Category Archives: BEFORE AND AFTER

We are proud to announce this month’s Member of the Month:
🅔🅓🅘🅣🅐 🅐🅓🅐🅜🅘🅐🅝

Edita balances her full-time position at Lexus of Glendale as a Warranty Administrator then heads off to KEEN-Fitness to get in her 60minute workout! This girl has been to over 100 concerts, has a strong dislike for junk food and is a massage therapist on the side! To say she keeps “busy” is an understatement. 

We just had to ask, what kept her motivated because we all know it can be challenging! In our interview, Edita admits,

“It’s hard to motivate myself especially when I’ve had a long, crazy day at work, but when I see results and my clothes fit better, there is no other feeling in the world. I’m happier and more confident.”

There is no doubt Edita, self discipline and motivation can be challenging, but clearly you are in the zone!!! We are so proud of you! 
Edita joined KEEN Fitness in 2016 and admits to taking a hiatus for a year and a half because she “fell back to bad habits. Got lazy.“ Edita started up again more committed than ever in March 2019, and here we are six months later, 43 pounds lighter, training five ✋🏽 times a week. That includes “cheating on the weekends”. Edita is a huge foodie and said this change works for her. 

Keen asked Edita, “What kick started this discipline?” 

“I’ve always been on the heavier side, but I started noticing that my weight was really getting up there and I didn’t like it. I’m tall and I could pull it off, but I did not like the way I look. Also, I’m getting older and I realized I really needed to set realistic goals for myself for long-term results.”

Edita has really come a long way in her fitness journey and we are so honored to be able to witness her mind/body transformation. 

honored to be able to witness her mind/body transformation. 

How has Keen Fitness changed your perspective on working out?

“I have tried many different gyms including personal training the reason I love coming to KEEN is because of the motivation from the coaches and the members. We have become a family. I like the one hour of intense training then I’m done. You can say, I like to get my butt beat! Also, I don’t have to figure out what exercise I need to do for that hour. The coaches have already come up with a plan for that day. Regular gyms are always crowded and I don’t like that.”

We love your healthy approach while on this fitness journey and about setting realistic goals and also admire your focus on achieving “results that are long-term”. 

We really look forward to catching up with you again! KEN Fitness just wants you to know that you’re such an inspiration to many and proof that commitment does pay off!  Keep focused and keep strong!

So you know those people in your life, that are quiet, dainty, and gentle, yet you know that deep down, they are also bad asses with a lot of spark and a force to be reckoned with?  Well that’s Jennifer.  She is extremely kind, pleasant to be around, but if you give her a challenge and some dumbbells.. welp, she morphs into BEAST MODE real fast. I’ve had the privilege of coaching this lovely woman for the past 4 years, and I’m so excited to crown her as this month’s member of the month.  She is the embodiment of HARD WORK PAYS OFF! Love you Jennifer!

Congrats on being this month’s featured member.  Let’s start by establishing your age (just to get these youngins a bit jealous):
Haha.  I’m 41, Any Kids?  Yes! I have two littles.  A 7 year old girl and 5 year old boy. They take up so much of my energy, but as time goes on, they’re really getting better at being self-sufficient.  

How did you hear about KEEN? And what made you try it out?
I moved to this area about four years ago, and I was looking for a place to get back in shape after having my 2nd baby.  I had really stopped working out, and I had belonged to 24 hour fitness gym nearby, but I knew I didn’t want to go back there.  I wanted classes, so I went onto Yelp, and KEEN was the first place that I found. I looked at Ankeen’s profile and read her bio, and I got super inspired.   I decided to email Ankeen and try it out.  That was 2014 – almost 4 years ago actually!

What’s the biggest improvement you’ve seen?
Noticeable strength, hands down.  I feel healthier; I feel more active and energized.  For me, it’s about feeling healthy and being here long term for my family.

What was your first experience at KEEN?
My first class was the Fran workout, and I should have ran away and never come back. (Attention Reader:  The “Fran” workout is considered CrossFit’s most difficult workout around 😳). I came home and was crying from being so tired, but I thought to myself, “hey I got what I asked for”.  During the class, I just wanted to get through it, that’s it.  But now, I look forward to my workout. This place is a FEMALE POWERHOUSE full of positive energy.   Encouragement and good vibes all around. Always.

What’s one of your favorite exercises?
It’s not Fran for sure haha.   Probably any kind of upper-body lifting.  I’m trying to increase my upper body strength, and I love the Monday circuits, because it gives your whole body a workout all in one night.

Does your husband know how much of a badass you are?
He sure does – I think he notices the extra energy that I have now.  Interestingly, the energy I gain from working out consistently has transferred into my household, and creates good vibes in the home.  Now that the kids are older, my husband and I make lots of effort to be active outdoors with them.

Do your kids know you’re a badass?
Yes I think they really do.   My son is fascinated by me kickboxing on the bag, and honestly I think he likes seeing me beat up that bag.  Hmmmm.

