Revel At Home Warriors: Catie Coulter
In March 2020 with COVID-19 beginning to be a very real threat the state of Oklahoma decided to shut down non essential businesses which meant no in-person gym time for our members. So Revel did what it always does and circled the wagons, hunkered down and tried to find alternatives to keep people active. Our incredible members rallied to stay a part of the community and took to Zoom. We gathered every Tuesday/Thursday night and Saturday mornings to come together as a community and sweat, something that Christina felt was really important in a time when we were all experiencing so much isolation. Even when the gym was able to open its doors again two months later, we still continued our Zoom traditions and even added additional Zoom classes to the schedule. It was just what we all needed to stay connected. And throughout this time we had dozens of members who truly excelled in our virtual Revel World and we wanted to highlight those At Home Warriors. So first up, meet Catie!
*Also just a side note, Catie recommitted to her health journey in January 2020 and has been full steam ahead ever since. She has lost over 20lbs and with the help of this community has continued to push herself past any of her initial goals. We are SO proud of you Catie and all you have accomplished!
Q: How has shelter in place been for you?
A: Okay? Ha! I am an extrovert and quality time is my love language so from that perspective, it has been very difficult. I am exceedingly grateful this happened in the Spring so we can be outside - a little vitamin d and fresh air does wonders for my soul. Staying connected with the Revel community and consistent workouts have also helped me maintain a (mostly) positive attitude.
Q: Are you working from home or going to work?
A: I am working from home 80-90% of the time - only going to the office when required. I miss going into the office...a lot.
Q: Has your schedule changed a lot from normal?
A: Not really. I've kept the same work schedule during the day and most of my evening meetings/get-togethers turned into Zoom meetings. I think the biggest "schedule" change is no travel time. It takes about 10 minutes to transition from work to on my front porch for a workout and then another 10 minutes to transition from workout to my Zoom small group meeting. It's allowed me to be a lot more consistent with my workouts!
Q: Have you been working out at home?
A: YES! I've been working out 4-5 days a week since the gym closed. I have to give a shout out to Debbie Robson who invited me to workout with her in her basement before the shelter in place order went into effect. Is was the perfect transition from gym to at home workouts. I'm a huge accountability person so that helped a lot in making sure I stayed with the program!
Q: What has been a surprisingly good part about that?
A: It's shown me that I can workout alone and push myself. I've been working on my mindset these past 5 months and being forced to stay home has given me the opportunity to hold myself accountable and be my own cheerleader in a lot of ways. I've become more determined to choose the harder option, finish the chipper and not rely on a time cap, etc.
Q: What has been the hard part about that?
A: I can't believe I'm telling you this, but it's hard not having a Christina warm up before the workout. I do a little of this and a little of that, but I truly miss having you get us prepped and warm for the movements. I also miss the pull up bar - I felt like I was making progress on that front and I am determined to get a strict pull up one of these days....
Q: What do you like about Zoom?
A: Community!!! I think the best thing to come out of this situation is how in some ways, our community has gotten even closer. With Zoom, our group text, and the Revel Running Club, I've gotten to know other members better. I had barely said "Hi" to Craig before this and now we've exchanged a few texts and run together. Becca put together the Jeopardy night for us which was great fun. JD makes funny comments in the Zoom chat box. I somehow feel more a part of the gym today than I did 3 months ago.
Revel is so grateful for all of our members who have stayed super connected during this time. I know we still have a long road ahead and a lot more social distancing but it helps to know you have a gym in your corner who always supports you and has your back. Great work Catie and everyone who is still working out at home!