Athlete of the Month: Stephanie Chavers

Congratulations to Stephanie for being named Athlete of the Month for December!

1. What made you decide to join the Riv?

• I was looking for a way to get back in shape, but I found myself at gyms and not being motivated to do it on my own. I wanted to go somewhere where there were classes and people to interact with. My first trial class, although shy, already felt like I could be a part of the community. I signed up as soon as the class was over, and haven’t turned back.

• The Riv holds me accountable. When I miss a day, I know it and they know it. Because I am not just one of many. That has made me work much harder than I ever have, and I can see it in my body. I have always wanted Angela Basset in What’s Love Got to Do with It arms…. I’m getting there… I’ve done so many things I never thought that I could do. It’s not just the fitness, it’s the confidence that comes with it.

• My favorite workout….Hmmmm…It had to be one of the Ladder Partner WODs, those are my favorites. I love Partner WODs in general. Fridays are my favorite. I think my endurance has improved the most. The first few weeks of my workouts, I didn’t finish… and now I’m excelling and it gives me a new energy because I know that I can finish. I know I can do it.

• The people. Most gyms have coaches, but not my coaches. This community is the best. They are fun and encouraging. It’s not just about the workout, but they get to know who you are.

Athlete of the Month: Megan Williams-Stewart

• All of my life I was a competitive figure skater. Once I retired due to a labral tear in my hip, I needed something “outside the box” to push me to get into shape again. One of my skating friends (an original member of the Riv) kept telling me to join. So in 2014, I finally stepped outside of my comfort zone and joined. At first, I was VERY intimated by everyone there and what they could do but I eventually got over it and have never looked back.

• Not only has the Riv helped me reach fitness goals but it’s opened my eyes to having fitness goals in general. The dedication/commitment on my part, the motivational group environment, and instruction and inspiration from the coaches has allowed to me to get stronger, faster, sharper, and more motivated each day. This has lead to consistent and progressive results, and constantly drives me to push myself further each and every workout.

• I can’t name a specific WOD that has been my favorite but in general, I have enjoyed learning and developing new skills that I never thought I was capable of achieving. 

• My endurance and upper body strength! That was definitely my weakest when I started and has improved the most.

• Other than Kirsten’s dance moves… I would have to say my favorite thing about the Riv is the community environment, the positivity of all of the coaches and partner WODs on Fridays!