Carsons weight lifting journey
At just 10 years old, Carson Horner came to the gym at A2 to learn how to lift weights. His mom saw an advertisement and encouraged him to give it a try ... and he did! Carson said he remembered "wanting to get into lifting when he saw bigger stronger kids at school and wanted to be like them."
It takes some Faith to get started:
Carson had not been in a gym prior to his first youth fitness class with Ryanne. He described it as "so new, a little daunting and also really cool seeing the different machines and equipment."
The secret is ... there is no secret ... Consistency, Progress, Fundamentals:
Two and half years later, Carson has not missed a week at A2. He is so strong. Super admirable especially for someone his age! Youth fitness turned into teen lifting, after that he loved teen lift so much he added on two days of personal training on top of that. He now comes three days a week. When we asked Coach Ryanne about Carson, she proudly said, "The progress he has made and where he is at in his fitness as a 12 year old is remarkable. The kids in teen lifting look up to Carson so much. (Which is funny because he is the youngest). They always ask me how he is so strong and I tell them, he puts in the work to be where he is."
To be successful, it takes a coach and a community:
When we asked if Carson ever thought he'd lift what he lifts now he laughed and said "no way, not even close." He emphasized his comfort and confidence in what used to be an unfamiliar setting.
He shared how Ryanne got him to this comfortable place, in a gym, where he was "not treated like a newcomer and he wasn't forced to do anything, where he could start light and little by little work up. She always encourages and tells you what you can do, while talking to you about form and how to improve your workout." When asked what he was most proud of he said "that I get to help others by spotting them or helping with the exercises" and with a smile he added, "and the weight I use for squats."
"Carson is building skills that he will take with him to high school and beyond. He is disciplined, motivated, and in it for all the right reasons. He is constantly working to be better for himself." - Ryanne
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"Everyone at A2 is fantastic. Had a great experience from the 1st phone call. Don't change, you guys are awesome!"
− Doug
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for all that you have done to help me get better. What I admire the most is that you have a kind, caring, outstanding staff that not only listens to what is going on with us but goes the extra mile to help each of us achieve our goals. Danny and Alika never, never, never gave up on me and helped me reclaim my life. I love all of you dearly."
− C. Marez
"Clear, communicative staff that showed great motivation in helping me return to my return to my recreational work and athletic activities Danny is super knowledgeable and had a strong sense of intuition in helping me identify and overcome my limitations. I’ve made an excellent recovery from a critical injury thanks to A2 and am now back to my usual flow."
− Keyon