Inspirational YVETTE CAMPOS

What inspired you to start your fitness journey? My fitness journey began 5 years ago at the age of 45 when I joined two good friends in a group fitness class.

It started more as a way to get "girl time" and socialize. It didn't take very long before I started feeling better and stronger. I started to see visible results from the weightlifting. In the past, I had joined gyms and mostly used cardio equipment. The free weight section was always too intimidating. Once I saw the muscle growth I was achieving from the little time we dedicated to free weights in the group classes, I was hooked! I decided I wanted a lot more time lifting and less time doing cardio. It was then that I decided to join a big gym and hire a personal trainer. My love for fitness quickly morphed into setting a goal of owning a gym one day. This year I took a leap of faith and closed my dog training business after 24 years and bought 3 Anytime Fitness locations.

How do you define your fitness goals, both short-term and long-term? My fitness goals have remained consistent for the last 5 years. Most importantly I want to be healthy and strong. I try not to use the words "skinny", "slim" or "small". I focus on "fit". I often set short-term goals relating to a muscle group. I'll focus on better abs, bigger glutes, or a more defined back. With those short-term goals, I'll work the body part extra sessions in a week. I also set short-term goals involving a strength gain. It can be wanting to hit a specific weight in a lift, like squats or bench presses. Or it can be a goal of achieving a number of pull-ups or sit-ups. My long-term goals have remained consistent. I look to stay healthy, fit, and strong. I want to be a positive role model for my 2 children. I want them to see my commitment (even when it gets tough) and my discipline (which sometimes wanes).