Brock, one of my coaches at Alchemy asked me to write about any changes I’ve experienced through Alchemy. I will do anything Brock tells me to do. Basically, I will do whatever any of the coaches tell me to do. This is hard for me, I am a communicator and a figure outer first. To get healthier and stronger, I have to force myself to be a better watcher and listener. It’s working, though somedays I’m better at it than others.
So here goes. My evolution started at an Intro to Alchemy class where it was confirmed I had little strength, wind or flexibility. I didn’t look like an Alchemy member either – bigger, older, and clumsier. Really uncomfortable internal messages to suppress, but it’s possible and I kept coming back.
I joined Alchemy in November 2015 and have been a regular member since. I try to make it to class 4 or 5 times a week because I feel better mentally and physically when I do. Along the way I’ve started noticing changes in my body and mind. Some little, some bigger, but always surprising and extremely pleasurable.
So, in answer to what kind of changes I’ve experienced since joining Alchemy, here are a few of my highlights.
- Sometime in March, I learned I could do sit-ups. I went from none to 20 sit-ups in one A-10 class. My daughter was there to witness it and it was amazing!
- I know where and what my core is and how it helps me do what I need to do in class or in my back yard. Similarly, I can feel the power of my hips and understand what coaches mean when they tell me to use them to drive for power.
- I have muscles. My right bicep is bigger and stronger than my left and I want to fix that.
- Since joining I have lost 30 pounds. I’m not going to tell you this isn’t important to me, but it’s the by-product of my efforts not the main goal.
- My balance is improving. This is huge after spending nearly a year in an orthopedic boot. I’m not there yet, I may wobble BUT I DON’T FALL.
- Last week it was raining after class and I ran to my car. Amazing. Next, I let my kid’s bully me through a mile run in the neighborhood. I can imagine a future where I run for exercise when I can’t get to Alchemy.
- I can almost do a box jump. Today, I can clear 4, 45-pound stacked weights. That’s about 5 inches away from a 12 inch box.
- I can deadlift 115 pounds and regularly use a 30 pound torpedo and a 20 or 30 pound slam ball.
- Who knew? I love wearing Alchemy work out gearJ
My work at Alchemy is helping me refine who I am, how I carry present myself and approach aging. I love the thought of “the next change.”
Joanne is one of three Kaplan’s currently at Alchemy, her husband Ira and daughter Annika also attend. She also has two fine sons, a lovely daughter-in-law and a GRANDAUGHTER all living near her in south Minneapolis. She loves everything about dogs and frequently has too many in her home but support is on the way – her granddaughter’s first word was “doggie.”
