R3VIVE’s Member of the Month, December 2023
Introducing our Gym M.O.M. (Member of the Month) for December 2023 … Felicia Heykoop!
Felicia’s fitness journey is a testament to their mindset and dedication. Through consistent hard work, Felicia has not just achieved their goals, but is constantly setting new ones, continuously pushing through and setting the bar higher for themselves! It’s this attitude that makes it an absolute pleasure to work with them.
Felicia’s presence in our gym isn’t just about lifting weights or crushing metcons; it’s about embodying the spirit of relentless pursuit, setting the bar higher for themselves and motivating others along the way. Let’s not also forget to mention the charm and positive energy they bring to class each day.
It’s for these reasons and others that made Felicia an anonymous choice for gym M.O.M (or gym D.A.D – Deadlift All December).
We’re extremely proud to honor Felicia and share all of their accomplishments.
Learn more about Felicia below:
Q: What made you decide to start functional fitness training?
I know I’m not alone in saying it is a terrifying time to be queer. Earlier this year, I was feeling overwhelmed and fearful from politics and news media and incidences of violence. I didn’t know what to do with those emotions for a while, but as someone who has had a tough time feeling true ownership of my body since I was young, I sensed that’s where I had to start. To feel strong and capable is an important part of feeling safe. I knew functional fitness could provide me that and R3vive proved they could do it in a way that respected my nonbinary identity.
Q: Are you a student/working professional/both? What do you do for a living?
I’m a working public health professional. I support the Herculean work of community leaders across the Commonwealth as they use our grant funding to create policy, systems, and environmental change in their communities that increase people’s ability to eat better and move more, now and for generations to come.
Q: What are your hobbies/interests outside of the gym?
Baking, reading, running around outdoors
Q: What are some of your favorite movements (name up to three)?
Bench press, hip thrusters, and deadlift
Q: What movement do you want to improve at?
Anything where weight is overhead like strict press.
Q: What advice do you have for someone considering our gym?
You are worth the investment. You deserve it. You belong. R3vive is really different from a lot of gyms. I have never stayed at one as long as I have stayed here. R3vive does a great job pushing back on the things that make gyms so intimidating. Coaches are accessible. Classes are small so I get lots of attention. Feedback is encouraging and useful. So many places let toxic fitness culture breed free but not this gym. If you’re new in class you will also likely get paired with me cuz I’m really friendly so please come on over!
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
Anything produced by Nick and Vanessa Lechay on Netflix.
Q: Tell us an interesting fact that we probably don’t know about you!
I used to work in TV and film as a makeup artist and documentarian. I directed a little while a student too. All skills I still use despite a big career change!