Member Spotlight - Janet and Craig Cole

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTIn the nineteenth installment of our "Member Spotlight", we're featuring two of the very early adopters of the SHOP. She was at our Grand Opening event, and she even won the GRAND PRIZE giveaway of a free membership! As soon as I handed her the voucher, she asked if she could buy more. Shortly after that, she started dragging her husband along too, and they've been staples on Wednesdays and Fridays ever since.

Janet and Craig Cole

First, give us a little background on yourself.Craig has lived in Corvallis since 1966 and graduated from Corvallis High. Janet moved to Albany about the same time and graduated from West Albany. We met at a Church function and while there is some debate, were engaged about a month later, and married four months later. That was 36 years ago. We have three married children and six grandkids. Craig works at a financial institution and Janet works for an orthodontist. We like to hike, travel, mountain bike (Craig) and workout (Janet).[caption id="attachment_208510" align="aligncenter" width="768"]

Janet meeting Brent Fikowski, last year's second fittest man on earth[/caption]What got you started and how long have you been at the SHOP?We have been at the shop since almost day one. We came to the Saturday open house/grand opening and Janet won the grand prize (and we have been paying for it ever since :-). We have been pretty consistent 5:30 a.m.’rs on Wednesday and some Friday’s ever since.With what movement(s) have you seen the most progress?Craig - leg strength, double-unders (until I broke my ankle mountain biking, the plate gets in the way) and my grip strength. Janet - my pull-ups.What do you like to do outside the gym?Craig - I am a very active mountain biker. I ride year round including late night rides. I also do some swimming and running to mix things up. I’ve done the Beaver Freezer Sprint Tri 6 times. Janet - I like to cook, read and do genealogy/family history. Together as mentioned we like to hike, travel, eat at new places and we volunteer a lot at our church.

What movement(s) would you like to improve on in the next few months?Craig - my bench press. Janet - Deadlifts, Front Squats and pull-ups.Favorite place to eat in/near Corvallis?Tough one, we are empty nesters, we love to eat. Right now we hit Taco Vino’s a lot. We also like Eats and Treats in Philomath and of course there is Benny’s Donuts!What advice would you give members just starting out at the SHOP?Don’t be scared or afraid to come out. The SHOP is a family and we have found everyone there to be encouraging, positive and very supportive regardless of ability. Also you don’t have to be muscle bound or superhuman like you see on TV. Drew makes sure you start safe, stay within your limits and encourages you to do your best. He will even modify the workout for you as needed and show you alternative ways to do a certain movement or skill until you gain confidence (and strength). RAPID FIRE QUESTIONSFavorite BookCraig & Janet - The Book of Mormon and anything from Clive CusslerFavorite MovieCraig - Princes Bride, but I watch Oblivion a lot from the treadmill, rower or spin bike.Janet - Princes Bride and all thing MarvelFavorite FoodCraig & Janet - BBQ and Thai (can you see we have been married for a long time)Favorite Cheat MealCraig - PizzaJanet - Any ooey gooey and chocolateyFavorite Exercise/MovementCraig - Deadlift (and ring swing)Janet - Back squatLeast Favorite Exercise/MovementCraig - Handstand PushupsJanet - ThrustersSomething Others Might be Surprised to Learn About YouCraig - I like to sew jean quilts and “TV Blankets”Janet - I was a ballroom dancer in college