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Community Member Highlight Mindfulness Running Walking

iFIT Member Highlight: Enjoli Carter

Not many would jump into an 8K race as their very first race experience. Last month, iFIT member Enjoli Carter completed the Port Washington Harborview 8K Race. Despite the urge to quit at various points during the race, Enjoli stuck it out and reached the finish line. She was gracious enough to share her first race experience with us, spotlighting her family as her inspiration. Here’s Enjoli’s story!

What led you to embark on your wellness journey?

I battle debilitating fibromyalgia, PTSD, and panic disorder. After many years of suffering, I knew I needed to make some changes so that my quality of life and the lives of my family could improve.

Describe your feelings before the Harborview 8K Race.

I was so nervous but excited! The Harborview 8K Race was my first ever race of any kind as an adult, so I wasn’t quite sure if I was being ambitious or crazy.

What kept you motivated during the race?

First and foremost, iFIT Trainer Knox Robinson. The 8K was my first experience with Knox, and his energy is so uplifting and calming. I knew from the moment he started engaging with those of us participating virtually that we were running our own races. There was no pressure to achieve outside of what we were individually capable of.

Participating in the live race was so immersive that I felt really connected to those racing in person and those who were racing virtually like me! I wanted to keep going, even when I felt really challenged because I wanted to stay connected with my iFIT family in real-time. I was going to earn my finisher’s medal no matter what!

“I LOVE this new lifestyle. Thank you iFIT fam for breathing so much life into this journey!”

iFIT Member Enjoli Carter does a running workout

On days that you aren’t feeling your best, what are some things that help inspire you to work out?

My greatest inspiration is my family. I know the healthier I become, my family gets a better, stronger, and more engaged version of me! My youngest son, who is my superhero, is also a major inspiration on the days when I have a hard time finding the drive to get my sweat on. My son battles sickle cell disease and has had to fight through a lot of pain and sickness. He has days where I know he is really struggling, but he still faces every single day with courage and strength. If he can do hard things, so can I!

Which iFIT Series are you planning on trying next?

The Iberian Beginner Running Series with Tommy Rivs Puzey!

How long have you been an iFIT member?

I joined iFIT on April 30, 2021.

iFIT Member Enjoli Carter does a walking workout

Who is your favorite iFIT Trainer?

This is the hardest question! I am still a newbie, so I haven’t had the opportunity to experience working out with many of them. If I had to pick today, it would be Knox Robinson for sure.

What is your favorite iFIT Series?

This is another tough question because it’s like being asked who is your favorite child! There are so many series, locations, trainers, and overall experiences to choose from and I have loved every single one I have completed thus far.

I will say that the most impactful series for me so far has been the Anxiety: Work it Out Series. Dr. Jarrod Spencer is a wealth of knowledge in regards to mental health and the complexities of anxiety. He provides practical tools and coping mechanisms that I was able to utilize and achieve success within my own life.

What do you like most about iFIT?

Let me count the ways! I fell in love with iFIT after my very first workout. I started with John Peel’s Costa Rica Walking Series and I didn’t know that a beginner’s treadmill workout could leave me drenched in sweat!

John was personable, engaging, and the workout challenged me without overwhelming me. I left that walking workout feeling successful and excited for the next one. I love that even as I am knocking on the door of my 100th iFIT workout, I am still excited for the next workout!

The icing on the cake is my iFIT family! The iFIT community is the most supportive, engaging, and inspiring community around. I feel at home when I engage with fellow iFIT athletes. We each come from different backgrounds, experiences, and athletic abilities, but we are all bonded by the many wins we achieve through iFIT!

iFIT Member Enjoli Carter does a yoga workout

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. 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.

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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!