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Name and age: Shelli Spears, just turned 48!

Member at: Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation: I am a psychiatric RN/BSN. I take care of mentally ill legal offenders.

Tell us about how you came to Farmgirlfit: My friend Millie kept asking me to go. I would always tell her, "I am too out of shape" or "I am too old." Finally one day, frustrated with my responses she said, "Isn’t that the point of exercise?”  She told me I would love it. I joined shortly thereafter, and she was right!

What has been your greatest fitness/performance accomplishment so far?

All of it! Lol … seriously, so many things! I walked in barely able to do ring rows, couldn't run the block without stopping and I had never done an overhead squat or shoulder press in my life! The satisfaction of finishing a Grind and knowing I pushed myself to do better than the last time has been a HUGE accomplishment.

What are your next health and fitness goals?

After almost a year I have upgraded to an Unlimited membership. I guess my current goal is to be able to go five days per week and not die!! I have also lost over 30 pounds since joining Farmgirlfit and would like to lose 30 more. The best part is while I am losing weight my muscles are firming up too.  I would really like that to continue!

Who inspires you to be fit?

My friend Millie. She stuck with me when she didn't have to. She never left me to run by myself or lift by myself, even though she was at a higher level than me!! And all the women of Farmgirlfit who have high-fived me, told me good job — their support and encouragement have honestly meant so much to me. I wouldn't have stuck with it like I have if it wasn't for all their support and kindness! And now that I am close to 50 I realize how important eating right and staying fit is, and that it is never too late to get started!

Favorite exercise at FGF is: Is this a trick question?? Does anyone have a favorite? I guess I’d have to say squats. I started out barely able to do five in a row. Now I can squat ‘til the cows come home!! And the effect they are having on my backside?? Let's just say huge improvement!!!

Least favorite exercise at FGF is: That's a toss up. T-Push-Ups, I mean seriously?? Whoever thought this exercise up is a sadist, push-ups and raising a weight over my head while balancing on one hand? I just know one of these days I am going to fall flat on my face and knock some teeth out! And Turkish Get-Ups … the name says it all. Why after doing them so many times do I still look like a newborn calf trying to stand up on my new wobbly underdeveloped legs???

When the Grind is kicking my butt, I’m thinking…"I want a butt I could bounce a quarter off of and a 6 pack instead of a keg!!"

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is: Now this is a good question. When I first walked in I didn't know what to expect. I stuck to my friend Millie like glue all nervous and feeling out of place. God bless her for staying by my side until I was comfortable!!! Which by the way didn't take long, and here's why: being a plus sized female I have walked into a few gyms where people gawk at you wondering what you are doing there! I half expected that when I walked into Farmgirlfit. But nothing like it has ever occurred. Personally I think Jaunessa and Jenni are pure geniuses with what they have created at Farmgirlfit.  Their leadership styles (as well as the other coaches) are warm, inviting, genuine, educational, kind and respectful. They make you feel important the minute you walk in. They know you by name and watch over you the whole time you are there, offering advice and encouragement! This positive environment has fostered such amazing cohesiveness with all of us members that we in turn treat each other in the same fashion. It is represented by this incredible sense of community where we all come together working towards the same goal and cheering each other on every step of the way! Seriously I feel like I am a part of something great which keeps me coming back for more! Again, pure genius!!

Do you have a funny Farmgirlfit story?

I came flying in late one day to a very busy class, but just so happy I’d made it, until Millie kindly pointed out that I had my pants on inside out! Nothing to do but embrace it, so inside out they stayed and I asked the girls if they liked my new fashion trend. We all had a good chuckle that day, and now I get credit anytime someone has a shirt inside out…it happens more often than you might think, but rarely pants!

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

Well now that I am doing an Unlimited membership, I think that pumping iron is all I am going to have time for! But I do enjoy hanging out with my grandson, friends and cooking.

What advice do you have for new members?

Join!! And stick with it!! Don't you dare convince yourself that it’s too hard or that you can't do it because you aren't in the best shape or are too old, or blah blah blah. I feel better than I have in a very long time. Joining was the best thing I could have ever done for myself!