Caileen is a staple in the Arlington studio and Sweat Fixx community. Her and her competitive edge always show up before the sun in our early morning classes. She not only challenges herself daily, but she inspires and encourages those around her. Committed, driven and competitive (AF) are just a few words to describe her – without a doubt she is one of hardest working clients we have ever had (& we love her for it).

Caileen is a BOSS. She is a mother of 2, Executive Director of the Lexington Housing Authority and still finds time to CRUSH over 4 classes a week. We are pumped to announce our January Member of the Month… Caileen!

How did you first hear about Sweat Fixx?

I knew Michelle from a different studio and followed SweatFixx and Elise on Instagram.  I had been wanting to try it and was so pumped when they announced they were opening the Arlington studio as it was right down the street from me! I was there on opening day and haven’t looked back.

What keeps you coming back?

The community of supportive instructors and dedicated clients are second to none. You never know what class will be like; I always get a rush of adrenaline walking into the studio.  I love the competitive aspect of the classes- once someone sets a goal or does a little trash talking, it’s game on!  

What’s one thing that you look forward to every time you come to a class?

It’s the only time of day that I truly get to myself, and I look forward to it every morning.  I’ve made such great friendships and even found some long-lost cousins (ahem, Rich and Chelsea!).

What motivates you to be stronger?

I have two little boys at home, Bennett (4) and Frankie (2).  I want them to see that their mother is strong, dedicated, and can do anything! I also love seeing the physical changes my body has undergone – just by doing small changes like picking up heavier weights and focusing on form. I’m always looking for the next challenge!    

When you aren’t crushing it on the rower or mat, where can we find you?

I work full time as the Executive Director of the Lexington Housing Authority and am a mom to two toddlers.  My husband and I love to travel and show the boys new places. 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A couple glasses of red wine, purple cow ice cream, my bed, and following fashion bloggers on Instagram. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing since you first came to Sweat Fixx?

I’ve become so much stronger than I was when I first started.  I’m also proud of how committed I am to showing up every week; even when life’s ups and downs can get in the way!

One tip that you would give to someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?

Stand in the front – no one is judging you! Everyone here is so supportive and there’s nothing to be scared of – you just need to take that first class and you’ll be hooked!  

Just before Sweat Fixx Southie opened, we were on the hunt for instructors that would make great additions to our crew. Having known Mike for years, we knew his energy and grit would make him the perfect match. Just over a month in, and Southie is already obsessed with getting their #mikefixx on Monday nights! Learn a little bit more about our new Southie instructor below.

How did you hear about Sweat Fixx and what made you interested in being a part of the team?

My good friend, and SF master instructor, Michelle Thomas, first introduced me to the concept of Sweat Fixx just before Elise opened the first studio in Wakefield.

After that studio opened and I experienced a few classes myself, I too, was fully fixx-ated.

What keeps you coming back?

Easy, the instructors and the workouts.

The Waterrowers are among my two favorite pieces of workout equipment hands-down – humbling and rewarding at the same time.

Aside from their playlists and programming, all the instructors are such great people. Spending time with my fellow teaching peeps is one of the best parts about the job.

When you aren’t at Sweat Fixx, where can we find you?

All over the place. Aside from my full-time marketing gig and SF, I have a few additional side hustles – that of a tennis pro teaching private tennis lessons just outside the city as well as a group fitness instructor at Equinox in Boston.

When I’m not teaching, you can find me eating, drinking – and always laughing – with my friends and family or sweating it out in a workout in Boston or Cambridge. Follow my frenetic fitness frenzies on the Insta @mflynn.05

Where is your favorite place to grab a quick snack or drink?

Anywhere with my friends or family. It’s all about the people more than the place with me. The right crowd is all you need to make any place great. At the moment, I am loving this new trattoria not far from my place in Kendall Square.

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Tito’s. Soda. Lime.

What’s one thing about you, that people would NEVER guess?

I am an economics geek with a few degrees in that area of study. Particularly anything in the behavioral econ space as the study enhances my marketing acumen and applicable to my day-to-day work.

Not so fun, and maybe sad, fact – the MarketWatch Economic Calendar may or may not be integrated with my personal calendar. Whomp, whomp.

What’s one thing you are most proud of accomplishing in the past six months?

Recently, I landed a new job as the head of growth for a software company in Cambridge. Those close to me know the process was a bit of a roller coaster, as with any job search, to find the perfect one. Needless to say, it was a big relief when everything came to a (very happy) conclusion.

One piece of advice you would give to someone who is walking through the Sweat Fixx doors for the first time?

Stepping into a new studio or gym for the first time can often be a bit or an anxious or nervous-ridden experience. Everything is unfamiliar: new space; new instructor; new formats; new programming; new cues. It’s normal.

In an effort to alleviate any or all of these, I suggest a few things before showing up for the first time: 1) call ahead and ask any questions the answers to which will help settle your mind (showers, lockers, parking situation, etc.); 2) arrive early; 3) focus on yourself and the instructor, not all that’s going on around you; 4) just do your best, you don’t need to be the best in the room…at least not yet, make that a goal for your third appearance 😉

Anything else you want to add?

Talk to me – whenever. Online or offline. Your feedback is always welcomed and encouraged. Seriously! Have questions about why I (or another instructor) did something a certain way, ask us! Things you like or didn’t like, I always want to know.

For the past 9 months, Kristen has been committed to her health by consistently working out at Sweat Fixx. She is one of those clients who comes in and quietly crushes every class. She doesn’t need the spotlight, doesn’t need to be the first to finish, but she will ALWAYS give her all & accept any challenge thrown at her. Her determination and strength shows and inspires both instructors and fellow clients! After recently having her third child, Kristen had made a huge transformation and we couldn’t be more proud. Read a little more about Kristen below.

