From the trainer perspective, Freestyle Fitness challenges are awesome. They offer flexibility for lots of schedules, they’re incredibly effective when you hit your workouts consistently and back it up in the kitchen, and they can be tailored to meet individual fitness goals. But today, we’re getting the challenger point-of-view. Meet Teri-Ann, a real live challenger who joined us in the summer of 2014 and never left.

“My sweet friend Jessica Timmons invited me to try the challenge as a way to train for a national biathlon competition we held on our home turf range at ASC last summer,” explains Teri-Ann. “I expected to have fun and get fit with motivation from some awesome instructors and that’s exactly what happened!”

Teri-Ann has been an athlete since age two, when she started gymnastics. She continued with the tumbling and flipping for another twelve years, then transitioned to volleyball, basketball and track in high school. Also in her athletic portfolio – backpacking trips and elevation climbs all over the Pacific Northwest, Nordic skiing, long-distance cycling and winter biathlon training. That last one involves skiing – sometimes uphill – with a rifle strapped to her back, maxing out her heart rate, then shooting at five targets and repeating the process four times. Intense stuff. And part of her year-round training? Total Body and Fighter Physique classes at Freestyle.

“Because of all my training at Freestyle with the challenge,” she says, “I was able to compete in three biathlon races in a row last summer – on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday – which is no easy task!”

Teri-Ann was quick to become a member after completing her challenge.

“Physically, I saw my hard work and ‘don’t stop’ mindset create muscles before my very eyes,” she says of her challenge experience. “I used to not like to look in the mirrors and now I find myself checking out my muscle tone. Mentally, I’ve always been stubborn so staying determined was no sweat. However, I look forward to and crave my endorphin high after every class. The challenge kept me motivated and coming back every day for my workouts. I secretly scope out the room – it makes me want to go harder, faster and stronger for my own physical benefits.”

And to those of you considering whether or not to join our Better Together challenge, which starts this Saturday, she has some advice.

“DO IT! You’ll find a family of friends and encouragement each time you come. The instructors throw down amazing talent and enthusiasm, which shows they love what they do. You’ll benefit in every way possible. Stronger muscles, stronger mind, endorphin highs, you’ll sleep better and want to eat better, you’ll make new friends and feel good about yourself. I have to say Freestyle is definitely an addition for me. I look forward to the end of the day when I can work hard, sweat hard and see my Freestyle family.”