What would you say about Ankeen and how does she influence your experience at the gym?
I gotta use that word “POWERHOUSE” again:  not only does she talk the talk, she walks the walk.  How she trains us, is exactly how she trains herself, so you know you’re getting the real thing.  On a personal level, she has given me so much confidence in knowing that I can push through something that is extremely challenging, both mentally and physically.  And then seeing you come out of it not only feeling ok, but energized from accomplishing that. It’s magical really.

Tell us something that we don’t know about you?
Well I’m planning to go through the training to become a reserve deputy sheriff for Los Angeles County, and had I never come to KEEN, I wouldn’t even be in the realm of being physically prepared for this.  This is a huge goal of mine; I’ve always been fascinated with law enforcement and I’m a lawyer now. The reserve program is something I can do while I continue practicing law as an attorney.

So can you give me a ticket once you’re a deputy?
Hehe no, I’ll most likely be part of the search and rescue teams (that is once I go through the training, graduate and get certified of course)

OK so can you clear a ticket for me?
Um probably not. Haha!

So speaking of being a lawyer, we see you multi-tasking conference calls and roundhouse kicks on the bag.  How does that work out for you?
You know it’s all about managing my demanding job, while sticking to my fitness.  It’s nice to have tools to be able to plug into work when I need to, remotely, and have an ease of mind that I’m able to fulfill my work duties as well.  Usually those multi-tasking events have been during less important calls, let’s leave it at that!

What  advice would you give someone who is hesitant to try the gym?
Don’t hesitate.  Just try a class, and have an open mind.  My first class was very tough, but I decided to stick with it.  You will get to your own goals as long as you are consistent and preserver.

Any routine outside of the gym that helps you?
I have a protein drink right after the workout, and I can totally see how it helps with muscle recovery.  Also stretching is very important – I mean I can’t do the splits or anything, but helps me be more agile in the gym

What is your food indulgence?
Chocolate chip cookies.  For sure. I can’t turn down a cookie.

So if I was in a litigation case against you… all I would need to do is bring your some cookies?
Oh ya, I’ll hand over anything you want and settle the case that second.  

What’s your jam right now?
I don’t sing well, at all, so I would be dancing.  I love any music that makes me feel like I can get up and dance, especially songs from The Weeknd.  I love his songs.

Restaurant:
I’m in love with this Korean teriyaki chicken place on foothill, called “Chicken Day”  – it’s soooo delicious. It’s addicting.  

I’m so proud of this month’s member of the month!  Melineh is the pure embodiment of perseverance, determination, and overcoming challenges.  Mel comes to the gym at least 4 times a week, if not more, and gives it her all.  Her results are clearly tremendous and noticeable, but I think what impresses me the most is that her level of commitment and determination hasn’t faded one bit.  Congrats Mel on being this month’s featured member!

Hey Mel.. first off congrats.  Tell us some quick stats on yourself?

I’m 35 years old, and I have a 4-year old daughter.
How did you hear about KEEN? And what made you try it out?
Honestly I drove by and got curious. thinking, “What is this place?”  I kept seeing women working out and honestly I drove by like 10 times before I finally made the decision to try it out (best decision I have ever made by the way).
What was your level of activity or fitness prior to joining?
I wasn’t really working out… on a scale of 1 to 10, maybe a 3 at best.  At first when I joined, I really just wanted to be healthy.  I wanted to get it together. I had gained a lot of weight, and I knew I needed a big change in my life.  I knew it was going to be challenging, and I had some fears, but I just knew I needed big changes in my routine.
What’s one of your favorite workouts?

I really like the boxing… definitely a great  stress release.  Your time to just break sh*T up ! … and just funnel that energy into a killer workout.  I like weights now too because of Ankeen.  It totally makes you stronger, and when they tell you you will burn fat throughout the day it’s true.  I actually feel myself having more energy throughout the day too.

Something we don’t know about you:

I’m an accountant haha… if you know me, that will probably surprise you.  Oh, also I have a set of identical twin sisters… they’re a year younger than me.

Dang your mom was busy huh!

Yes I don’t know how she did it.. I couldn’t handle it!

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

It’s totally made me stronger and healthier, and the friends I’ve made here are priceless.  Generally, I’m so happy.  Working out is a natural high for sure.
What’s your least favorite activity at the gym?
Oh my god RUNNINg… I hate it!! People who say they love running … I don’t understand those people.  BUT I understand that it’s so important for cardio.

What advice do you give people thinking about trying out a KEEN class?
Just do it… don’t be scared.  the people here are so great… don’t be intimidated.  My first few weeks, I couldn’t keep up with anything.  After a while, I got stronger and stronger.  Everyone here is so motivating.  And Ankeen… oh my God I thank God every day that I met her.  She really pushes you and has your best interest at heart.

