Blog

posted on October 10, 2022

Where do I even begin… I came to Pittsburgh in October of 2021 on my first ever assignment as a traveler at UPMC hospital and was only planning on staying for a 3 month contract. Little did I know 3 months would turn into a year. It has truly been a pleasure and an honor that I had the chance to get to know Curtis and Todd and the rest of the amazing employees and other members of Union Fitness.

I started my fitness journey way back in July of 2019 in my home state of Delaware with 2 personal trainers, one for weightlifting that I saw 3 times a week and one for CrossFit that I also saw 3 times a week, with one day of rest. My main goal at the time was to lose a little weight and tone up in the process however, it didn’t take long at all for me to get hooked on powerlifting! The feeling of being able to lift heavier weight each week was intoxicating and I knew I would never look back. Everything was going great and I finally found the courage to sign up for my first meet which was supposed to take place in May of 2020, then disaster struck and Covid shut the world down. Although I stayed very busy in the hospital, my meet was cancelled and my fitness journey came to a complete stop.

Fast forward about 2 whole years later to when I found Union Fitness, and decided to get back in the game in late March of 2022. I knew from the very first time I talked to Curtis on the phone to set up my initial consult that it was going to be a great fit for me! After my face-to-face consult, it was decided that my 4x a week training would benefit the most by splitting 2 days each with Curtis and Todd and I just cannot say enough positive things about these two gentlemen. They each have their own unique training styles and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from both of them. In just 6 months, after not setting foot in a gym for about 2 years, I was able to surpass my PRs from 2019 as well as compete in my very first meet here at Union Fitness! They pushed me, encouraged me, tested me, gave me advice, believed in me, made me laugh constantly, and stood by me every step of the way! It amazed me how they continued to come up with new workouts and ways for me to train and push myself. Just when my body started getting “used” to one thing, sure enough I would have that awesome full body soreness for a couple of days after a new idea they had Lol. I have grown so much as a person and a lifter thanks to them and thanks to all of the wonderful family at Union who I have come to know and will truly miss.

I hope my travels will bring be back here one day. Quite possibly for the fall meet in 2023! It has been an honor and a pleasure! Thank you everyone! And a very special thank you to Curtis and Todd! I’ll be forever grateful for everything you both have done for me!😊

Jenn