How did you first hear about Sweat Fixx? When Sweat Fixx opened some friends from our neighborhood started taking classes and after I had my daughter in 2017 my neighbor Julie gave me a gift card to take three classes.  Big thank you to her for taking me to my first class! What keeps you coming back? The variety of workouts and motivating instructors keep me coming back.  I’ve made a commitment to try to lift heavier and row harder and the instructors do a great job to motivate us to get in an extra rep, a few extra meters or one inch lower.   What’s one thing that you look forward to every time you come to a class? The feeling of accomplishment I have after taking a class stays with me all day.  I love getting a challenging workout crossed off my to-do list first thing in the morning.  I also love seeing the 5:30 a.m. crew. Getting to know the Sweat Fixx community (#fixxfam) has been awesome. If I went missing the Sweat Fixx crew would definitely send out a search party to find me. Haha! But seriously, getting a high five after an intense GRIT Fixx and pumping each other up is the best!  What motivates you to be stronger? My husband Dave and my kids, Cole, Garrett and Annie. Being stronger and having more energy to do things with them like run the lake and then play at the park is important to me.

When you aren’t crushing it on the rower or mat, where can we find you? 
During the summer months you will find me at the beach with my husband and kids, Good Harbor and Wingaersheek are our two favorite beaches.  I love watching my boys play soccer and baseball and just hanging out with them and the rest of my friends and family.  

What’s your guilty pleasure? 
Margaritas, chips and salsa are definitely my guilty pleasure! 

What are you most proud of accomplishing since you first came to Sweat Fixx?
I’m proud that I can now hold a solid side plank. During my first few classes I didn’t know if I would ever improve on those and to feel myself get stronger each week has made me feel powerful! I’m also proud of the commitment I’ve made to myself, it would be easy to hit the snooze button in the morning but starting the day with an amazing workout is way better than sleeping in.

One tip that you would give to someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?
Don’t worry about not getting as many meters or not doing as many reps as everyone else in the room. Try all the different classes offered and most of all have fun!

Anything else you’d like to add?
If you’re reading this and you have thought about challenging yourself or changing up your fitness routine, I highly recommend giving Sweatfixx a try!

March 13, 2017. This is a date I will remember for the rest of my life. Not only is this my birthday (shout out to my fellow pisces), but also the day I received a phone call from Dana Farber confirming that I am BRCA positive.

Every single one of us has the BRCA gene, however, many women in my family and I have a mutated BRCA gene. In short, this genetic mutation increases my likelihood (87% to be exact) of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer in my lifetime.

Woah, hold the phone. Breast cancer? Ovarian cancer? Me? No way, today is my 24th birthday…this cannot be happening to me.

Fast forward a year and a half later: In about two weeks I will be completing my third marathon with my sister, Kristina Coccoluto (who is another amazing BRCA babe)! We are running the New York City Marathon and raising money for Bright Pink, a non-profit organization aiming “to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age”.

Many of you graciously volunteered to row 10K meters and donate to Bright Pink last October. I am not asking you to hop on the row 10K this October during Breast Cancer Awareness month (although we can certainly ask the boss in the future).

As you can see, this cause is near and dear to my heart and I could not be more proud to run 26.2 miles raising money for an unbelievable charity geared towards empowering or high-risk women. At the bottom of this blog post is my CrowdRise fundraiser page. Please feel free to share, repost, tweet or whatever it is that you do to help Bright Pink continue to fund educational programs for young women at high-risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Being BRCA positive does not mean I have to live my life fearing cancer. I am a firm believer that knowledge IS power, and there is not a day that goes by where I regret getting tested. On November 4, I will be wearing a Bright Pink singlet through the five boroughs of New York City with my sister to show cancer that they picked the wrong family to F@#$ with. Thank you in advance to my #FixxFam for believing in me and helping me towards yet another finish line.

https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/brightpinknyc2018/vanessabramante

If you are in Wakefield, you will recognize our newest Member of the Month. She silently has been crushing classes since the beginning and is always a welcoming face in class, regardless if it’s your first or 500th class.

Debbie is a staple in the 6:30AM crew, so if you’ve been wanting to give early morning classes a go, make sure to say hi to her. Her transformation has been more than physical – her confidence is soaring, and she doesn’t hesitate to take the chance to go heavy or harder.

We’re super excited to announce our next member of the Month – Debbie Trifone! Read on to see what keeps her motivated when she’s not in the studio!

How did you first hear about Sweat Fixx?

My sister, Nicky.

What keeps you coming back?

Great classes, ever changing fitness routine, with results.

What’s one thing that you look forward to every time you come to a class?

I look forward to the sense of accomplishment by the end of class.

What motivates you to be stronger?

My family and the #FixxFam and the awesome energy that happens when I leave class!

When you aren’t crushing it on the rower or mat, where can we find you?

You can usually find me with my husband, David, family, and friends – usually enjoying dinner and drinks.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I love bacon and wine!

What are you most proud of accomplishing since you first came to Sweat Fixx?

Sticking to it! As all of the instructors say, “the hardest part is showing up”, and well, I keep showing up!

One tip that you would give to someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?

Initially, I felt like I was doing all the exercises/moves wrong. I felt weak and stupid in class. Mariah made those first classes fun and bearable.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Love the workouts at Sweat Fixx, and all the instructors, staff people, especially the 6:30 am crew (you know who you are)!