Alexis Royeca

• What made you decide to join Strength Camp SF, and what drew you to our gym?

- For a while, I was working out at home using a fitness app. Even though it had videos of how to do the exercises, I didn’t know if my form was right. It was also boring to workout on my own. I eventually stopped and that’s around when I saw an ad for Strength Camp SF. I was interested in the 6 week challenge, but I knew I wanted to commit to working out for the long term. So I signed up for a membership instead. I had hoped that the class structure would work for me, and it has! Also, it had been a while since I worked out at a gym. I was nervous that there would be mostly men and not enough women. Fortunately, I was able to meet Coach Janet on my first visit. She approached me and was so friendly. I felt very welcomed and I was in awe of her arms! I was inspired to sign up after meeting her. Now that I’ve been coming for over a year and a half, I’m very happy with the amount of women that are in the classes.

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• What were you hoping to achieve or change in your life when you first joined?

- Self-confidence. I’ve come to understand that true confidence comes from committing to the process and not the results. I asked myself early on, “If I put in the work and my body still looks the same, would it still be worth it?” The answer for me was yes. If I judge my progress based solely on how my body looks or weighs, that can be really discouraging. I’ve been able to grow my confidence because I’ve consistently put in the work.

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• Before starting at Strength Camp SF, what were your top three fitness goals?

- Exercise consistently, grow my confidence, and learn proper technique.

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• What’s your favorite thing about Strength Camp SF, and what makes it stand out from other gyms?

- The coaches, the structure and the community have enabled me to become more consistent. First, I super appreciate the coaches; especially Jeremy, Pat, and Lisa have really worked with me to improve my form. I feel safe and very supported. I'm truly grateful for them! Secondly, I LOVE the structure of the classes. The entire workout is planned out, so I just show up and don't have to think about anything else. Lastly, I enjoy how supportive the community is. We may not know everyone's names, but we cheer each other on. One time in class, I remember tossing a 75lb sandbag, and two guys were like, "That's too easy for you, go for the 100lb." I hesitated at first, but then I tried the 100lb and I was able to do it! Moments like that give me life.

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• Since joining, what achievements are you most proud of, and why do they matter to you?

- I'm proud of how I challenge myself. When choosing weights, I go heavy. I ask myself "Can I lift this?" Often, I can lift it & I get so pumped! Even the times when I try and fail, I'm proud that I went for it and have no regrets. I'm proud of myself that I'm not afraid to try. It really takes a while for something to become a habit. I used to come just 2-3 days a week, and now I come 4-5 days. I genuinely look forward to coming to the gym, as it's become a part of my lifestyle. I'm very proud that I'm able to say that!

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• What compliments or positive feedback have you received since joining Strength Camp SF?

- Recently, I've had both men and women come up to me and said that I've impressed them. I've gotten fist bumps of respect! A woman came up to me at the end of class and was like, "You inspired me! I saw how much you lifted, so I went for a heavier weight too." I love that! If I can inspire people like how Coach Janet inspired me, it's a beautiful, full circle moment.

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• What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your journey?

- Coach Lisa told me one time, “Comparison is the thief of gains." I'm working on honoring where I'm at and comparing myself less. When I see someone move in a way that I can't, I honestly get a little jealous. I feel disappointed that I'm not able to do what this other person can. But if I actually tried to lift or move in a way like someone else, I could really injure myself. That's the last thing I want. I'm getting better at re-framing my thoughts and trying to be more inspired than anything. Other people are showing me what's possible. I recognize that we're all at different stages in our fitness journey. It's a disservice to compare myself with someone else. At the end of the day, I appreciate my body and what it is able to do.

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• Who do you think would benefit most from joining Strength Camp SF, and why?

- People who want their workouts to be simplified and efficient. If I worked out by myself, I'd have to think about what exercises to do, how many reps and at what weight. All of that is planned out at Strength Camp SF, so I can focus all my energy on the workout itself. I overheard someone say, "I get more out of 1 hour here than I do working out 2 hours by myself." I agree 100%.

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• Is there anything you would change or improve about Strength Camp SF to make the experience better for you?

- I really enjoy all the graffiti. I just wish I knew what it said.

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• What does “growing stronger” mean to you?

- Commit to the process, not the result. You'll continue to grow with cumulative and consistent effort.