Member Spotlight: Kayla W.
Kayla just completed the SPENGA Century RIDE Challenge and had the most miles in the studio (261!) and was vying for a top spot amongst the SPENGA national network. We love watching her WERK.
Q: What drew you to SPENGA?
A: As a few members know, I am still recovering from a triple tear knee injury from playing soccer which put me through six surgeries in a year time frame. At one point, doctors told me I would never be able to run again, let alone gain my full range of motion - meaning I would be stuck with this freeze knee, unable to bend for the rest of my life. Being an athlete, this crushed me and motivated me to prove them wrong. While I knew playing soccer again was out of the question, I needed to find another athletic outlet. Thankfully, I had an awesome athletic trainer (fellow member Christy Gunnells) who not only kicked my butt in physical therapy, but convinced me to try SPENGA - and I am so glad I did! Never did I think I was going be athletic again, but the bonus is that I have most of my motion back in my knee because of SPENGA!
Q: Can you describe a specific moment at SPENGA that stays with you?
A: There are so many moments to pick just one! When I first came to SPENGA I couldn't do a child's pose due to restrictions with my knee. I silently cried in yoga when I was able to push back and complete a full child's pose for the first time. It showed me how far I have come in my recovery and that by not giving up on myself. I am constantly improving.
Q: What most surprised you about SPENGA?
A: The community! I found my new "team" off the soccer field. I have been to gyms before where I was just a member and no one knew my name and I didn't have friends to go grab a coffee with after class or follow-on the gram, but I have that with SPENGA. The members and staff here are so supportive - whether it's bumping up that sweet spot, hitting some extra miles, or even just showing up for that early morning class - everyone is happy to see you.
Q: How has SPENGA impacted your life outside the studio?
A: You vs. You mentality has folded into my personal comeback story. Yes, I love The Jersey Shore and like Mike The Situation Sorrentino says "The comeback is always great than the setback." We seem to live in a world with constant comparison to others, and I *was* so guilty of that, especially when comparing my injury and recovery progress to others - it literally led me to be in a state of depression. SPENGA has taught me that the only thing that I have control of and should be concerned about is me. My comeback is only against myself and to keep moving forward I shouldn't be worried about if the person next to me is stronger, but if I am stronger today than I was yesterday.
