Every month at True North Strength and Fitness we recognize the efforts of a community member that has broken new ground in their fitness game – either completing a significant event, taking their training to a whole new level, or stepping completely outside of their fitness comfort zone. We hope that by shining the spotlight on their fitness journey, you’ll be educated, motivated, and inspired no matter where you find yourself on your own.
Oh, and high-fives for the featured members are always welcome – because the world can always use more high-fives!
This month we’re shining our spotlight on…
What’s your name? Codi Darnell
How old are you? 32
How long have you been training and how did you get started? I’ve been training since January of this year. I needed to get my weight under control and also work at strengthening all the muscles that still function. I heard about the Rock Your Jeans challenge and was interested but because of my paralysis situation, I had to do something a bit more individualized. From that, I did my own 12-week challenge and haven’t stopped.
What’s your sport and/or fitness background? Growing up it was soccer and dance. As an adult, I did the odd Bootcamp and tried more at-home workouts than I care to admit. I was an on-again-off-again runner. After my injury, I had a hard time finding something I enjoyed. I was at a different gym for a while but I found the size of it overwhelming. Adaptive sports equipment is expensive which can be a huge roadblock in trying new things.
What’s your most recent sport and/or fitness accomplishment? How long did it take you to prepare? Does staying consistent at a workout routine for 4 months count? Every time I see my app tell me I’ve completed another workout I feel accomplished.
What does a typical training week look like for you? I try to get to the gym 3 days a week. Other than that we like to go for family walks a couple of times a week as the weather gets nicer.
What’s your favorite exercise? Why? I like push-ups. It’s nice to do something like everyone else. They make me feel strong and equal.
What’s your least favorite exercise? Why? Parallette Dips. They are really hard and I always feel like I should be able to do more than I can
Favorite time of the day to workout. I like working out in the morning–but not too early. I think it helps kickstart the rest of my day
What’s your most memorable personal record (PR)? Why? Being able to get myself from the floor to the red box all on my own. I want to be able to transfer from the floor to my wheelchair and never thought I would be able to. Achieving this floor to red box transfer was a huge (figuratively speaking) step in the right direction.
If you were a superhero, who would it be and/or what’s one superpower you would like to have? The power to heal people
Favorite movie. When Harry Met Sally
Favorite song. I have way too many but my go-to is “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel
Which three words best describe you? Stubborn. Sarcastic. Honest.
