Member Spotlight: Milena
1. What drew you to SPENGA?
The -ENGA, most definitely not the SP-... plus desperation. My workout of choice for years has been yoga (mainly Bikram & similar). I love everything about it, and although it was challenging in its own way, I felt like I sort of needed more. My workout was missing a good heart pump; I wanted to move fast & lift heavy. Fitness has always been an important part of my life. However, after having a child, priorities shifted, free time became literally nonexistent, and I could probably count on both hands the amount of times I've worked out in the past two years. I was weak, lost all muscle definition, gained weight, and was becoming more & more uncomfortable with it all. My sister even told me that my arms feel like her toddler's. No joke. I wanted to be strong and healthy for my son, and lack of exercise was definitely not going to get me there. So, when I finally got tired of putting myself last (moms will know) and get my butt into a gym, SPENGA seemed like a good fit.
I've honestly dismissed it for a while because of the spin component - seriously, how good of a workout can you get sitting on your bum!? - but decided to give it a go as it seemed to have everything that I've been looking for in a workout. I have to add, I've never been more wrong about anything, as I was about spinning. I get my butt handed to me every time I saddle up! Glad I took that chance!!
2. Can you describe a specific moment at SPENGA that stays with you?
Two particular ones. First being the first time I picked up the fifteen pound dumbbells and breezed through a workout with them. This was about two months in. Maybe not a big deal to many, but I seriously started with zero muscle. None. At that point, the five-pounders were a challenge and fifteen was seriously farfetched. That moment made me realize just how much progress I've made in the short time since getting back to fitness. Definitely a proud personal win.
Second is super personal to me and maybe unrelatable, but its when my sister recently took a class with me. We're twins and so we're obviously very close, and it was just really awesome to have one of my favorite people joining me in one of my favorite activities. She's a fitness junkie and also eight months pregnant at the moment, so it was funny watching her and her huge bump Arnold though the exercises. She loved the workout & I loved sharing that moment with her
3. What surprised you about SPENGA?
Probably how much I would love spinning! Then hate it, then love it again - viscous cycle, you all know what I'm talking about. Seriously, as I mentioned earlier, I had little hope for the spin part of SPENGA. I was part intimidated by it, part thought it was a waste of time. And as much as I curse under my breath every time my butt hits that seat, I'm hooked!!! I love the sweat, the heart pump, and that feeling of utter exhaustion when that ride is over. Seriously. It just makes me feel so accomplished to know that I struggled AF, but gave it my all and just did it!
4. How has SPENGA impacted your life outside of the studio?
SPENGA allowed me to feel more like myself again, which has had a big impact on my wellbeing. I'm stronger, healthier, and more relaxed. Although I had to make a few sacrifices to carve out that daily hour for SPENGA, it's incredibly important to have those sixty minutes to work solely on myself - nobody else. It allows me to get my body and mind right for the day, which translates into better human, better mom. Getting through the struggle of those sixty minutes reminds me that I'm capable of overcoming all of the hardships that I encounter in my daily life. Also, It's almost ironic, but being tough on my body during the sessions, has made more kind to my body outside of the studio. I find myself being more grateful for my body, finding more beauty in it, and fueling it better - and I really love that.
