Member Spotlight: Amanda R.
How long have you been a member of SPENGA?
I have been werkin’ since 2018!
What do you love about SPENGA?
Oh, there’s so much I love. But for starters, for me, SPENGA really was a life safer. I love it because it is more than just a workout for me. I joined when there were 17 sessions for $17 offer and during my first ride, I knew I was hooked. I took a chance on that offer because every other workout I had tried after having my first child did nothing for me. I got bored and wasn’t motivated and therefore wasn’t losing the post-baby weight I wanted gone so badly. I was a college athlete and my weight was never an issue prior to having a baby. I didn’t feel like myself. Aside from weight, I was also dealing with postpartum anxiety that I did not want to take medicine for and had no one to really talk to about it so I joined. I needed a place where I could step outside my comfort zone and forget about the postpartum anxiety, along with the fact that my first ever dog had just been diagnosed with cancer, and just devote an hour to myself. I am forever grateful to all of those involved in my 1,078+ sessions because I have learned how to be me again.
I have also made some good friends during those early morning sessions and surprised myself at what my body (and mind) can accomplish. I feel like a bada## after a session!
How has SPENGA impacted you outside of the studio?
Being an elementary school teacher, I need to start my day in a stress-free way. Although I never imagined working out at 5 a.m., it gives me such a clear mind to accomplish what I need to accomplish throughout my day. I feel more confident, stronger both psychically and mentally, and just ready to make the most out of my day.
Fess up, RIDE, REP, or REVIVE? Which is your fav?
If bike 13 is acting normal then definitely RIDE. But if it’s an EMOM day, then definitely REP. If bike 13 is acting normal and it’s an EMOM day then I am in heaven!
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Locally, I love to eat at Cultivate on White Street in downtown Frankfort. I also enjoy going to Yardhouse in Lombard or Wildfire in Oakbrook; they both have a great martinis!
What is your favorite healthy meal or cocktail?
I love to make turkey burgers (no bun), use some Noble Made barbecue sauce to dip it in along with some red potato slices sprinkled with Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel seasoning from the air fryer and a salad. I also love to make chicken breasts in the Instapot, use some homemade seasoning, and then use the hand mixer to shred and eat on butter lettuce leaves! If I’m not drinking water, then it’s Loyal lemonades or watermelon lemonades!
Best piece of advice you can give to someone just starting out their fitness journey.
Take it one day at a time. It may not be easy but if you stick with it you learn to love the journey. When you love the journey the goals just happen. You are able to hit milestones (maybe even ones you didn’t know were possible) as a side effect.
