1. What motivated you to start your fitness journey at the Union?

I attended The Friday Night Lights Event in 2023 to watch my wife participate. I saw athletes with different experience levels having fun, but also getting uncomfortable and I remember how that felt, and hadn’t experienced that in 9 years. My wife, Brian and Q told me to just hurry up and join and to get started with lifting again.

2. How did you feel physically and mentally before you joined the Union?

In my day to day, there wasn’t a regimented plan to follow. I was not eating the necessary protein for a “diet” and as a result my body was suffering. Working out was non-existent. I was aging faster than I would like and my body was suffering. My mental capacity took a toll, and I was not sharp like I previously was in the military. It was truly a domino effect.

3. Can you describe the changes you have experienced in your overall well-being since joining the Union?

I am more confident in the clothing I wear in my work attire and even in the gym. This has been something I had to be comfortable with. The other day I wore a muscle shirt for the WOD (work out of the day) and there was nothing but positive vibes from the coaches. When I say these coaches care about you, they truly do. The details are important to them, and they take the time to acknowledge this.

1. What motivated you to start your fitness journey at the Union?

We moved to San Antonio almost 17 years ago from Iowa. My sister was a member of the Union and that is how I got started.

2. How did you feel physically and mentally before you joined the Union?

I thought I was fine, but after a few classes could see how I could improve myself both physically and mentally.

3. Can you describe the changes you have experienced in your overall well-being since joining the Union?

I am toned up and more flexible from doing classes at the Union.

4. What were some obstacles or challenges you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?

The yoga was such a change from what I had been doing most of my life. I walked, biked, ran etc. but had never done yoga. Came from a small town and yoga was not an option.

5. In what ways has the Union helped you achieve your fitness goals?

My main goals are to be able to function and have my body move, squat, have good balance, etc. The Union is exceeding my expectations!

6. What specific transformations have you noticed in your body, health, or performance since becoming a member?

Well, I am 76 years old and I can still do standing head to knee. Some days better than other days.

1. What motivated you to start your fitness journey at the Union?

Prior to the Union, I had been a member at lifetime for over 10 years. I would workout regularly, but I was never really making any big progress since I would do the same routine day in and day out. A good friend from work had been trying to convince me to the Union a try and finally succeeded during an intro special. To this day, I’m so thankful I listened and took up that flyer and started my journey with the Union.

2. How did you feel physically and mentally before you joined the Union?

Before the Union, I felt in a normal routine that I enjoyed, but I really didn’t know what I was missing. I enjoyed working out early in the morning and starting the day off right, to clear my head, but working out alone meant I had to push myself which was hard to do everyday. Physically, I felt like I was in decent shape, but I was proven wrong after my first gym workout at The Union. Day 1 I realized what I was missing was a cardio/endurance component of my training.

3. Can you describe the changes you have experienced in your overall well-being since joining the Union?

Where do I even begin! Over the past year and half with the Union, so many aspects of my life have changed. The foundation of that change has been around the Union’s motto of “Community”. The 5am gym crew is my crew and I’m surrounded by so many inspiring, motivating, caring, amazing and of course funny people that always get me in a great mood before work every morning. On days I want to stretch and sweat, I go to the hot room and always leave clear headed, relaxed, stretched and drenched! The best yoga class for me is power yoga, especially the first few moments before class starts when the teachers often share an inspiring quote or story. I’ve met great people who were always encouraging and supportive and held each other accountable, including stick figure drawings of each other on instagram when we missed class. My good friend became a best friend as we continued to push each other to be better in the gym, and held each other accountable. He even was my best man when I finally married my Partner of 10 Years! The Union was so supportive and wishing nothing but the best for my husband and I, and I really feel like I belong here.