Gayathri Akella- MEMBER OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST 2024 AT FIT2LIVE!
August 2024
This month’s spotlight is on the very consistent, always positive and friendly Gayathri Akella.
Gayathri is quite the outgoing F2L’er, meshing with every class and event she attends at Fit2Live.
She is a regular in just about all classes at Fit2Live. Morning, afternoon, evening, you name it, Gayathri makes a point to show up when her schedule allows 4-5x each and every week.
Gayathri has been uber consistent with her attendance since rejoining us in November of 2022 (she was a member 10 years prior to 2022) and she has plenty of fitness results to show for it.
She is a great asset to the Masters class members and has a very impressive consecutive committed club streak of 10 months straight with 20 or more classes!
She even knocked out her first Fall Brawl Competition last October and had a blast!
She is one fit and fun mom!
For these reasons and many more, Gayathri has been chosen as our member of the month for August of 2024!
Tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do outside of Fit2Live, family, hobbies, etc.
I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan from overseas 30 years ago. I completed my first master’s degree in Nutrition and Catering Management, graduating as valedictorian. After coming to the US, I pursued a second master’s in Human Nutrition at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health and became a Registered Dietitian.
My dietetics career started at a medical weight loss clinic overseas, where many of my clients were movie stars who considered themselves “overweight”—a term that took on a new dimension when I arrived in the US! My initial experiences here were quite eye-opening, and I nearly developed an eating disorder myself upon encountering BMI numbers over 30.
Over the years, I’ve worked in diabetes education, preventive cardiology, and renal nutrition. However, my true passion lies in preventive health, which has driven my nearly three-decade-long commitment to promoting health and nutrition through the Health Department. This work has been immensely gratifying.
Growing up, I wasn’t much of an athlete, so I made it a point to ensure my kids were involved in various sports and activities—perhaps a bit too zealously! They never complained, though, and participated in everything from soccer to dance. My daughter thrived as a college athlete, while my son continued his love for dance throughout college.
I enjoy a variety of hobbies. Gardening is a passion of mine; I love nurturing plants and watching them grow, which brings me a sense of accomplishment and peace. Cooking is another favorite hobby, where I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and creating delicious meals. Painting allows me to express my creativity and unwind, while interior decorating is a way for me to transform spaces and make them feel inviting and personalized.
When and why did you get started at Fit2Live?
I first joined CrossFit approximately 14 years ago, alongside my children when the gym was known as “Joust.” I was an active member for four years but stepped away to focus on my kids’ high school journey and attend their extracurricular activities. During that time, I became more sedentary and noticed a significant decline in my muscle mass and the onset of joint issues. I felt so far behind in my fitness that I was almost embarrassed to return.
After nearly a decade away, I rejoined Fit2Live in November 2022. Coach Sharon, whom I greatly admire both personally and professionally, encouraged me to join the Masters class. She assured me it was a judgment-free environment, and her support motivated me to give it a try. I completed my foundation lessons with Coach Brandon, who immediately believed in me and made a positive impact. Since then, I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my fitness journey at the gym. I appreciate all the coaches and members I work out with, and both my daughter and son, who are intermittent members, also value the camaraderie at F2L.
Since returning, my biomarkers have improved remarkably. My bone density now reflects that of someone a decade younger, and my joint aches and pains have diminished. Most importantly, my upper body mobility has significantly improved. Rebuilding my confidence and investing in my health and self-care has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the progress in my body scans with Ryan has been priceless!
What is your favorite part of Fit2Live, what keeps you coming back and what is your favorite memory at Fit2Live so far?
My favorite aspect of Fit2Live is the blend of supportive yet challenging coaches, the friendly members who genuinely support each other, and the workouts customized to individual potential. I appreciate that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. What keeps me coming back is the personalized attention and the strong sense of community. The milestone celebrations are particularly motivating and help me stay consistent. One of my favorite memories is the encouragement and camaraderie I experienced during challenging workouts, especially the Fall Brawl event, which truly highlighted the strength of our community.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone new starting at Fit2Live tomorrow?
You’re in the perfect place to build fitness, endurance, and strength! Stay consistent and trust the process—your progress will come, and you’ll find a supportive environment that’s dedicated to helping you grow.
You regularly workout with your kids. Why is this important to you and your kids? Do you have a tip or advice for a parent looking to get their kids into move active endeavors?
When my kids were younger, I aimed to be a positive role model for them. Now that they’re adults, they appreciate the positive effects CrossFit has had on their strength and physique. One of my favorite aspects is our bonding time during workouts. They even take pride in receiving compliments like, “Your mom is a badass!”—it’s always a good laugh.
I am a firm believer in prevention, and maintaining physical activity is essential for a healthy lifestyle. I encourage families to engage in fitness together, as it helps children create lasting memories and fosters a lifelong habit of staying active and healthy.
What is a fun fact and/or hobby that you have that someone might not know about you?
A fun fact about me is that I won a gold medal for a cooking demonstration of different food groups during my catering management studies abroad. It was an exciting experience that brought together my love for cooking and passion for nutrition, and it’s still one of my proudest achievements.
If you could travel to any place in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I’d travel to Utah for its stunning hiking trails. The diverse landscapes and breathtaking views make it a hiker’s paradise, and I’d love to explore the national parks and enjoy the natural beauty.
If you could make the workout “Gayathri”, what would it look like (movements, repetitions, etc.)?
3 Rounds of:
10 Deadlifts (75% of one rep max)
15 Box step ups
20 Kettlebell Swings (16/20)
400 meters run/row/1K bike
Rest 1 minute in between rounds
Max time 25 minutes to complete.
Favorites!
Movie: The Lord of the Rings
TV Show: Super Natural
Song: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
Book: Before the Coffee Gets Cold; by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Quote: “Even the smallest person can change the course of the future”
What daily habit has changed your life for the better?
One daily habit that has greatly improved my life is incorporating a stretching routine during my workday. Spending just 10-15 minutes each morning on stretching and deep breathing has enhanced my flexibility, reduced stress, and set a positive tone for the day. This practice, which my coaches encouraged, has not only improved my physical well-being but has also fostered a more mindful and balanced lifestyle.
What future fitness goal are you currently working towards?
My current fitness goal is to maintain overall fitness and functionality while prioritizing safety. While I’m not aiming to become an Olympic weightlifter, I am focused on building strength and improving mobility, particularly in my upper body. A long-term aspiration of mine is to be able to perform a full pull-up from the rig.
THANKS FOR BEING AWESOME GAYATHRI!
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AT FIT2LIVE!
NEXT UP: CORRINE POTOCKI, MEMBER OF THE MONTH JUNE 2024
