Monica Pressley

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

- I kept reading that women needed to do resistance training with heavy weights. After looking at a lot of options in SF, an offer for a six-week challenge program at Strength Camp SF popped up online. I visited the gym, loved the energy and the fun, creative workouts. The people seemed so nice and committed to a good workout. Decided to give it a try.

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

- I wanted to be able to do everything possible. If I’m at the ocean, I want to be able to take a surf lesson.  There are fabulous hikes in the area and I want to be able to go on one at a moment’s notice. A long bike ride. Mobility, strength, and cardio health is so helpful for life. I wasn’t looking for numbers, competition, or visible muscles. But a workout that would help me live the rest of my life with movement.

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

- I did want to lose weight. Be free of pain and be comfortable in my own body.

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

- I still give myself credit for getting out of bed and getting to the gym. Targeting four classes a week makes me feel like I’m really giving myself the best chance of meeting my goals. And I did take that surf lesson, do that century bike ride, and go on that hike.

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

- Women say, “yeah I know I should be lifting weights.” 

- Men say, “you look fit.” 

- Friends say, “I’m so glad you are doing this for yourself.”

- My mother says I look great.

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

- I’m afraid to get hurt, so sometimes I hold back. Slow progress is a bit challenging, but the coaches are great about positive reinforcement. The biggest challenge is putting the shoes on and getting there; once I’m there it’s all good.

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• What does “growing stronger” mean to you?

- Pushing myself. Gaining more confidence to do everything. Ability to do a pull-up wouldn’t hurt.

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

- It’s so personal and so varied. Watching the group of women who work out here go into a strong woman competition for the first time was completely impressive. Seeing women who is trying to start to workout for the first time. I guess anyone who wants to get stronger, and is open to learning what the coaches have to share.

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

- I love the new noon classes. I love how the gym always seems to be improving. New equipment. New exercises. Parking is kind of a hassle now.

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

- The people, the coaches, the variety of exercises. The lack of judgement or condescension. I am an older woman who had never lifted weights. I walked into a gym with people tossing around BIG weights, hitting PRs, and looking fabulous, and I always felt welcome.

For me, the mix of guided workouts - not a follow-along class - but not working out alone, is perfect. Energy from everyone, but I work at my own weight and speed. The coaches track our form so we get the right results is amazing. The friendships, the energy. It’s a fun, yet serious place to get fit. Who couldn’t be happy flipping a tractor tire? My favorite mat is the one that says “this is my happy hour.”