Meet Noni Ahlfinger, an enduraLAB member who's not only transformed her own life but also inspired her son on his journey to play football at TCU. Noni's story is a testament to the power of finding the right fitness community. She traded in her one-dimensional weight training routine for a holistic approach, shedding 25 pounds, nursing her minor injuries, and even discovering her love for running. Beyond her fitness journey, Noni enjoys the camaraderie at enduraLAB, where everyone greets each other with smiles and encouragement. Learn about her fitness goals, favorite workout, and the playlist that gets her pumped up as she shares her heartfelt gratitude for the enduraLAB family's unwavering support. Get ready to be inspired!
What brought you to enduraLAB?
I learned about enduraLAB from a fellow All Saints football mom. She recommended the LAB to me and my son. We both wanted and needed more than what we were getting from our previous training situations. My son, Brant, started training with Coach Lee in the HS athletes’ program at the LAB. After getting to know Lee through Brant, I could tell that the Lab was different from what I had done before. I made a break from my former trainer and gave the strength and conditioning classes a try. Our training has definitely paid off! I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years and Brant is playing football at TCU.
What did your workout routine look like before joining the LAB?
I was “scheduled” to train about 3-4 times a week with a personal trainer. We only worked on weight training. I trained early and was more motivated to be there than my trainer. I had the will but not the right program.
What healthy changes have you made since joining the LAB?
I’ve made so many changes. I’ve made really positive strides on my cardiovascular health, and I’ve stayed strong. I’ve worked with Isis on my diet and water intake. I’m much more aware of the quality of food I eat and the amount of sugar I am putting in my body. AND more than anything, I make sleep and recovery a priority. This has made a huge difference in my ability to keep coming back and not get off track.
Tell us what you do outside of the LAB?
I work full-time and love spending time with my family. I love to travel and enjoy good food and wine (who doesn’t?). Anyone who meets me knows I’ve become a huge TCU fan! I’m at every football game and hope to take in some basketball this year.
How have you grown as an athlete since joining the LAB? Brag a little.
When I came to the LAB, I was very one-dimensional. I was only a weight trainer. I did NOT run anymore and I had a lot of minor injuries I was nursing. I didn’t prioritize sleep and I could NOT lose weight. I’ve really come into my own since joining enduraLAB. I started in the Strength and Conditioning classes. With the added conditioning and change in how I was weight training, not to mention Isis’ help with nutrition, I have slowly but surely dropped 25 pounds and many inches. I can run now! My knees don’t hate me and my shoulder is pain free. I think the best thing that has happened is that I am just so much more active in general.
What is a goal you have set for yourself in the next 6 months?
My focus right now is daily movement. Once I get in front of my computer for work, I don’t take breaks. Like sleep, I think if I can add more walks in the day, even for a few minutes, I can improve my health and mental well-being.
What is your favorite enduraLAB event or program?
I just enjoy the overall comradery of enduraLAB. Everyone is so genuinely happy to see each other. Members say hello, smile and ask about each other’s day. I think that sense of community is brought about due to all the special events and the nature of the workouts. You can’t help but get to know one another.
What advice would you have for a new person starting at enduraLab?
Don’t be intimidated! I’ve learned that most of the amazing athletes at enduraLAB became that way from the workouts you are starting. Scale your workouts to what works for you and keep coming back. Showing up is really 90% of the battle. If you just promise yourself you can do whatever you want once you get there, you will end up having a good workout.
If we had a workout in honor of you, what would it be called and what would it consist of?
I don’t know what I’d call it, but it would have slam balls in it. I don’t know why I love those things, but I do. They just work everything. I’d also include rowing, squats (kettlebell or some other form protecting my back) pushups and shoulder presses.
Favorite treat meal/restaurant in D/FW?
Kincaid’s Cowtown Burger
Current read / podcast?
I’m obsessed with 48 hours podcasts lately. I’m kind of embarrassed how much I know about true crime right now.
Pump up song?
Thunderstruck by ACDC!
Any final words or thoughts?
I’d like to thank the enduraLAB family. The smiles, “good mornings”, “great jobs” and even just the fist bumps in Sugarwod mean a lot to me. I’m one to be really hard on myself when I am struggling to meet a goal or have taken time off from working out. All of those little things help me come back and feel less self-conscious when I am at the LAB. Whether you know it or not, your encouragement is heard and much appreciated!
