If someone would have told me ten years ago that I would be writing fitness articles, running half-marathons, and doing HIIT workouts in a group setting, I would have laughed and said they were crazy. Yet here I am doing all of these things, and I can’t remember what my life was like before.

When I joined Courthouse in 2009, my plan was to simply walk on the treadmill and do laps in the pool. As I began to come to the club more regularly, I noticed that the group training classes seemed like they might be a fun way to burn calories. For over a year, I would come early to get the prime back row spot in Group Ride or Group Power, where I would quietly complete each workout and sneak out the door without talking to anyone in the room.

After the birth of my third baby and an upcoming trip to Hawaii, I finally got the courage to ask one of the Ride instructors if he had any suggestions on how I could get rid of my remaining baby weight. This conversation led to a SECA scan and subsequent changes to my diet and the beginning of Spartan Training.

I initially protested the idea of interacting with the Spartan participants and trainer as long as possible, but the workouts were harder than anything I’d experienced and the desire to quit was real. One session, while doing body drags across the gym floor, I did not think I could complete the workout. I was ready to throw in the towel, when the girl next to me (who was strong, confident, and athletic) slowed herself down and began to complete the exercise with me, encouraging me along the way. Many years and many workouts later, I still think back to that day as a turning point in my own fitness endeavors. In one thirty minute class, I was taught the value of community.

This sense of community allowed me to experience success in training that I would have never experienced on my own. By committing to a training program and a weekly schedule, I gained accountability from my peers and trainer. It’s easy to skip a solo session on the treadmill, but it’s harder when you know your friends are training without you. I also receive encouragement and motivation that isn’t  available in an individual setting. My teammates push me to lift heavier, run faster, and work harder than I would by myself. I realized that workouts can even be fun in a group setting. There have been plenty of days that I haven’t felt like dragging myself down to the club for a training session, but once I’m there and the music is on, I find myself enjoying the camaraderie, competition, and the success that comes along with a great group workout.

Because of group training, I have allowed myself the freedom to think outside the box in terms of physical fitness. I began running on a regular basis for the first time in my life, completing two half marathons and multiple shorter races. I competed in a sprint triathlon and a Tough Mudder race with two of my closest friends (both of whom I met in that first Spartan class).  I was even able to step away from the group training I love so much and focus on individualized strength training for a season.

While my schedule no longer allows me to be committed to my 9am Spartan class, the group still holds my heart. I now find ways to squeeze in a workout with them as often as I can, stay connected and motivated through group messages, and meet for social events on a regular basis. The friendships I’ve made are exceptional, the hurdles we have overcome together are endless (literally), and the lessons learned are priceless. Had I not made the brave decision to take that first step, I’m not sure I would have experienced the success that comes with “fitness together.”

Jess Edmiston, Courthouse Fitness

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