April Member of the Month

Congratulations to April Member of the Month, Katherine!

Coach Denise says, "Katherine has been a joy to have in class. Despite experiencing some joint pain, she doesn't let it stop her from attending and progressing each week. She rarely misses her Tuesday/Thursday training. Katherine asks great questions that help not only her, but also those around her. She isn't afraid to provide feedback and lets me know if something isn't feeling right. I think what impresses me most about Katherine is her genuine concern for others and her quiet kindness. We love having her around!

Here's a little more about Katherine's journey:

Why did you decide to join Dragonfly? In the few years after menopause, I realized my range of motion was increasingly restricted and year over year, I was feeling less strong and capable of doing the everyday physical activities I enjoyed. I also developed arthritic pain in my knees. I read about the importance of strength training for healthy aging—and for joint and bone health in particular. So I committed myself to becoming stronger and healthier in time for my 60th birthday next year.

What separates your experience at Dragonfly from other things you've tried in the past? I think what differentiates Dragonfly for me is the sense of community—not only feeling welcome there but also feeling that folks are expecting me and would notice if I weren’t there. That feels nice and incentivizes me to keep a regular practice—something I haven’t been able to do previously. I also appreciate that Dragonfly is intentionally designed as a space for women to support each other and build each other up. There are precious few places like that in this world and I think it makes Dragonfly very special.

Is there anything that strength training has taught you or given you that you weren't expecting? Since I’m very new to strength training, the experience has reminded me how important it is to embrace a beginner’s mindset—to let curiosity override fear of failure. At first, I worried I was in over my head, but Coach Denise was so supportive and patient. She helped me understand the mechanics of good form so that I have a solid and safe foundation to build on. Slowly, I’ve been able to extend my range of motion and add more weight. I am feeling stronger and more capable every week both at the gym and in life generally. I’m pleased to realize that getting older and getting stronger go together!

We love this Katherine! Thank you for being here!

Each month Dragonfly coaches nominate members who are standing out, overcoming obstacles, and giving it their all. It’s always a hard choice to decide upon one!