“Whether it is watching a member accomplish a new goal, or listening to stories and insights from women who are shaping and changing our Spokane community, to raising beautiful families – each day I am thankful for the opportunity to get to be part of this empowering environment.”
Farmgirlfit Spokane
Criminologist
Although I had graduated from high school here in Spokane, I went away to college and just didn’t come back. When my position with WSU brought us to Spokane four years ago, I was anxious to get set up with a gym, as I wanted to find a “gym family” and begin to establish new friends and roots here. I had always belonged to a large, typical type of health club, and was actually looking to join something similar. A friend of mine encouraged me to try FGF and after a couple sessions, I was hooked!
When I belonged to the big box gyms, I always stuck to the treadmill and elliptical. I thought that was fitness. I stayed away from all the weights and anything with a bar (barbells, rig) for a reason – they were terrifying. When I first started at FGF, that bar anxiety was certainly still there, but the Coaches are so patient and the instruction superior, that I eventually came to love anything bar related. Now I get very, very grumpy if I don't get my five days of FGF in each week.
I was shocked when I was taught, and then actually able to complete, my first rope climb. Now, when I walk in and see the rope climb on the board, I grab my long socks with excitement and get ready to climb!
I am training for a Sprint Triathlon. Something that I NEVER thought I would say.
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
Anything that Jeni D. has playing. We are both children of the 80’s.
For those who know me at FGF, they will tell you that I love overhead squats and snatch progressions. I am just so low to the ground anyway (at 5'2") that I think they are easier for me. Heather and I joke about this. Quite a stretch for her.
My least favorite is the warm up. Let’s get going already! I want to throw around some weights!
I can do anything for… (insert a time or rep here).
I am inspired every, single day. Whether it is watching a member accomplish a new goal, or listening to stories and insights from women who are shaping and changing our Spokane community, to raising beautiful families – each day I am thankful for the opportunity to get to be part of this empowering environment.
We have 3 children, and when I get home from running errands, or have heavy lifting to do (while working outside for example), and I call for help, they say “But you got this Farmgirlfit…you’re stronger than me.” While that may be true, it never gets them out of helping with the chores!
Our three children are very active. Our son is 18 and ready to graduate from Cheney High School and will be playing college baseball next year. Our daughter is a USAG gymnast and trains 16 hours a week, and our youngest plays lacrosse. So when I am not at FGF, I am clearly driving kids around or attending sporting events. You can also find me teaching class at Gonzaga and WSU, or lecturing across the country and internationally on criminal justice reform.
Spending time with friends and family at our cabin on Lake Coeur d’Alene, out on the boat or hiking through the woods.
WSU Cougars! Between my husband and I, we have 5 degrees from WSU. We are forever Cougs.
I really can’t dance. In college, I thought I could dance (and would often), but of course, that was after several drinks.
I have figured out how to make a really yummy frozen fruit protein smoothie. Even my kids love them.
I have seen Pearl Jam in concert 27 times. And I hope to hit more shows soon.
I have many. Keeps me focused on constant improvement and trying to live a value driven life. I was just awarded the 2017 WSU Woman of Distinction award (Alumna category) for my work in regional and national criminal justice reform. I shared the stage with Sue Durrant, who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sue was one of just a dozen female faculty on at WSU in the 1960’s. She, along with two other faculty members brought the lawsuit, Blair vs. Washington State to extend Title IX protections to Washington state female athletes. It took 10 years, but in 1982, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled in favor of Durrant and the students, and extended the same protections to female athletes that males had enjoyed for so long. I hardly felt worthy to share the stage with her, and her legacy continues to shape women’s collegiate sports, including the women that come through FGF. Now that is a hero worth calling out.
The first few sessions can feel a bit uncomfortable, especially if you (like me) have had limited experience with weights/bars. Push through the feelings of doubt and uncertainty – you will find your Zen place with the workouts, will make new friends and find your healthy!
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