Millions of Americans suffer from gymtimidation, the
fear of facing judgment at a new gym. This
fear leads many to avoid the gym all together. However, Seattle Kettlebell Club
is a gymtimidation free zone, and long-term member Patrick Heraghty can vouch
for that.
“I think people are often fearful going places where there's a competitive nature, and they don’t feel comfortable,” Patrick said.
“I’ve always felt welcome since the day I walked in the door.”
Patrick gave Planet Fitness and CrossFit a try back
home in New Hampshire, where he worked as a traveling nurse, (he now holds a
position in Seattle) but he found it difficult to keep his fitness consistent. Now,
he has been with SKC for about a year and a half, and he says his first
impression of the classes were that they were the challenge he’d been looking
for noting that his stamina and endurance improved tremendously in his first three weeks of
swinging kettlebells.
“The coaches were
very friendly and helpful with your technique,” Patrick said. “Even though I
was a total beginner, I didn’t feel out of place.”
Patrick is an avid hiker, so one of his favorite parts
of moving to the PNW has been the easy access to trails in the area.
“Seattle Kettlebell Club has really conditioned me to
do more challenging hikes,” Patrick said. “I wouldn’t be able to do the hikes I
do now without this place.”
Since March of this year, Patrick has lost 17lbs.
“I like that there is going to be a different workout
every time I come, and that each time slot has regulars. If you go to different
classes, you get to meet different people,” Patrick said. “Even if it’s a
really hard work out, you feel like everyone’s going through it together, and
the coaches are all fantastic.”
Outside of the fitness world, Patrick enjoys cooking
and going to music shows (his favorite venue is the Paramount). He’s loved his past three years in Seattle, and he feels fortunate to be a part of SKC’s
inclusive crowd.
“I’m part of the gay community, and it’s
just very diverse here- people of all genders, colors, and sizes,” Patrick said. “You
don’t feel like you’re walking into a place where people are going to treat you
like a weirdo. You have people all tatted up, you've got guys next door, soccer
moms-It’s great!”
Feeling some gymtimidation still? Our Kettlebell Kickstarter is now Buy one get one free. Buy the $99 intro package for yourself
and get one for a friend! For more information click here.
-Camille Borodey
