The results are worth the work! Left to right: Courtney Lyon lost 4.8 lbs and 6.5 total inches, Cindy O’Hara lost 6 lbs and 7.5 total inches, and Amanda Burch lost 2.6 lbs and 5.75 total inches.
Our 2025 winter Fitness Challenge was a success for our three challengers Amanda Burch, Cindy O’Hara and Courtney Lyon.
“All the ladies started out strong and I’m so proud of them for trying. I know life can get hard, especially around the holidays, so the fact they tried is amazing,” says Becky Urban, owner of Warehouse Spin & Fitness, our challenge partner.
“It’s hard as moms, wives, people with full-time jobs, etc. to sometimes take the time for yourself, so the fact they tried is amazing. That’s what we are all about. Consistency beats perfection, and finding a form of exercise that they enjoy so they want to keep doing it.”
Cindy was ultimately chosen as the winner, not just for her results (down 6 lbs and 7.5”), but, as Urban says, “she jumped in with both feet, was consistent, tried multiple different class types and got into a good routine.”
THE HARDEST PART:
Cindy O’Hara: staying consistent on the days when motivation was low and life felt overwhelming. There were moments when it was tough to show up, but pushing through those days is what built my strength — not just physically, but mentally, too.
Courtney Lyon: Finding the motivation to go, especially when it was freezing outside.
Amanda Burch: Making fitness a part of my routine. I had squeezed in regular walks and occasional home workouts in the past, but it had been a very long time since I made fitness a priority, so it was quite an adjustment at first.
LEARNINGS TO CARRY FORWARD:
CO: Progress isn’t about perfection, it’s about commitment. Small choices made every day truly add up. I also learned to be kinder to myself, celebrate the wins, big and small, and trust the process.
CL: I need to start putting myself and my health as a priority, and not always on the back burner.
AB: Fitness can be a lot of fun and really boost your mental well-being, especially over the darker months.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST:
CO: How much joy I found in movement again and how quickly my confidence grew. I didn’t expect to feel this proud of myself, or to enjoy the journey as much as I did.
CL: How much I actually enjoyed joining a group environment. I didn’t think I would, but having a cheerleader there made all the tough moments easier.
AB: How much fun I had working out. I thought this would be a bit of drudgery, especially during the colder months but I actually looked forward to the classes. I was also pleasantly surprised by how much muscle I put on over the three months.
ADVICE FOR OUR NEXT FITNESS CHALLENGERS (coming this fall):
CO: Do it — even if you feel unsure or nervous. Show up for yourself, lean into the support and give yourself grace on the hard days. Stay consistent, celebrate every victory, and remember that this journey is about becoming stronger, healthier and happier. You are more capable than you think.
CL: Enjoy the ride (pun intended). It’ll be hard, but the goals are attainable with persistence.
AB: Absolutely go for it. I was a bit anxious about putting myself out there, but it was well worth it to have this amazing opportunity, and all involved in this process have been lovely and welcoming.
ON WORKING WITH WAREHOUSE SPIN:
CO: I have nothing but the deepest respect and admiration for them. I can only speak with gratitude and appreciation for the way they supported me throughout this journey. They kept me motivated, engaged me in genuine conversation, and truly took the time to see me as a person. This challenge was never just about winning; it was about the people I met along the way and the connections I made. Those relationships are something I will carry with me, and they are a big part of why I will continue to enjoy and value my time working out at Warehouse with everyone.
CL: All the instructors were amazing at [Warehouse]. They have built a great community there.
AB: Warehouse Fitness & Spin is the perfect space for those who haven’t always felt very comfortable in the traditional gyms. I personally have always found the bright lights, crowded machines and large classes of other gyms I attended in the past uncomfortable. This space is warm and welcoming, the classes are small and tailored to the participants’ abilities, and the instructors are kind and fun. I worked hard, but left feeling like I’d hung out with friends. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to try a new exercise routine or for a great fitness community.
