2022 Member of the Year: Jessi Reum
We are so excited to announce that Jessi Reum is the Forward Fitness Member of the Year for 2022! Glenn Kraemer our 2021 member of the year, presented her with her award at our 8th Anniversary party. Jessi always puts 100% into her workouts. She brings a positive attitude into the gym when she walks in the door. When we do partner workouts, Jessi is the partner everyone wants because she cheers you on throughout the entire workout. Jessi has been rocking her workouts this year. She has started running and set some serious PRs at both of our Feats of Strength days all while being a teacher and mom of 2 boys under the age of 5. Jessi had some injuries to contend with the second half of the year but she didn’t let that stop her. She had modified her workouts and rested when needed and we know she will be back stronger than ever soon.
Jessi says that growing up she was not a “sporty kid”. The first sport she played was softball when she was 6 and they stuck her so far in the outfield that she sang and danced the whole time, and she didn’t pay any attention to the game. She participated in choir and theater from elementary school through college. She also said, “Before Forward Fitness, I would never refer to myself as athletic. I ran a little bit in high school and played lacrosse for fun in college, but I never thought of myself as an athlete.”
Jessi joined Forward Fitness a couple years ago. When she was taking her son Oliver, who was 8 months old at the time on a walk on small business Saturday. They walked by Forward Fitness and saw the promotion board, so she walked in and signed up. “I guess I just knew at that moment that I needed to make a change. I am so glad that I did and so glad that I have stuck with it these last few years!”
Fitness and being active hadn’t really been a priority for her until she had her first son. “I realized when I had Oliver that I wanted to be my best self for him. When I started at Forward Fitness, I quickly realized how my workouts helped improve my mental well-being and made me a better mom. Now I know that I am setting a good example for my boys as well as challenging myself and giving myself a great outlet.”
Jessi has faced a couple challenges the past few years. “During my time at FF I have experienced a shoulder injury and a difficult pregnancy that both made me slow down. It was so frustrating to not be able to do what I knew that I could do. I am thankful for the coaches that always encouraged me to come back and always helped me modify my workouts to make it work.” When asked what has helped her keep fitness a part of her life she says, “I love my workouts and my FF family! The community is always so encouraging and supportive. The feeling of accomplishment and pride I feel when I finish a really tough workout keeps me coming back. Jessi is most proud of her strength accomplishments and deadlifts. “I have gained so much strength over the last few years with FF and I can do things now that I never thought I could do!”
When asked what advice she would give someone considering adding fitness to their routine, Jessi says, “Do it! You will love it and you will not regret it!” Congratulations Jessi on being the Forward Fitness Member of the Year!