Some things just run in the family. For Kellie, it’s fighting fires. Kellie’s grandfather retired from Omaha Fire Department, her father was a Captain on the OFD, her step mother was among the first women to serve for the city, and her brother is currently on the force. Needless to say, becoming a fire fighter was something Kellie always wanted to accomplish.
She completed her first “practice run” of the fire fighter’s qualification physical four seconds beyond the time allowed. Kellie then teamed with Brad at the Bodysmith and completed her second “practice run” a month later with a full minute to spare. Kellie then passed the official physical with a minute and twenty seconds to spare, a time better than several men.
Before working with Brad, Kellie spent a lot time and energy lifting with incorrect technique, neglecting her core and working only major muscle groups. “I often had pain that prevented me from completing my workouts,” explains Kellie. “Brad took the time to comprehend the unique demands of the fire fighter’s physical and helped me train specifically and efficiently within pain-free parameters.”
Kellie is reminded daily of how physically demanding her job is. “You never know if you’ll be lifting a 300 pound individual on to the stretcher or battling a business fire through the night gripping a hose with intense water pressure. Regardless, you have to be able to do it safely, day-in and day-out.” No doubt, lots of people count on Kellie.
So she continues to train with Brad at the Bodysmith. Her latest accomplishment was to hoist a 40-foot ladder into the air all by her lonesome (but with the help of Brad).
“I was really tired all of the time, never got much sleep, I was dragging a lot. I had lots of of migraines. Just felt yucky.
“It’s been a very energetic, happy, great experience. I don’t know where I would be now, health wise, if I hadn’t made it here. I would have been stuck in the same place I was.
“I love coming to group classes. It always gives me motivation to come back and be in class, everybody here is very, very positive. You are always getting great encouragement, whether it is from the trainers or from the other group members.
“My whole lifestyle has changed–the way I eat, what I eat and how I go through every day. I have a different outlook on everything–whether it is from my meals, my workout and even “just going through the day, I have a more positive outlook.
“A lot of it is the accountability and also having the positive environment around positive people–just keeps me going and helps me keep doing what I’m doing and work hard.
“The Bodysmith means a lot. I don’t know even how to describe it. It’s just a place that has awesome people and they’re going to change your life. You got to work hard at it to change your life, but they help make that change and it’s just a great positive environment to come to and be at.
“If you’re stuck where you are at and you don’t know if you can reach your goals but you want to, then you better get here. They will help you change it and it’s going to make a difference. It’s so huge how much of a change that has happened in my life.”
“Before joining the Bodysmith I was always tired, had low back pain, pain in my shoulder, and weighed 40 lbs. more. Their knowledge of exercise techniques has helped with my back and shoulder issues. The initial focus was on functional stability, not just getting big muscles. That, along with fat-burning exercises and nutritional advice has helped me to look and feel better than I have in years.
“The entire staff are friendly and knowledgeable. They create a safe, positive environment, and are totally there for your workouts. I actually get mad if I have to miss my workout for any reason!”
“Before working at the Bodysmith, I thought I felt good. I did not know I could feel even better until I lost weight by participating in the group classes and semi-private coaching. My pain has decreased in my knees. I can now slow jog on the treadmill!
“It has been an excellent experience; helping me with my diet and activities. The instructors are very caring. I love kettlebells and the classes are filled with fun people! It’s a comfortable place to hang out.”
Browse our Wall of Fame to see the transformations of our fitness family members.