Name: Kate Kennedy
Occupation: I am a 30 year public school teaching veteran. I work as the Lead Gifted Education Specialist in a highly competitive school district. I also work as an executive function coach after school and on the weekends.
Why did you seek out Carpe Diem Personal Training?
I was NOT doing a very good job of balancing my work hours and my non-work time. Fitness was no where in the mix. I ate like a drunk toddler. I was gaining weight and living on coffee shop scones, lattes and take out. I’m pretty sure I was a sugar shark, always on the look out for my next fix. As a single mother of two children, one of whom has very severe autism, I knew I needed to do a better job of taking care of myself. I ran into an old friend that I hadn’t seen in years. She looked YOUNGER than she did 17 years ago. I asked what on earth she was doing to look so amazing and she replied, “I work out with Matthew!” I called him the next day!
What were your short and long term goals?
My short term goal was to just show up. Just that. Make an appointment and keep it. Just show up and try real hard. Do SOMETHING just for me that didn’t involve taking care of other people or going to work. That was two years ago. I keep coming back. I never miss a work out with Matthew unless there is plague or fire involved.
My long term goal was to be healthy and happy. ACCOMPLISHED. I recently made a full on dietary change and cut out all sugar and flour. I’ve lost 18 pounds and started to see dramatic improvements in my work outs. My clothes fit again. My blood pressure is in the WOW! YOU ARE HEALTHY range for the first time in years and people now stop and ask ME what on earth I’m doing. I reply “I work out with Matthew!
What are your thoughts about the process?
My progress towards fitness was a layered one. I was very overwhelmed with work and single parenting…SO much stress. Matthew was unfailingly kind and patient while I took tiny, tiny steps towards achieving my goals of showing up and being happy and healthy. He is VERY careful with my work outs to make sure I remain injury free. His knowledge and attention to detail are first rate. But probably his greatest gifts are his patience and good humor. Because seriously? I’m dragging and lifting really heavy stuff around at 7 in the morning! He makes it fun. And at this stage of my life, if it is not fun, I AM NOT DOING IT!