Karen Midkiff and Jason Quinn are our adopted Aussies! All the way from the USA, Karen and Jason are here for a year and joined us in our Semi Private Sessions in October 2015. They have brought with them such an uplifting and motivating attitude towards each and every challenge our trainers have been able to think of! This power couple excel in such an amazing number of ways both in the gym and in their own personal lives.
Karen and Jason’s commitment, consistency and determination is evident each and every time they step into our sessions, whether that be in a heavy weight sessions or a cardio filled boot camp. The positivity that this dynamic duo shows towards even the hardest of challenges is remarkable, uplifting and inspiring not only their fellows athletes but also their trainers who have been first hand witnesses to their amazing progression and continued growth!
Sadly, Karen and Jason will be leaving us shortly to return to America so before we leave we wanted to present them with a long-lasting memory of being our June “Client of the Month” Award winners!!
Jason, being a busy surgeon has been hard to pin down so far, so here’s Karen’s story!!
What was your motivation to start training with us here at Red E?
My true motivation was to tap into the Mackay community and find people with similar interests. But also, because I no longer had access to dirt trails, I needed a way to stay motivated to exercise daily.
What were your goals?
I didn’t have many at first, but after being whipped by Damo at my first Saturday bootcamp, push-ups soon became a focus – that is, once the swelling went down! (haha!)
How have you gone with your goals? What achievements have you made?
I can do 20 push ups on my toes in a row! I’m not sure I could even do 5 before I started.
What benefits do you feel?
I literally feel and see that my muscles are more toned in my arms and upper hamstrings/butt. And I feel great knowing my arms and back are stronger than ever before.
What did you do to achieve your results?
Consistently showed up twice a week to my Semi-Private training sessions and did what I was told. 🙂
What permanent lifestyle changes have you made?
I’m hoping to keep up my upper body strength. Unlike my legs, I’ve never been motivated to exercise my arms on my own…which means I’ll most likely need to join a gym once we move back home to the USA! LOL!
Fave “clean” food: Chickpeas, apples with crunchy peanut butter, broccoli with caramelized onion hummus…I could go on.
Fave ‘not so clean’ food: Dark Chocolate Tim Tams!!
Fave exercise: Running
Most “Dreaded” exercise: BURPEES
Favourite Quote? I keep a list on my phone… here are a few of the ones that motivate me most:
“Do the thing you think you cannot do.”
“If you never do more than you can do, you’ll never be more than what you are.”
“Close your eyes and imagine the best version of you possible. That’s who you really are. Let go of any part of you that doesn’t believe it.”
“You are always living the life you create. If it does not feel right, create something better.”
“At any given moment you have the power to say, this is not how the story is going to end.”
“Though no one can go back and make a new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end.”
Advice for others starting out…
Get rid of your scales and focus on how you feel. I think I gained 3-4kg (or so, not totally sure), but I still fit in the same clothes!!
It has truly been a pleasure to have you with us at Red-E and you’re absence will be truly noticeable. Best of luck for your future in America, and hopefully we are able to cross paths again!
If you want results, and want the lifestyle consistency like Karen and Jason, start by requesting your complimentary consultation here!
