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Name and age: Lisa Olson, age 33

Occupation: Part-time project manager, full-time mom

My favorite exercise at FGF is: Box Jumps. They demand complete focus, are undeniably effective, and provide an extra boost of adrenaline with each jump that doesn’t result in a bruised or wounded shin.

My least favorite exercise at FGF is: Turkish Get Ups (TGUs). There’s just something unsettling about suspending a 35-pound kettlebell above my head while fighting the coordination it takes to go from a standing position to lying flat on the ground. And back up again.

Tell us about your fitness journey.

I have always been an active person. I grew up playing sports, worked as a personal trainer and aerobics instructor throughout college, and became obsessed with dancing and yoga in my post-college years. But since the birth of my son (almost a year and a half ago!) my biggest challenge has been making time for exercise. Tending to a tiny dictator who has very strong opinions about meal times, nap times, activities, and whether or not he wants to stay in the gym-provided daycare (usually NOT), has made it very difficult to find even a short window for daily fitness. So when I DO find that window, I need it to be as efficient and effective as possible.

If you could tell your Farmgirlfit story in 100 words or less, how would it read?

I found FGF shortly after moving to Spokane two and a half years ago. I was searching for a consistent, challenging, and motivating fitness activity to incorporate into my weekly routine. My husband was working with one of the FGF trainers at the time, and passed along her rave reviews of the gym. So I checked it out and have never looked back.

What has been your greatest fitness (performance) accomplishment so far? Do you have a performance goal?

Running. I can’t even say that I have participated in any significant race (nor do I have plans to), but just the act of ENJOYING to run has been a huge personal accomplishment for me over the past two years. Prior to having a baby, I hated running. Despised it with a passion, actually. But out of pure desperation (running is one of the few activities I can do on a treadmill during nap time or behind a stroller with child in tow), I began a very gradual running regimen that has resulted in a genuine affection for the sport. My next performance goal is to supplement my running with biking and swimming and participate in a triathlon.

How has FGF helped you become more healthy? When it comes to your health, what goals do you have?

FGF has been the challenge and inspiration that I need to stay consistent with my workouts and disciplined with my nutrition. I love the monthly challenges they offer (no sugar challenge, weekly timed miles, etc) that help motivate me to stay engaged on the days I’m not at the gym. Goals for my health include staying consistent with workout and diet while improving my performance and avoiding injury.

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The camaraderie. Everybody is welcome, everybody is friendly, and we all seem to have a secret bond over the ‘misery’ we endure together. An added bonus is the fact that everyone has been incredibly understanding on the days my child decides he’d rather not hang with the other kids in the child care area, and instead spends the hour in the pack-n-play next to me in the middle of the gym…

How have you integrated the Farmgirlfit mission outside of the gym?

I’ve been eating better (thank you, No Sugar Challenge!) and am far more consistent with exercising on the days I don’t go to the gym. The inspiration I receive from co-participants during my two FGF workouts each week is enough to motivate me to stay active the other five days a week.

When you’re not pumping iron at FGF, what does the rest of your life look like?

Working or entertaining a toddler consumes the majority of my waking hours, but I try to make additional time for hiking, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, yoga, painting, Salsa dancing, and playing the piano.

Any advice for new members, or your fellow Farmgirls?

Don’t be intimidated; appreciate the inspiration that others can provide. There are some bada*$ girls at FGF!