Monica Pressley

What made you decide to join Strength Camp SF, and what drew you to our gym?

I kept reading that women needed to do resistance training with heavy weights.

After looking at a lot of options in SF, an offer for a six-week challenge program at Strength Camp SF popped up online.

I visited the gym, loved the energy and the fun, creative workouts.

The people seemed so nice and committed to a good workout.

Decided to give it a try.

What were you hoping to achieve or change in your life when you first joined?

I wanted to be able to do everything possible.

If I’m at the ocean, I want to be able to take a surf lesson.

There are fabulous hikes in the area and I want to be able to go on one at a moment’s notice.

A long bike ride.

Mobility, strength, and cardio health is so helpful for life.

I wasn’t looking for numbers, competition, or visible muscles.

But a workout that would help me live the rest of my life with movement.

Before starting at Strength Camp SF, what were your top three fitness goals?

I did want to lose weight.

Be free of pain and be comfortable in my own body.

Since joining, what achievements are you most proud of, and why do they matter to you?

I still give myself credit for getting out of bed and getting to the gym.

Targeting four classes a week makes me feel like I’m really giving myself the best chance of meeting my goals.

And I did take that surf lesson, do that century bike ride, and go on that hike.

What compliments or positive feedback have you received since joining Strength Camp SF?

Women say, “yeah I know I should be lifting weights.”

- Men say, “you look fit.”

- Friends say, “I’m so glad you are doing this for yourself.”

- My mother says I look great.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your journey?

I’m afraid to get hurt, so sometimes I hold back.

Slow progress is a bit challenging, but the coaches are great about positive reinforcement.

The biggest challenge is putting the shoes on and getting there; once I’m there it’s all good.

What does “growing stronger” mean to you?

Pushing myself.

Gaining more confidence to do everything.

Ability to do a pull-up wouldn’t hurt.

Who do you think would benefit most from joining Strength Camp SF, and why?

It’s so personal and so varied.

Watching the group of women who work out here go into a strong woman competition for the first time was completely impressive.

Seeing women who is trying to start to workout for the first time.

I guess anyone who wants to get stronger, and is open to learning what the coaches have to share.

Is there anything you would change or improve about Strength Camp SF to make the experience better for you?

I love the new noon classes.

I love how the gym always seems to be improving.

New equipment.

New exercises.

Parking is kind of a hassle now.

What’s your favorite thing about Strength Camp SF, and what makes it stand out from other gyms?

The people, the coaches, the variety of exercises.

The lack of judgement or condescension.

I am an older woman who had never lifted weights.

I walked into a gym with people tossing around BIG weights, hitting PRs, and looking fabulous, and I always felt welcome.

For me, the mix of guided workouts

- not a follow-along class

- but not working out alone, is perfect.

Energy from everyone, but I work at my own weight and speed.

The coaches track our form so we get the right results is amazing.

The friendships, the energy.

It’s a fun, yet serious place to get fit.

Who couldn’t be happy flipping a tractor tire?

My favorite mat is the one that says “this is my happy hour.”