Today we head to The Cresent City and find Kelly of NP New Orleans as we continue our celebrations of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month (US).
- Who are some of the women in the world of running/sport that you look up to?
Kelly Roberts! I love the way she brings body positivity to running, and has folks think about their own progress rather than perfection. We can set goals that are meaningful to us, and as long as we get out there we are bad ass! Laura McGreen- I love how she’s honest about running, and how it can be hard, yet also really fulfilling! She gives a realistic view of what the sport really is, and it’s so relatable and refreshing to have someone that I know has a shared experience.
- When did you first #JustShowUp to NP? How did you come across NP? What is it that you were looking for in a fitness group? How did NP provide that? What was an “extra” that NP has that you found value in?
I started going to NP during the Pandemic! My friend invited me after I was saying I needed something in a workout other than running, and she told me I should come and check it out! Everyone was still wearing masks and socially distanced, and my first workout was a PR day!
The workout was hard, but I felt so welcomed on the first day how friendly everyone was, and how I was cheered on the whole time. I showed up the next week, and the leaders knew my name, and everyone was just as welcoming. I was looking for some cross training, but I found a community that pushes me, and makes me feel like I can do anything. And, we have a lot of fun doing it.
- What apprehensions did you have as you considered coming for the first time? What was your first impression? Why did you keep showing up?
I was worried that everyone was going to be in WAYYYY better shape than me, and that I wouldn’t be able to keep up. When I got there, I was greeted immediately, and I was really struck by how welcoming the group was. I kept showing up for a tough workout (I was so sore for weeks!!), but I also really enjoyed being around this amazing group of people.
- What does it mean to you to be a woman Co-leader? What does it mean to your community? What does it mean to our global community?
Being a woman Co-leader, and having always had women Co-leaders since I’ve been a part of NP, really solidifies (from my perspective) that strength is for Every Body, not just men. It’s been really powerful to be a part of a local and global community that calls in strength from a variety of perspectives, and has worked to change how the fitness community can be more welcoming to women.
- How does being a woman influence your leadership? What was it like to be a woman in your community before you stepped into leadership?
The New Orleans NP Community has been filled with strong women, and amazing women leaders, as well as a very welcoming community that I felt really empowered to grow in the community; I felt like I was able to get to know members and push myself in the workouts, and also have a good time.
- Did you have any apprehensions to lead this group? Did you experience imposter syndrome when you were asked to lead?
Oh Absolutely! I am not the fastest, nor the strongest member of our group, and often workout with the mentality “measure with your heart” – especially on days where it was hard to show up or if I’m recovering from an injury. I was worried that that would make it harder for me to lead- but I think it’s helped me as a leader – we can now all measure with our hearts.
- How do you celebrate International Women’s Day? How can others celebrate you or celebrate with you this day? How can we celebrate you all year long?
IWD is also my birthday! We invited other women in our community to lead our workout as well! It was great to celebrate the day, and participate in the workout while having other strong women show off their gams!
- What else do you want people reading this to know? About being a woman in leadership or anything else you’d like to share.
I think something that’s been really neat about leadership is having a community that has embraced me, and some of my quirks, including measuring with our hearts. In fact- their hearts are often overflowing so they push themselves to double what we recommend on the workouts! Also, I love how the community puts up with my silly games and themes!
