Here at Northwest Fitness Company we don't just preach fitness, we live it! That's part of why we're so incredibly proud of our Gym Coordinator Kassee Anderson. Kassee has lost 75 POUNDS in the last year working with our head trainer Alex Godfrey! The best part? Her weight loss journey isn't over, she still wants to lose an additional 26 lbs. and 5% body fat. We'll be doing updates with Kassee on the first of every month to document her highs and lows because as we all know, it's a marathon not a sprint! We spoke in depth with Kassee about her journey so far, finding motivation and her vision for the future.
First Off, Who Are You?
I am Kassee Anderson and I'm the Coordinator for Northwest Fitness Company! I handle all of the background stuff here like statistics, emails and membership services, things of that nature. Before I joined the family here I worked as an office manager for a trucking company. I was actually a member at NWFITCO before I was hired! The passion started there and then developed along the way. I'm getting back into it, this isn't the first time I've tried to get everything back on track to reach my goals but this one just kind of stuck. Honestly I'm not sure what the difference was this time but being in the gym and the atmosphere here has made it that much better.
I've had other trainers that definitely helped me build a wonderful foundation but Alex, (NWFITCO Head Trainer - pictured right) for whatever reason, knows exactly when and how hard to push me. Alex also keeps me on track with nutrition accountability as well as the mental and emotional side of things. It's turned out to be incredibly successful!
What Advice Do You Have For Someone Who Has Tried To Get In Shape Before And Has Slipped Up?
Well I'm the queen of slipping up, I can tell you that! The one thing I'll tell you is "Just give it your all," keep at it! Some days are going to be good, some are going to be bad but as long as you keep going and show up.. I mean, this morning I was not feeling it! I didn't feel like my body could do what I wanted it to do but we just kept going, it was a tough workout but I did it and I feel amazing after. Don't let the setbacks hurt you, even if you're gaining weight when you're trying to lose weight or whatever your situation may be. Just. Keep. Going.
It's hard! Early on, there were a lot of things I couldn't do. It got frustrating when I couldn't do those things. There were moments when I was running to the curb after class and I'd have to stop and vomit in the bushes on the way back. You can edit that part out if you want (Editor's Note: Not happening). It was really, really hard. Mentally I was just frustrated that I couldn't do it but with the support of the right people and everyone here I was able to keep going. My goals slowly improved, I would be able to do something new physically and then I would change the goals a little bit. Inch by inch you just get there.
What Are The Perks of Your Current Weight/Health Level?
I'm at the part of my journey where I'm somewhere between being proud of myself and itching for more. So I'm not quite where I want to be yet but I'm also really proud of how far I've come! I'm down 75 lbs. and I'm gaining muscle as well as increasing strength. That's probably most important for me, feeling like a badass! I mean I'm flipping tires and I'm like "Wow, this is cool!". I'm aiming for 25% body fat which is about 5% away.
The biggest part of my plan forward is definitely Alex. I mean he's not only my trainer, he's my therapist when I'm having a rough day. He's my point of contact if something is affecting my workouts, if I've slipped up on my food, if I need anything he's always there to help me figure it out. At the same time he also knows that I'm my own worst enemy. If the scale doesn't go the way we want it to for a week he helps me remember that it's okay, we'll switch some things up and try again. These things are crucial and I think it's that support that's going to get me where I want to go. Diet, exercise and paying attention to what you're consuming, tracking your food is huge!
How Would You Say Working Here Has Impacted Your Fitness Journey?
I say that the whole atmosphere is very important, I have the ability to workout from home but I just won't do it! I do not do well working out on my own, I'm a Group X (NWITCO Class) girl all the way. I like having the drive of a trainer and having that guidance, someone who can help with form and tell me if I'm doing what I need to do to continue making progress. I've been a member at other gyms prior and this one just made it stick.
What Advice Would You Give Someone Who's Terrified Of Coming Into the Gym For The First Time?
Oh it's so intimidating, I can understand how that feels. You look around and see all of these people who are here and they've got this passion and drive that you feel like you don't have. But you can get there, honestly, it's just a matter of wanting it and focus. Focus on something in the gym that inspires you, for me it's when I walk in and I see awesome people smiling at me. There's no judgement, I would chat with people on the treadmills of all different shapes and sizes, the demographics are just crazy. I just want to say that you can do more than you think you can, just try. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. You may not make progress that day, you might not reach your goal in 6 months but you know what? You regroup and try again, as long as you're trying that's all you need.
What Part of Your Journey Are You Most Proud Of?
Good question! You know as a young girl I fought a lot with my legs, they weren't dainty Cindy Crawford legs. They were big, burly, muscular legs and I hated them! I was bullied and made fun of, it was traumatic. As I'm going through my fitness journey I'm realizing, you know, these are strong, these are amazing! I'm learning to appreciate the muscle, I actually love them now!
What Drives You?
I would say myself. I know that may sound selfish to some people but I want my son to see my drive and ambition. I want him to be able make changes, stay consistent and reach for something better. This is about me realizing that I have a lot of life left to live and I want to live it well!