by: Noah Huisman
photo by: Athena Pelton
If life is a book, A101 marked the beginning of a new chapter. I entered the weekend, a washed-up former athlete who had lost his “why.” And I left feeling like Fawkes – a reborn phoenix rising from the ashes, ready to write my next chapter (shout-out to all my fellow Harry Potter nerds out there). You see, for years, why I worked out was driven by the sports I played. As a scrawny kid appropriately nicknamed “Slinky” by his grandfather, I constantly worked to be bigger. Faster. Stronger. That was why I worked out for most of my life (that, and to try and keep up with my juggernaut of a brother). But three years after my football career was over, I found myself with a reconstructed shoulder and a litany of other bumps and bruises – falling into fitness monotony and lacking a sense of direction in my workouts. You could find me waddling in and out of Alchemy classes, strolling by without a why to truly push me through the gauntlet of an A20 riddled with movements I’d rather not do once, let alone 7,000 times (…burpee hang cluster).
But A101 changed that. It revived my “why,” and restored purpose to my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. It reminded me why working out diligently is, and will always remain, an important part of my life. It reminded me why I started coming to Alchemy in the first place. It enlightened me on why TQ concocts the workouts we grind through on the daily. And it solidified why I will continue to be a loyal patron of Alchemy – where fitness and friendship create an ethereal blend of science and magic fit for mystics (or, should I say, Alchemists).
I’ve found that, in life, finding these whys and anchoring myself in this renewed sense of purpose provides the perfect spark to set my soul aflame. A101, and the whys it dropped on me, were no exception. So now? I’m still a washed-up former athlete. But that’s fine by me. Because, in large part due to A101, I found my “why” again. I suggest you give it a shot.
Be well, my fearless friends. You’re more inspiring than you’ll ever know.
Ready to take it to the next level? Learn to move better, understand Alchemy workouts, break down some of the more complicated movements you’ll see in our studios and have a great time doing it. Hit up https://alchemy365.com/seminars/ to sign up for the next seminar!
