SkyeFitness Squad Highlight: Karen Campbell

I grew up in Massachusetts but have lived in Texas, Michigan, and since 2003 in Maine. My husband John in I have 3 kids, ages 24, 27, and 30 who are out in the world doing awesome things, making us proud parents (just ask me - ha!) I have had the opportunity to have several diverse careers in my life and presently work part-time through UMaine’s Center on Aging as a Lifelong Communities consultant helping Maine communities develop practices and programs that make their community livable for all ages and abilities.

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

I’ve worked out most of my adult life and have always preferred working out with others. I like the accountability of having a place to show up to several times a week. I also have osteoarthritis in at least one of my knees (likely both) and needed someone who could modify workouts as needed.

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

I specifically told Skye that I wanted to focus on my upper body strength and more bluntly, get my flabby arms back in shape. Since beginning with Skye in May, I’m proud to say now my arms ROCK! But I also distinctly remember the day I walked down the stairs and I didn’t feel any of the usual twinges in my knee. By building up the muscles in my quads, hamstrings, glutes, etc. a lot of the pressure was taken off the knee joint. I was hopeful working out would help with the arthritis and it has!

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

Make an appointment with Skye and just do it! Every exercise I do, ANYONE could do. It’s the combination of exercises along with Skye’s encouragement and her ability to tailor workouts for each client’s goals that make it work. I still get excited when the reminder of my workout pops up on my phone because I know I just need to show up, be willing to give it a shot, and the results will come. And Skye is so friendly and welcoming! Yet somehow, she always gets me to do more than I ever thought I could.

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

I’m the youngest of 9! I have 5 sisters and 3 brothers and we’re all very close so our gatherings are loud!

Thank you for sharing your story, Karen!