February 2016

We are excited to announce our first athlete of the month is Dana Jenick. Dana started with us when we first opened up and has been working hard ever since we first met her. She always comes in with a smile and has a positive attitude. Her positive energy is contagious and we feel very fortunate to have her in our gym.

Please tell us about yourself.

We live in such a great place and I am very fortunate to enjoy so many outdoor activities, we; ski, snowmobile, cross country ski, snow shoe, horseback ride, bike, hike, maybe even try stand up paddle boarding this year? I have a great husband, John (who also comes to Defiance for Cory’s killer workout), and we have a horse (Dundee), a mule (Lily), 2 dogs (labs – yikes Jellybean and Popsicle) and 2 cats (Mellow and The Berzerker), we live on a small ranch just north of New Castle. We are from Michigan, near Detroit, the motor city and also enjoy classic muscle cars. Most of the time we feel like the luckiest people in the world! Oh, and I am proud to mention that we have been married for 28 years!

When did you become a member at Defiance West?

April 2015. My workout regimen was not cutting it, I needed something new, more challenging, I needed my body to stay strong and fit and so I could enjoy all of the things I love to do.

What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now?

I saw a small ad in the Post Independent, called the number, got Cory’s voicemail and hung up. I knew a little bit about high intensity and interval workouts, heard some negative stories about injuries and the athleticism required for these workouts and changed my mind…..it was not for me, I guess. Then, Cory called me right back and I asked all of the questions, told him my age, fitness level, strength, ability and he convinced me to come in and give it a try……HOOKED! First workout had me hooked. I loved it; it was exactly what I needed to reach my fitness goals. Now, almost a year later, I look so forward to the going to Defiance, not just for the workouts, but to see all of the other hard working, fit people who are so much fun to be around. Plus, I am getting abs, yep, can just about see abs now, whoo hoo!

What were your thoughts after your first workout?

After the first workout, couldn’t wait for the second workout….then I started scheming ways to convince John to join me, he’s not a “gym” guy, so I knew it would be difficult, but he too would enjoy it once he tried it. I got him to come to several Saturday classes and now he is hooked, this makes me happy!

What is your athletic background?

I am a local Group Fitness instructor, I still teach some classes during the week. I taught Zumba for a while (did it on a dare), it was fun, the music was great, it just takes a long time to learn the songs and to be honest, I am really not much of a dancer, but the cardio was fun . I have done triathlons, might do some in the future, who knows? Running was always the big challenge for me. I have always done something to stay fit but never considered myself an athlete.

What is your favorite movement or workout?

The most fun workouts are when we do a variety of movements, such as: cleans, dead lifts, toes to bar, pull-ups (I can do one unassisted that took 8 months of focus), sled pushes and pulls, 200 meter run, kettlebell swings, skiing, sit-ups, farmers carries and I don’t hate burpees…? I like team style workouts too; it gives me a chance to get to know people a little bit better.

What is your least favorite?

Wall balls, even though I think they are a complete total body workout, they kick my butt!

What has been your favorite or proudest moment since joining?

Getting my first pull-up! Currently working on two in a row! I should also mention toes to bar, I can do six in a row now, could not do them at all when I started. Also, getting John to workout with me, so much fun! He loves it. We love it.

How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness?