SkyeFitness Squad Highlight: Deb Pickering

I was an active kid and loved gymnastics and dance. I was upside-down more than I was right-side up when I was younger - all over the yard, cartwheels, side aerials and somersaults. I loved the feeling of being free and in constant motion. Over the years, good food, good drinks and losing my sense of motion led to achy joints, stiffness, poor balance, fatigue and mental fog. I have a love for yoga, stretching and pilates, but needed something more. My busy days as a nurse practitioner are filled with caring for those with mental illness, so taking care of myself is crucial! I felt a lack of confidence in pursuing an exercise class or joining a gym - then the epiphany occurred. A lovely lady told me, I don't "lack" anything. I needed to "create" what I was looking for, so I started on my journey to "create."

1) Why did you choose personal training as opposed to the millions of free programs online?

I was in search of something one-on-one and personally designed for my needs and challenges. Working with Skye at her studio is definitely an investment - but worth every penny and every drop of sweat! I found Skye Fitness unexpectedly while visiting my favorite yarn shop and boutique - One Lupine. Skye Fitness is located above One Lupine. I began to do some research which led me to following her on Facebook and Instagram. I had to get a feel for what she was all about and the studio matched my needs. After 2 months of sitting on the sidelines, I finally mustered up the confidence to send her an email and made an appointment to meet her in person. I donned my spandex and got to work!!!

2) What has been our greatest achievement since you've been working out?

There comes a point in time when the pant size doesn't matter anymore. What really matters is how hard or easy it is to get out of bed in the morning. My greatest achievement is the physical strength I've gained and the mental confidence that comes along with that. Feeling great inside and out is the best feeling a person can have. If we don't have our mental health - the physical health is meaningless! The mind/body connection is very real!

3) What advice would you give someone who is ready to start working out?

The obstacles will always be there - the stress will never disappear. Just do it for yourself! Create what you're looking for. We all have what it takes. Don't wait for the energy to magically happen. Don't fool yourself into thinking that the motivation will be there eventually. Movement makes everything better and easier!!!

4) What is a fun fact about you we may not know?

I love to write - but this was the hardest thing I've ever had to write - because its about myself. Thank you for reading this and thank you, Skye, for helping me "Create" and find my inner strength and confidence again. I will never be a gymnast again - but I can still have have the love of movement in a different away!

Thank you for sharing your story, Deb!