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? Janice Friesen

How old are you? 56

How long have you been training and how did you get started? Seven years ago I was given a gift certificate for one week of training and the rest, as they say, is “fistory”.

What’s your sport and/or fitness background? I never played sports growing up; when I was younger I didn’t like to sweat, imagine that! The only thing I participated in was gymnastics because it was part of our school’s activities.

What’s your most recent sport and/or fitness accomplishment? How long did it take you to prepare? Push-ups! I have been working on them for years and am now able to do FIVE in a row. That’s a HUGE accomplishment for me!

What does a typical training week look like for you? Kettlebell class on Mondays, training sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, metabolic class on Fridays and dance on Mondays and Tuesdays.

What’s your favorite exercise? Why? Without a doubt, heavy sleds. They make me feel SUPER strong!

What’s your least favorite exercise? Why? El Diablo (the Air Assault bike) because I find it uncomfortable to ride due to my height.

What’s your favorite time of the day to work out? 9:00 or 10:00 AM.

What’s the next sport and/or fitness goal you would like to accomplish? I would like to sign-up for swimming lessons so I could become a stronger swimmer. At the very least they would help me get over my real fear of water in my face.

If you were a superhero, who would it be? Mighty Mouse! Okay, I know I’m dating myself but he could fly and be super strong.

What’s your favorite movie? I have three – Flashdance, Ghost and The Notebook.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to? Why? Phoenix, Arizona. We take the whole family with us and make the best memories.

What are three things you would take with you if you were stranded on a desert island? (1) Doug, because I’m going to need somebody to do the real grunt work, (2) Toro and Rasper, my little French Bulldogs (need I say more?) and (3) my boat so we wouldn’t be landlocked and could go out and have fun!