by Jalisa Klein
Senior year of college I set a goal: to complete a marathon. Although no easy task, it sounds like a standard goal for many. But for me it was, for something bigger than just crossing the finish line. In 2008 I was diagnosed with a severe heart arrhythmia, which put a halt to all physical activity and left me with the choice of surgery or taking beta blockers (drugs to control my heart rate). I chose the beta blockers and was able to wean myself off of them a couple years later, slowing outgrowing the arrhythmia. That’s when the goal was set. I wanted to prove to myself that I was strong enough to overcome this setback and not be labeled “defective” for the rest of my life. By accomplishing a marathon, I knew I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
At the time, I was living with a wonderful group of strong, empowered females – one of which was Molly Hanten. She was also was training for the marathon (although not her first) and quickly became a training buddy when our schedules aligned. We would go on long runs together from Minneapolis to Saint Paul and eventually she got me into yoga as a means of cross-training. Molly quite literally opened my eyes to the world of group fitness and I haven’t looked back.
We, along with another roommate of ours (shout out to you, Nelly!) completed the marathon in 2010, in the same calendar year my goal was set. Since then I have gone on to complete a second (much better than the first J) and have also turned my passion for yoga into instructing the practice at various CorePower Yoga locations in the cities. This is when I really felt the urge (and real possibility) of turning a passion into a career. I love the feeling of helping others achieve their personal fitness goals and journeying with them on the process. Being in charge of someone’s workout is no small task and I take pride in the community that is built when you are in that space, sweating alongside strangers and friends. I truly believe that all states of health are connected and getting that boost from a good workout is the best way to set yourself up for success in all facets of life.
Two years into teaching yoga, “Power 10 Practice Classes” were popping up at the CrossFit in Northeast and I knew right away after my first class that this was something I wanted to be a part of in some way, shape or form. Watching a company transform and grow before your eyes is so inspiring. It allows you to see all the iterations, successes and failures which really makes you believe in the process. Now, being on the flip side of this evolving journey with such an amazing team gives me so much energy and inspiration to help shape myself into the best that I can be alongside this great community of athletes. Our bodies are capable of amazing things, and Alchemy helps people realize that every day. Alchemy has not only helped me to realize that, but has also challenged me in so many ways – physically in the beginning but now mentally as I journey into the coaching realm. This whole process has been truly amazing and there are so many quotes out there that I have found relatable, but I will just leave two here that will hopefully inspire others to Pursue their Legend as well. Living your dream is a game-changer people.
“We cannot become what we want to by remaining what we are” – Max DePree
“Always be a work in progress” – Emily Lillian
Jails Klein rocks the corporate life at Target during the day and coaches Alchemy on the week nights. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors with her fiance and their pup, Mr. Lewis.
