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? Gwen Thornburn

How old are you? 39

How long have you been training and how did you get started? 9 years- I wanted my body back after having babies.

What’s your sport and/or fitness background? Lifeguard and swimmer.

What’s your most recent sport and/or fitness accomplishment? How long did it take you to prepare? Being able to dumbbell chest press 100 pounds, deadlift 220 pounds and do a double kettlebell press with 79.4 pounds. All of this has happened over the last year.

What does a typical training week look like for you? Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I do my strength sessions, Thursdays are metabolic conditioning, combined with daily doggy walks and an occasional weekend hike or bike with my family.

What’s your favorite exercise? Why? Walking farmer carries – it is very practical exercise as I am the crazy person who carries all the groceries in and up the stairs in one trip and I feel incredibly strong.

What’s your least favorite exercise? Why? All. The. Lunges. Rear foot elevated, walking, reverse, forward… you name it, all levels of suck.

What’s the next sport and/or fitness goal you would like to accomplish? A 300-pound deadlift, a chin-up, and 120-pound dumbbell chest press.

Did you get any cool results from your training that you weren’t expecting? If yes, what were they? An amazing community of like-minded people. I look forward to coming in to see my friends. They make it fun to work hard.

Favorite movie. A League of Their Own

Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to. Why? Maui, the air smells amazing, the sand, the sun, the fun!

What are three things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island? Machete, playing cards, and a friend.

Which three words best describe you? Committed, strong, and kind.