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Editor’s Note: I am currently going through the Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping 10-week program. I introduced my reasons previously, and this is part eight in a 10 part series following me throughout the program.

I’ve been asked a lot of questions about Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping and their 10-week program over this past month and a half, but one of the main ones that gets brought up a lot is what type of people go to the gym?

Despite me clearly being out of shape to start this program, some people have still thought it takes an athlete or someone well-versed in some martial arts to participate in the program and be effective.

I’ve gotten to know a few different people who are in my classes over the last few weeks, and I can tell you, everyone in the classes come from all walks of life.

I work out frequently and borrowed wrist wraps when I forgot them from a school teacher, I’ve worked out with a nurse, an engineer, members of Willowbrook church, police officers, and retired folks. It doesn’t matter what you do, what you look like or what your fitness level is, when you step into Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping, everyone is there for the same reason. There may be different goals for each person, but we are all there to put in the work.

That’s the great part about the gym. You know everyone there is going through the same stuff you are and you really start to build camaraderie with the people around you.

We ask each other about our nutrition, about our weekend plans, about our animals (if you haven’t noticed, Aly and I are a little bit crazy about our dogs), and just about life. It’s a great feeling knowing you’re not the only one struggling with different things and there is a support system for you.

Speaking of working out with people from all walks of life, we can add another type of person into that list: children.

Starting in June, Farrell’s Extreme Bodyshaping will feature a Monday-Thursday kickboxing, strength training and ‘mat chats’, which include nutrition and team building exercises for children age 9-15.

The program will last six weeks from June 12 to July 13, but can be attended on a weekly basis instead of the full six weeks. Owner Rhea Friederichs really wanted to let the community know that they care about starting kids early down the right path and making sure they form good habits at a young age.

Interested parents can call the gym to get more information and to sign up.

On a quick aside, Aly and I made a big step last week that didn’t have to do with our progress at the gym... we committed to the Farrell’s Infinite Transformation or FIT program.

It’s the program that continues on after the 10 weeks are done. We had debated if we were going to do it for a bit because although the gym has been a great tool for both of us, we were concerned about our dogs being home too long by themselves, but we came up with an alternative and committed to be at the gym for the next year!

So if anyone is thinking about joining, even as a 10 week member, I certainly can be a support system and answer any questions, and you’ll still see my face around the gym.

The FIT program does the same workouts as the 10 week members, except they have access to an extended class on Saturdays. Other than that, I’m going to be glad to see a new batch of 10-weekers and know that they can lean on me for any questions or concerns they might have.

We are in the actual home stretch now! We have just a week and a half of classes left before our final testing and end-of-program party. I’m so excited, yet so nervous about the final testing. I know that a lot of progress has been made, but it’s nerve-wracking to think how much or how little. It’s going to be an exciting last 10 days, but it also feels like the 10 weeks has flown by.

I’ll leave you with a picture of some of the friends I’ve made so far. And yes, I know they are all women, and yes, they could all kick my butt after these kickboxing classes we’ve been doing.

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