The Ark enjoys training members whose goals are widely varied. The beauty of this gym is that nothing is set in stone because it understands that every athlete is different.
The Ark caters to the specific needs of its members and prides itself in the harmonious community it has created by blending the multitude of interests and skills.
Our featured member of the week is Pauline Hazan. Below she details her training and development as an athlete both in an out of The Ark. We are delighted with her accomplishments and honored to form part of her fitness goals.
1. How long have you been training at The Ark?
I've been training at The Ark for about 3 years. Prior to joining The Ark, I was attending another local crossfit gym for about 2 years. I hit a certain point where I felt my needs weren’t being met.
“ I heard about The Ark and thought I’d give it try - especially since I can just hop on my bike and be there in 3 minutes (literally).”
2. What were your goals when you started and has The Ark helped you achieve them?
I'm not the typical athlete that attends The Ark. My goals are quite different than the other athletes that go 3-5xs a week. I'm a competitive mountain bike cyclist and my training at The Ark varies. I won't go for long periods of time, especially when I have a heavy racing cycle. However, throughout my training as a cyclist, there are times where I focus on strength training, primarily lifts that help me as a cyclist.
“ I try not to inconvenience Michael too much, but when he sees me coming in, he specifically caters to my needs as a cyclist.”
That's something I did not experience at other gyms. I thank Coach Michael for the ability to have a strong body to endure XC and endurance mountain bike races.
3. What do you like most about our gym?
I love how flexible Coach Michael is with my strength training. I love the acceptance of the members even when I have taken a hiatus. I love the grass roots vibe you get from the gym. I love Coach Michael's attention to detail on Olympic Lifts. When he dissects my lifting technique I think, "How the heck does he see that??!!" It's his attention to detail that supersedes any coach I've experienced.
“I love how he modifies workouts for me that are more translatable for a cyclist.”
I love how he cares about all his athletes - it's pretty awesome when you're working out next to a Miss Patty. Lastly, and most of all, I love the music!!
4. What would you say to convince someone who’s thinking about joining?
Give it try! You have nothing to lose. The inviting environment at The Ark doesn't make you feel inferior to any other athlete there. The members keep their egos in-check every time they walk through the doors. If you think you can't do it, don't worry YOU CAN DO IT! Maybe not at first, but with time and Coach Michael's assistance and encouragement, you will get there!
“He will go out of his way to make his athletes better.”
With that being said, I'm a high school Health and Fitness teacher at PK Yonge. I have asked Coach Michael to come into my class to give a guest lecture/workout for my students. He took the time out of his busy schedule to do this for me and I'm very appreciative of it. It's little things like these I appreciate in a coach and what makes Michael such an asset for Gainesville's fitness community.