Shelley’s goals have changed since her twenties. Her kids are almost grown. Her daughter is in college and her son is a junior at McNary High School.

“When I was in my twenties, my goal was to be thin. Now, almost all of my focus is on my mental health. Taking care of myself and working out keeps me sane; it keeps me happy.”

Shelley says that when her kids were young, she worked out just to have enough energy to keep up with them. Now, Shelly trains to have a strong body and a strong mind.

“It’s a tough thing when your kids grow up. They want to spend less time with you. They don’t need you. That’s how it should be, but for someone who deals with depression and anxiety, like me, this transition can be extra difficult. That’s why being strong and taking care of my own health is so important. I want to be mentally strong so I can enjoy this time and not be anxious about it.”

In between medicine ball slams, Shelley shares her advice for any mom who might struggle with finding the time for self-care. “First, you have to make it a priority. You have to say this is important and then make a plan or schedule and stick to it. That’s why I love coming to Squad. I will always have someone waiting for me, a group who will miss me if I don’t show up, a group who pushes me and encourages me.

“It’s not the original reason I started coming, but I’ve made a group of friends here who I love seeing. I’m a very social person and coming here to workout has become a very social thing.”

As Shelley looks into her future, she sees two choices. One is anxiety. The other is excitement.

Shelley chooses excitement.

“Oh, I’m absolutely excited! I’m excited to go on trips and have adventures with my husband. I’m excited to have fun with my family, whatever we might do. It sounds silly, but every time I pick up a 50 pound kettle bell and carry it through the weight room, I think to myself this is how much a suitcase weighs. If I can be strong and carry this, I can travel anywhere, I can hurry through the airport and keep up with my husband and my kids. I can do anything. Oh my gosh, that definitely makes me excited.”

The best way to start getting strong? We call it Kick Start.