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!)