I’ve had a LOT of trainers in my life…and no one even comes close to Ankeen.  This place is like family to me.

Do you workout with your daughter?

Ya she’s 4 years old, and I have her do squats and plank with me.  She actually enjoys it.

What’s your jam right now?
I’m all about rap… Future and Drake.

Fav Restaurant:   Rocky’s Fish & Poultry in Burbank… OMG best food ever.  Very clean and healthy… get the lemon chicken + brown rice.

Consistency.

Dedication.

Passion.

Determination.

Do you want to look better in and out of your clothes, improve your health, and perform better in the gym? If so, go grab your scale and get rid of it.

Seriously !!!

Whenever somebody tells me that he or she is going to get in shape, it’s always something like: “I’m going to lose 50 pounds,” or if “I can just get down to ___ I’ll be good.”

I’m here to tell you not to step on the scale anytime soon. Why? Because although picking a goal number for weight loss is a decent starting point (and definitely good to set goals), your scale certainly doesn’t tell the whole story and can send you on an unnecessary roller coaster of emotions (which I have to eventually deal with, haha!)

This is the PERFECT before and after to help validate my point. Here is a very committed KEEN FITNESS member, who never spoke to me in numbers but instead set goals that were not weight oriented.

What? Really? Yes!!! There is only a 2 pound  difference between both pictures, but a SIGNIFICANT difference in her body! A HUGE transformation, if you ask me.

So What Gives?  This should help you wrap your head around it more:

• Muscle is more dense than fat, and that’s why a woman who’s been training hard and despite losing fat , she hasn’t seen the number on the scale change very much, if at all.  It’s because she’s built muscle during her training. My client (pictured in this post) clearly looks leaner, more toned and more athletic. Good thing she didn’t let the number on the scale upset her!

Here is what she had to say:

Hey Ankeen! The picture on the left (eek) was taken early 2015 – yes, I took a couple of breaks lol – and the picture on right was taken a few weeks ago. Although on the scale Ive only lost 2 lbs, I have never felt healthier and stronger than I do today and best of all I have lots of energy to run after my kids. Thanks to you and all the coaches at keen fitness!

Use these tools as your new “scale”

• How do you look in the mirror?
• How are your clothes fitting you?
• How do you feel? Strong and healthy? Do you have more energy?
• Are you eating well? Are you training consistently?

Testimonials and Photos like this one from my clients just add to the daily passion I have:  helping women build strength and love for their bodies.

Just wanted to share with you all our latest success story out of KEEN Fitness.  Meet Mineli and Preny, sisters on a mission to get fit, healthy, and happy.  Well, pictures speak more than words.. so check out their transformations below.  A combined wight loss of 65 pounds between them!

What’s their secret? THERE IS NO SECRET!  You gotta stay consistent, dedicated, patient, and above all, positive!  #OURHOUSE

Lost 35 lbs!

Lost 30 lbs

Get Inspired by These Three Amazing Keen Fitness Members Who Worked Hard and Got RESULTS!

The girls at Keen Fitness have been working hard, and getting strong! They have been getting themselves here everyday with goals of feeling better and getting stronger! Let’s face it; looking better in the process is an awesome perk, too. Who doesn’t want results? Well, here at Keen Fitness, we have been seeing some jaw dropping RESULTS, and we are so proud of the dedication these incredible women have shown. It has been motivating and inspiring for us all to watch how committed each and everyone of the Keen Fitness girls are to changing their lives.

The best part is that we are having a lot of fun while doing it. The contagious energy that flows between these pink walls definitely keeps us going! Below we have shared three of the many amazing success stories at Keen Fitness. We hope that their stories will inspire you as much as they have inspired us. If you have been looking to feel amazing, get stronger, and look better than ever…then take it from these girls, and just start.

Teresa achieved her dream body by working hard at Keen Fitness, and dedicating herself 100% to her goal. This mother of THREE started working with Ankeen in January and has lost an impressive thirty pounds! Beyond the weight loss, she has built endurance and gotten much stronger. Teresa’s story has inspired us all, and seeing her come to Keen Fitness every morning and continue her journey reminds us of the amazing things we can accomplish.

Gohar is another Keen Fitness success story that helps us realize that our goals are attainable. Since joining Keen Fitness in mid February, Gohar has lost an incredible 55 pounds! She has said that her journey at Keen has finally helped her end a 7-year struggle with her weight. After making a decision to better her life and health for herself, she followed Ankeen’s lead and reached her goals. Gohar has said that Ankeen has “changed her life” and she is “a new person because of Keen Fitness.”

Keen Fitness is no stranger to brides-to-be who are trying to look and feel their very best on their wedding day! With her stunning wedding gown as motivation, Armine did not lose sight of her goals. In just eight months, this bride-to-be completely transformed her body and looked amazing and happier than ever on her big day! She could not wait to put on her gorgeous dress. Armine worked hard, and got results. We are inspired by her commitment!