Chelsea Koenig is our female Member of the Month for March. She loves the LAB for its supportive community that pushes her to work harder, without making her feel out of place. Her favorite group class is our awesome eL FIT, and since joining she has grown more confident about her overall fitness. Advice to newbies? Simple, just go for it! Don’t think you need to “get in better shape” before you start. Just start!
What brought you into enduraLAB in the first place? I was looking for a supportive community that would push me to be better, but where I also didn’t feel judged or out of place. I knew several people who spoke highly of enduraLAB and I’m happy to say I found what I was looking for!
How did you exercise before enduraLAB? I’ve always been pretty active. I play soccer, dance, do yoga, etc, but I was looking for intelligent, strength based training with more structure to help me reach my goals.
What healthy changes have you made since starting enduraLAB? I am more consistent with strength training and I’m also not as mentally hard on myself about how my body looks. I am where I am and I know I’m getting stronger and healthier, so I feel happier and more relaxed all the way around.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB? I’m currently in my second year of physical therapy school at UNTHSC. I’m still playing soccer and dancing as much as I can! I’m also married to a super studly semi-pro soccer player and we have four dogs, so I pretty much have to be on my toes all the time!
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB? I would say I’m more confident and more hopeful in my future fitness and abilities, which is probably more important than any strength or fitness test/measure. However, I do also think several things have improved – grip strength and endurance especially.
What is a goal you have set for yourself in the next 6 months? The next year? Mostly, I want strangers to be at least a little scared of me… I have a bunch of other goals that I should probably trim down, but I’ll say a sub 8 min mile, increased muscle, the ability to do 5 pulls ups (or more) and some weight loss would be great. I’d be really happy to learn some break dancing moves too, but I haven’t seen that class on the schedule.
If there was a workout named after you, what would it consist of? Probably kickin’ in teeth and breakin’ necks, so for safety reasons we shouldn’t have a Chelsea workout. Jk. But seriously.
Also, I’m cool with box jumps.
What is your favorite enduraLAB event? I’m still relatively new, so I don’t know yet! I’m looking forward to finding out.
What is your favorite enduraLAB program/cycle? eL FIT is my favorite so far and I love the buds n’ suds workouts too! I definitely still have more to try though.
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLAB? I would say just go for it and be kind to yourself in the process. The people here want you to be successful and they are not judging your starting point, I promise! Don’t think you need to “get in better shape” before you start. Just start!
Favorite cheat meal/restaurant in D/FW? I love food. Next question.
Where did you go to college? I graduated from UT Arlington with a degree in Kinesiology in 2010. I started the physical therapy program at UNTHSC in 2017 and I’m excited to graduate May 2020!
Elliott Lancarte is our male member of the month for March. Elliott came to the LAB initially as a drop-in, and has become a staple at our 4:30 PM Strength + Conditioning class. His favorite fitness activity outside of the gym is hitting the Trinity Trails with his dogs. What keeps him coming back? The coaches, different cycles and fresh programming. Fitness goals? You bet! Elliott wants to work on his strict pull-ups and complete a half marathon!
What brought you into enduraLAB in the first place? My cousin Leah invited me to a Saturday class.
How did you exercise before enduraLAB? Working out by just doing weights one day, then boxing another day, or just running.
What healthy changes have you made since starting enduraLAB? Learning how to lift weights and being consistent with my workouts.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB? Hitting the trail with my dogs and enjoying the outside.
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB? Being able to withstand intense workouts, lift more, row and ski more, being able to set goals higher each week or month, helping others in the gym, getting a little bit more in shape but I still have a long way to go.
What is a goal you have set for yourself in the next 6 months? The next year? Complete a strict pull-up without bands and complete a half marathon.
What is your favorite enduraLAB event? Beer Olympics
What is your favorite enduraLAB program/cycle? Strength and Conditioning
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLAB? Don’t be intimidated
Favorite cheat meal/restaurant in D/FW? Joe T’s and Esperanza’s
Where did you go to college? TCU
