I have my daughter Maggie to thank for introducing me to Shred415. She invited me to her induction into the 415Club in late 2021; timing was great. I’m a runner who enjoys cross training and I was interested in finding a new, post-Covid workout facility. When I showed up that Saturday morning, my primary goal was to not embarrass Maggie. I absolutely fell in love with the workout, but more importantly felt the sense of community in the studio that Maggie often talks about so often. When they offered a New Shredder promotion, I bought a package of classes and began to workout at the Hinsdale location.
Everyone was so welcoming and the energy in the studio was contagious. I was really getting into a rhythm with my workouts when in May of 2022 I learned I had an aggressive form of breast cancer. I continued to go to Shred in the early months of chemo and the Shredfam gave me the encouragement to stay strong and fight. Unfortunately, I had to take some time off to finish up my treatments and have a couple surgeries.
As soon as I got clearance from my doctor I was back at Shred feeling the love of the instructors, staff and Shredders. They inspired me to work hard to build my strength and endurance as I went from walking and using only body weight to where I am today – running and lifting at my pre-cancer levels. I recently had my 50th class and am looking forward to getting to 100 and eventually being part of the 415 Club. I will be forever grateful to Shred415 for being such an important part of my support system in my efforts to beat breast cancer. I look forward to continuing to build my strength and hope to run my third Chicago Marathon in the not too distant future.
