fall and I’ve learned that if I want to be active and healthy when I’m older, I need to be active and healthy now. So that’s really my long-term goal, to be able to do things such as travel, go for walks, hike, etc even when I’m in my 70’s. So I need to work on strength and mobility now. “

While Kevin and Kristin don’t go to the same classes at the gym, “we have grown together because of our similar experiences. We cheer each other’s successes because we understand what we’re each putting into it. And sometimes we commiserate about our aches and pains after particularly difficult sessions.”

When asked what’s kept them at Studio ME for six years…

“What’s kept me at Studio ME for so long? The classes, the knowledge of the coaches, the atmosphere, the programming, but mainly, it’s the people. I’ve become friends with many of the people I’ve met at Studio ME over the past few years. It’s a lot more fun to come to class when you are having fun with the others in your class.”

Tyler (Megan’s husband), Megan (owner, Studio ME), Kristin, and Kevin at Top Golf Fundraiser for Colorectal Cancer Coalition.

Kristin and Kevin, I am in awe of your perseverance, strength, and commitment to your fitness journeys. They are a true inspiration to all of us and a great example of how Studio ME can transform lives, both physically and emotionally.

Congratulations, Kristin and Kevin!