It’s a very special moment this month to announce our Member of the Month for October:  (Mama) Silva Alksanian.  She is a true hero for us, in all aspects of the title… she’s a breast cancer survivor, a woman who can accomplish anything she puts her mind to, a sweetheart we love, and a tremendously hard worker.  Oh … and she’s the Mama… now Grandma, of the gym.

Some quick facts about you:

I’m Married, I’m 52 years old, and I have 2 beautiful adult daughters.

How did you hear about KEEN? And what made you try it out?

Through my daughter’s friend 3 years ago.  I always worked out and I love a good challenge.  I love pushing myself to try new things.

What was your level of activity or fitness prior to joining?

Going to the gym, walking… nothing this intense.  I stuck with it because my daughter’s friend told my daughter “there is no way your mom can stick with it.”  That made me think “oh yeah, watch me!”  Out of our group of 3, I’m still coming strong to KEEN!
What were your goals when you first joined the gym?
My goal was to just do things I could never imagine doing: like lifting, pull ups… I LOVE the kickboxing. I do every move I can.  

Tell us why this month is so special to you?
This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this month marks the 10-year anniversary of my diagnosis.  I’ve been cancer free since my treatment, so 10 years now.  

Any advice to someone reading this who may be experiencing what you did 10 years ago?

It’s so important to eat healthy, live healthy through exercise and just stay positive and mentally focused.  It will help you get through this.
What were your thoughts after your first workout?
I thought to myself, “Yes I can do it!” I was so happy… I love to be challenged.  

You’re a new grandma right? How does that feel?
I love every minute of it.  I get to babysit and come workout every day – what can be better? I enjoy my grandbaby, and really experiencing every precious moment with her.
When you’re not at the gym, where are we most likely to find you?
At home… I love being at home.   I love to cook… Armenian food, Persian food.  I love to try new recipes all the time.  
Do you like the nickname “Mama Silva”?  You’re the mom of the gym…

Yes I love it. It makes me feel important and proud.

Tell us something we don’t know about you:
I love to travel with my husband… one of my most memorable trips was to France and Italy. The first year after my cancer treatment, when I was in the clear, my husband took me to Italy and Spain.  It was fantastic and unforgettable.

Has your experiences at KEEN affected your life outside of the gym, and if so how?
It gives me a ton of energy, and I’m much more active.   I have a lot of confidence that I can achieve what I want to do.  C’mon I’m more fit than my husband… he actually encourages me to come more often.  He likes me to be fit!

What advice do you have people thinking about trying out a KEEN class?
Everybody can do this.  It’s the best gym I’ve ever experienced.  Over the years, I’ve been a member at many gyms.. And Ankeen is such a special person.  She has shown me I can do whatever I put my mind to.  This gym is like a home… very welcoming, yet challenging of course.

Days that I can’t make it to KEEN it actually gives me anxiety.   I hate missing a day, and when I do, I make sure I’m back the next day.   This place is one of the best changes that happened in my life.  

Since you love cooking, can you share with us one of your favorite restaurants:  My favorite restaurant is Geoffrey’s in Malibu… anytime someone wants to go there I’ll go.   I love seafood!

Ankeen always pushes me.. today I get to challenge her!

We’re excited to announce this month’s Member of the Month! All of our members are bad asses, so it makes this decision a truly difficult one.  But this member has shown tremendous motivation, mental focus, dedication, and positive attitude from day 1.  Jen Lee, congrats on being this month’s spotlight member.  Checkout our interview with Jen below.

So let’s start with how old you are and where you’re from:

I’m 26 years old, and was born and raised right here in La Crescenta actually.

How did you hear about KEEN? And what made you try it out?

I went on Yelp, and found KEEN because I was looking for a good workout.  I was in a slump and and wanted to do something for myself.   I loved this decision… I never thought I could weight lift and be this strong.  Everyday I feel amazing after I come here.

What was your level of activity or fitness prior to joining?

I did pilates twice a week before I came here, but I never did cardio or anything strenuous.  Coming here I realized I had to push myself.  

So what makes you push yourself?

Uhhhhh… Ankeen..  Haha.  My biggest fear was people would be judgemental if I wasn’t doing things good enough, but the vibe here is not like that at all.  The members and the trainers are super supportive and helpful.  It’s such a great environment.

What were your goals when you first joined/started?

To get Abs!  And they’re starting to show… and of course to  become stronger, and I’m definitely feeling that.  I think I’m pretty girly, but I want to be strong nevertheless.

Considering you are now lifting 60lbs or more (actually 145 when you see the photo below…Ankeen is solid mass!), and by the way 60 Lbs is one of the heaviest weights being lifted at the gym, how does that make you feel?

Well I was always scared that if I lifted weights I would get “bulky” but that’s simply not the case.  My strength makes me awesome.  My body is more toned, leaner, and just more solid, and I see and feel it everyday.

We see you at least 5x/week in here, but is there something we wouldn’t know about you?

I’m a total introvert, and I like to be quiet.  Coming to KEEN is totally out of my element.  Oh and I’m a die-hard Bieber fan… and I’m not embarrassed to say that!

What were your thoughts after your first workout?

This is ridiculously hard and the trainer is on you!  But I wanted to come back because I never was excited to work out until I came here.

What’s your favorite workout?

Bear complex for sure… I never thought I would like lifting weights, but it really gives me a rush and it really requires mental strength.

When you’re not at the gym, where are we most likely to find you?

Probably at the beach.

Has your experiences at KEEN affected your life outside of the gym, and if so how?

I feel like I have more energy.  The one thing I look forward to on weekdays is working out.. And that positivity carries throughout my week.

What advice do you have people thinking about trying out a KEEN class?

Don’t be afraid.  Everyone was once where you are now.  You will be surprised how strong you can be, especially being surrounded by such strong and positive women at the gym.

You Fav Music: Hip Hop, and anything Bieber of course.  Oh and country music … I know I’m Asian, you’d never think it.  I secretly wish I was from the South. (check out Jen’s Southern impression below … love it!)