Discover the journey of Nipuna Perera at enduraLAB, where community and heavy weight training meet. From sporadic gym visits to a consistent routine, Nipuna found his motivation through group classes and expert guidance. Learn how he's mastering form, setting goals, and balancing his love for food with his fitness aspirations, all while embracing the camaraderie of the LAB.
What brought you to enduraLAB?
I am super motivated by having others to work out with. enduraLAB provides the most comprehensive group classes in my area. I also didn't want to do just HIIT and wanted something that incorporated heavy weight training. Also thanks to my wife for finding the LAB on Google!
What did your workout routine look like before joining the LAB?
Not very regular, on and off at a gym by myself. Lifting heavy weights and trying out different workout plans.
What healthy changes have you made since joining the LAB?
Going to the gym on a regular basis.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB?
I am a software engineer and I sit at a table staring at a screen most of the day.
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB?
The instructors at the LAB are well informed and trained on how to extract the most out of any workout we do. They are also very knowledgeable about proper form when lifting weights. I learned that I've been doing some workouts with incorrect form my entire life and with the help of the coaches at the LAB I've been able to improve my form and lift much heavier than I've been able to in the past.
What is a goal you have set for yourself in the next 6 months?
Start eating healthier. I am a huge foodie so this one is tough but the results will be worth it!
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLAB?
No matter what state of mind (mood) you are in, getting yourself to the gym is the most important task. It is also the hardest part. Even if you were tired and didn't really want to do a full workout, you may find that once you are at the gym you will want to finish a workout. It's totally okay if you don't though. You can always go easy. No one is going to force you to workout hard. I've found that seeing others in the group and at the gym motivates me to do something rather than nothing.
If we had a workout in honor of you, what would it be called and what would it consist of?
I am a big fan of leg day. Specifically, back squats. So any workout consisting of back squats (no lunges!) will do.
Favorite treat meal/restaurant in D/FW?
Very tough to pick, there are so many! If I really had to pick I would say a Chipotle burrito bowl with double meat.
Current read / podcast? Pump up song?
Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir / I don't have a preference, anything will do.
