Mayli Perkins
How long have you been a member of Fit Chick Express and what brought you here?
I started in January 2015 (did the trial 2 weeks in December 2014) after Ann Hulet told me about the place – it was right across from my work at the time and so it was meant to be. I’ve done heated yoga memberships for years, and even tried a month at Crossfit in 2014 – but they just took so much time packing, driving, changing, working out, showering, changing, driving back, and laundry. I wanted a fast strength workout, and something that wouldn’t ruin my hair (like hot yoga) or teeter on snapping me in half (like Olympic weight lifting at Crossfit)
What has been your greatest accomplishment since becoming a member of FCE? I’ve gained weight and maintained it! I like to tell myself it’s mostly muscle. I haven’t tracked any stats though.
What keeps you motivated? What obstacles have you had to overcome?
Dancing into old age motivates me, and better moods and sleep from exercising. Every time I come to a FCE workout I think “My mom could do this! What an easy/different/new way to move. This is great, it doesn’t hurt. Oh good, there are options for down- and up-levels, thank God!”
My obstacles are planning snacks and meals when working out so I don’t get hangry or injured, and finding the time to come to FCE bootcamps between my various commitments with work and dance in Longmont and Denver. I am working on building my upper body and arm strength, and extending to my full height and arm length for dance. I’m reprogramming decades of rounding bony shoulders down, tucking skinny arms in, and trying to making myself smaller and softer.
I tend to get different aches and pains that rotate around – so the variety of movement here and strength building exercises help my body work through better alignment and body awareness for recovery.
What is your favorite part of FCE
I love that there are all ages, body types and abilities. Did I mention the down- and up-level options?
What advice would you offer to newbies?
Read the Fit Chick Profiles on the wall, they’re pretty inspiring. During workouts, if you tend to push yourself to the edge because it’s “bootcamp”, still try the down-level options. Don’t be shy, introduce yourself, and remind me of any upcoming happy hours or events so I can join you – I’m still learning names, too!
In one sentence how would you describe your experience at FCE.
I’m part of the FCE Movement!