July Athlete of the Month

Congratulations to Erica Coon for being named the July Athlete of the Month. Erica is as consistent as they come, she has shown steady progress since the beginning, and has really been pushing herself to the next level in recent months. We are lucky to have her at our gym!

Please tell us about yourself.

I’m a wife, mom and 3rd grade teacher. Grew up in Basalt but discovered New Castle when my parents sold their home and moved here. Now, we all love this town so much. Can’t see us anywhere else. When did you become a member at Defiance West?

Right before school started 2 years ago. What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now?

I joined because my girlfriends and I had been finding Pinterest workouts to do in our garages and I was ready to try this gym we’d heard such great things about. I knew Cory and Cierra from the school and once I tried it I was hooked. I love having new and different workouts every day. I love the coaches and all the people! What were your thoughts after your first workout?

I’m in. What is your athletic background?

I’m a slacker in this department but I love to snowboard, hike, walk and bike. I run because I love my running buddies, not so much the running 😜. What is your favorite movement or workout?

I love deadlifts, squats and really anything leg. I have a love/hate w toes to bar and rope climbs because they’re kind of fun but still so hard for me. What is your least favorite?

Bench press. What has been your favorite or proudest moment since joining?

Hard question. I’m proud that my best friends and my husband and I can all work out together though. How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness?

It’s changed my life in so many ways. Before workouts were a burden or something to get out of the way. Now I look forward to them and hate missing them. What are your fitness goals for this year?

I hope to get some pull ups under my belt. Those are a challenge. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I went to South Korea for a few weeks after high school to help a friend coach a snowboard camp. I was in charge of the girls and none of them really wanted to snowboard so we sat in the lodge and sipped spiked hot cocoas and giggled. What advice would you give to people looking to get started at our gym?

Do it! So fun. Just think to yourself about all the wonderful ways you’ll move your body and that’s really what it’s all about.