Member Spotlight: Sonali
1. What drew you to SPENGA?
Like many, I was in a bit of a rut- I was looking for a change in my fitness routine, but didn’t know how or what that needed change was. Lucky for me, SPENGA was new to the neighborhood and I figured I’d give it a try. I loved that it balanced three core components of a work-out- cardio (SPin), muscle toning (strENgth) and stretching (yoGA)-I tend to focus on one over another but all 3 are really so important. Pair that with the friendly staff that was willing to answer my questions and ease my mind over any hesitations I had and a jammin music playlist voila- it was a perfect match!
2. Can you describe a specific moment at SPENGA that stays with you?
I actually don’t think I’ve shared this with anyone (until now) but I remember very clearly a day right after I started here at SPENGA. I think like others, I harbor a lot of stress that exercise helps to release. And like women often tend to do, I caught myself in a moment where I was giving to others more than replenishing myself. I finished an awesome spin and strength session and when yoga was winding down with the usual moment to reflect and “leave it on the mat”- I unexpectedly started crying-they weren’t tears of sadness, but just depletion. The tears dried up quickly as I took my quick cleansing breaths, but it brought more self-awareness to balance myself both physically and emotionally. I’ll never forget it and I try to check in with myself more often now as we all should.
3. What surprised you about SPENGA?
Honestly, I’m surprised how much support I get and how much fun I have here. You hear a lot about the You Vs You mentality which really sets you up for success and couple that with the motivation from those around me and the fabulous instructors, especially on days when that inner voice is loudly trying to hold you back. The crew here really works to make sure we’re having fun along the way- from theme days ( 90s?!-yes please- I'm still shooting for a Bollywood theme day..) to DJ events to happy hours and raffles-you almost forget that you’re working hard! And I’ve met many inspiring women (and men) in this tribe and made friends along the way.
4. How has SPENGA impacted your life outside of the studio?
First of all, it’s great for my kids to see me carve out time to prioritize my health and fitness. That’s a lesson in itself. But SPENGA has impacted me far beyond my physical fitness. Outside of being a working professional and mother of 3 school-aged kids, I have learned that I can do hard things-we all can, even when we think we can’t. I now use that to motivate and inspire my kids when the climb seems steep. My middle daughter tried the youth classes offered last spring and loved them- and nothing made me prouder than when she decided on her own that she too could do hard things and wanted to join the cross country team just to improve her running abilities by beating her own times- you vs you. No one better.
Climbing to the top, getting stronger along the way, and taking time to unwind and reset. All the metaphors of the work out here are simple life lessons. It’s changing you for the better just by showing up.
