Gerry Cumpiano is our April male Member of the Month. He came across the LAB several months ago after seeing us on ClassPass and then following up with a gym tour. Gerry is a regular at our 4:30 p.m. Strength + Conditioning class where he works hard and provides plenty of lighthearted commentary. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Gerry loves playing golf and has noticed a uptick in his swing distance since joining the LAB. His goals are to continue improving his time, weight and form.
What brought you to enduraLAB in the first place? I was having trouble losing weight and hit a plateau. I wanted some direction, coaching and group classes.
What was your first impression? How has that changed? Everyone seemed pretty chill. The workouts sounded intense but doable, and I liked that I was competing with myself and not the people around me. Although I do use others as motivation. The LAB also didn't seem very "roided" out. All of those things are still true.
What was your first breakthrough moment? I played golf after being at the gym for two months and was hitting the ball significantly farther than I had before. Didn’t help hitting the ball straight though.
What are your current goals at the LAB? Improving in times, weight and form. I also have a goal weight and pants size I am trying to achieve by June. I am over halfway there in both areas.
What’s your favorite enduraLAB memory? Still a little too new to have a favorite memory, but finding all my maxes has been enjoyable.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about starting at enduraLAB? Do your research and find what works best with your schedule. The rest will take care of itself.
What is your favorite movement/lift? Least favorite? I don’t have a favorite, but I hate burpees with a passion.
Dogs/Cats? I prefer dogs, but I don’t mind cats.
Favorite Cheat Meal? Every meal is a cheat meal but there is something about pizza, wings and beer that rises to the top.
Favorite thing to do on the weekends? Anything that gets me outside and in the sun. Golf, hunting, tailgating and lounging by any body of water.
Our April female Member of the Month is Selena Lujan who was introduced to the LAB by another one of our favorites: Cami Fausett. Selena has always appreciated our friendly and encouraging environment. Her breakthrough moment? Hitting a 285-pound deadlift. Favorite event: the annual Memorial Day Murph workout. She is aiming to master strict pull-ups and run at least a half marathon. Her advice to newbies is that you don't have to be fit to start!
What brought you to enduraLAB in the first place? Cami Fausett introduced me to enduraLAB.
What was your first impression? How has that changed? When I first came in, I could feel the friendly environment and loved how everyone was encouraging one another. I was intimidated with the gym lingo on the board and all the weights everyone seemed so comfortable with (I had very little strength training experience in the past). The friendly atmosphere has not changed and I am now comfortable with the equipment.
What was your first breakthrough moment? When I hit my 285-pound deadlift max! I began with a max of around 150-pounds.
What are your current goals at the LAB? My first and foremost goal is to finish out this pregnancy as healthy as possible. After the baby, I have a few goals to work towards: I want to be able to do strict pull-ups and to run at least a half marathon.
What’s your favorite enduraLAB memory? My favorite memory is my first experience with the Murph event. Everyone was pushing themselves and everyone else around them to do their best. When people ask me about the gym I always bring up Murph.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking about starting at enduraLAB? Don't be intimidated with the movements or workouts. All the coaches are super helpful and want to help you learn the movement. You also do not have to be in shape to start! I was nowhere near the shape I am now – even being pregnant. I am stronger now than when I began!
What is your favorite movement/lift? Least favorite? My favorite movement is anything lower body. My least favorite would be the AirDyne!
Dogs/Cats? Dogs and Cats! I have a 5-year-old Yorkie-Chihuahua mix and a 6-month Tortoiseshell kitten.
Favorite Cheat Meal? Pizza and ice cream.
Favorite thing to do on the weekends? On weekends, I love to hang out with my 3-year-old daughter and husband. We either do things with jujitsu, going to the park or staying at home.
