WordPress blog image - Barbara-Forester-Featured_img_1920x625.jpg

iFIT Member Highlight: Barbara Forester

Meet iFIT member Barbara Forester!

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbara quickly pivoted to an at-home gym solution with a NordicTrack rower and iFIT. She was kind enough to share her experience with us, emphasizing the impact iFIT had on her fitness goals. Here’s her story!

Barbara’s story

When COVID shut down the gyms, I didn't know how I would stay healthy. After some research, I purchased the NordicTrack RW900 rower. I've always loved rowing, but with iFIT, I had access to great Studio Classes and amazing outdoor locations. I could row with Olympic athletes in England one day, Boston the next, then zip on over to Zambia to dodge hippos and watch elephants drink on the banks of the Kafue River.

Shortly after purchasing the rower, I learned I was pregnant with our second child. As an older mother, pregnancy has certain risks. Thanks to iFIT, I was able to stay active until the day my son was born and quickly got back to working out. I've increased my activity levels this year and now try to complete three workouts a day. I've recently started adding more strength training classes and yoga workouts, as well.

The best thing about iFIT is that I can use the app for workouts on the go. Even though I only have the rower, I can still do the running workouts outdoors. Every day, I feel more in shape. Every day, I find another new workout to try or a new trainer who pushes my limits. I can't wait to see how I improve over the course of the next year.

iFit Member Barbara Forester completes a running workout

Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer?

Hannah Eden.

What has been your favorite iFIT series that you've completed?

English Channel Endurance Series with iFIT Trainer Alex Gregory.

How long have you been an iFIT member?

I've been a member since April 2020.

What motto do you live by?

It's what we do when no one is watching that defines who we really are. You'll never let yourself down if you work hard and do your best.

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine, especially if you are pregnant. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

Opinions of iFIT members are not necessarily the opinions of iFIT.

WordPress blog image - blog_banner_peopleneedpeople@4x-1.png

People Need People: The Positive Effects of Socializing

As human beings, we are social creatures by nature. Instinctively, we don’t like feeling alone, and our bodies and brains actually function better when we are surrounded by others. We are basically wired to be social. If you were to google “why humans need humans” or anything along those lines, you’ll find a plethora of articles explaining why social connections and friendships are vital to our health and well-being. Outside of our family units, when we have friends we can lean on, laugh with, cry with, and talk to, we are nourishing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need that connectivity not only to survive, like this article suggests, but to thrive. Whether you’re someone who prefers to have just a few really close pals, or you’re a social butterfly with a lot of friends, at the end of the day, we need those relationships. Here are the top three reasons we need friendships in our lives! Friendships improve our health Research has shown that having strong social connections is vital to our health. For starters, it can reduce stress levels, ward off depression and suicide, lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, and cancer, as well as boost our immune system...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also easier to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle when you have the support of friends and family. Friends extend our life expectancy Aside from improving our overall health, maintaining friendships can also add years to our lives—just like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and not smoking. Multiple studies have found that people who have positive relationships with their family, friends, and community are happier and tend to live longer. Some studies have even gone as far to conclude that social belongingness is just as important as physical survival needs, such as food and shelter. Friends make life more fun This might not be a mind-blowing revelation, but friends bring an abundant amount of happiness to our lives. While I’m sure you can find enjoyment doing certain things solo, I’d argue that most things are more fun when you do it with someone else. There’s an unexplainable joy that comes from sharing experiences with people we care about. Studies have shown, including this one conducted back in 2011, that having meaningful social relationships affects our neurobiological endogenous opioid system (think endorphins), triggering the part of the brain that makes us feel good. Simply put, connecting and interacting with our friends gives us happy feelings. Ever caught up with an old friend, then felt really good afterwards? Those are your endorphins kicking in, telling you that what you just did is healthy for your emotional and physical health! So, no matter what stage of life you’re in, make it a priority to get out and do things with your friends. Whether it’s a quick phone call or grabbing lunch, keep your friends close and remember to have fun!