What is your purpose/reason for working out?
As an athlete, working out is much more than toning up and slimming down. I work out to strengthen my body, so I can perform at my best in my competition. I work out to build my muscles, so they can push me to run faster and work harder in games and practices. I work out to improve my stamina, relying on multiple muscle groups instead of just one so I can keep going. I work out to feel strong and proud of myself for what I’m accomplishing. I work out so I can set goals for myself and become a better athlete and individual. I work out because I know I only have one body, and I want to treat it with respect by fueling it and working it to the best of my abilities. I love how I feel when and after I work out, and I want to continue to improve.
What made you choose TS?
I choose the Training Studio because I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted to at my previous trainer. I dealt with many
injuries and I needed a place that would make sure I had proper form and would understand how to train a woman’s body instead of a man. I heard about Cindy’s “Train Like a Girl” classes from one of my great friends, Kelsey Gill, and I heard that Cindy trains girl athletes specifically, focusing on developing muscles tailored to girls. Once I tried one of her classes, I was hooked. I loved how Cindy focuses on doing the exercises correctly, so I they actually work and strengthen my muscles, as opposed to doing as many reps as possible. She is great at explaining how to do exercises and what muscle groups they work. She is also great at creating workouts that focus on both strengthening and preventing injuries. TS really emphasizes working the body as a whole, instead of just individual muscle groups, so that I can get stronger as a whole.
What services do you utilize at TS?
I work out with Cindy Geer, using her “Train Like a Girl” program. I love how I’m paired with other girl athletes who want to improve their performance in their sport and get stronger. Cindy creates workouts that are designed to help us athletes get better, all while making sure we prevent injury.
What milestones, accomplishments or goals have you achieved since joining TS?
Since joining Cindy and the Training Studio, I have never felt better! My stamina has improved greatly and I’m pushing myself in the highest running group on my college’s field hockey team. I can see a noticeable difference in my muscle definition and my posture, and I notice that while I’m running, I use multiple muscle groups to keep me going. I feel stronger, both mentally and physically, when I work out with Cindy because she designs killer workouts that always leave me feeling proud and accomplished. Before my freshman season at Northwestern, I broke my foot and really struggled with the long recovery I endured. But, with Cindy’s help, I refused to give up and she helped me get back on my feet, literally. She designed workouts to keep me strong and fit so that when I got out of my cast, I could return to playing sooner rather than later. I completed Level 4 of FitRanx on one leg, and I absolutely could not have done it without Cindy and The Training Studio’s help and support. I know I would not have received the same results at any other trainer.
What do you like most about TS?
I love the trainers at TS because they’re all so friendly and really care about you as an individual, not just as a client. I can tell they are really passionate about what they do because they focus on correct form and proper technique, as opposed to doing as many reps as possible but incorrectly. Cindy is a dream to work with because she always pushes her classes to work hard at every workout, no matter if it’s a hard-anaerobic cardio workout, or a strength day. I love how strong I feel while I’m doing a workout and when I’m finished. Cindy carefully designs her workouts to work different muscle groups, and I can feel a difference all over. She tailors her workouts to improve athletic performance and really understands and encourages dedication to improving our bodies, so we can perform well. I feel such a great connection with the trainers at TS and I can really tell how much they enjoy their work.
How long have you been a member of TS?
I’ve been a member of TS for about 3 years, and I’ve loved every moment!
What motivates you to continue working out?
I’m motivated to work out because I love seeing what my body is capable of doing. I love feeling accomplished and proud when I complete a hard workout because I know I’m improving and strengthening my body. I love how the culture has shifted recently and there is more emphasis on “strong” not just “skinny”. Being strong means so much more than being skinny or thin, because when I’m strong, I can do so much more and accomplish so much
more. I love to set goals for myself and working out helps me set and stick to my goals. I always look forward to working out with Cindy because I know she understands my future goals and wants to help me and her other clients achieve their goals and more.
Katie Esselman
