Week 29: Hyping Up Hype Fitness

Third spaces. Have you heard about them and their importance for a well-balanced, full, inclusive, fun life? They've been around forever, but were first labeled in the 1990s as the internet (and hours in a workweek) grew. 

What is a third space? It's a place outside of home or work where you regularly connect with others you share an interest or activity with. 

Mine is Hype Fitness in Mequon, Wisconsin. 

As long-time followers already know, I was a homeschooling mom for 17 years. I did some freelance writing and event/project coordination during those years and got my real estate license towards the end as my independent youngest grew and entered school. I've been self-employed for nearly 20 years now, and let me tell you, no one needs a third space more than someone who works from home where the first two spaces (home and work) already overlap. 😅

It was ten years ago when I realized something was missing from my life. I didn't know what it was until I found it: my third space: a kickboxing gym. 

I grew up with a bodybuilding father who taught me simply by example that working out is a regular part of your day, same as brushing your teeth or showering. (Dad, I've told you before, but it deserves repeating, THANK YOU for this gift!!)

With this model of life set out for me, I have always lifted weights and ran and engaged in other physical activities whenever possible, but I hadn't had a routine place to enjoy them alongside others after leaving college....until I met the owner of my current gym, Jordan, and loads of other amazing people in my fitness community. 

The people at Hype Fitness are diverse but inclusive, badass but caring, competitive but cheer each other on. There are members of all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. But all are incredible. And Jordan is obviously a huge part of that. 

"Look at what you've built!," I routinely tell him when someone gets outside of their comfort zone, accomplishes a goal, or supports another member. 

"You did great today!" or "Thanks for pushing me!" are things members tell each after every workout. 

And I give the sincerest of "Thank you"s to Jordan on my way out the door each day. 

I say all of this to set the stage for week 29's Kindness Countdown activity: I gave Jordan a little care package that included two tubs of protein powder, a gift certificate for him and his sweet and gorgeous wife to go out, and a toy for their dog (who is known to visit the gym from time to time 😍). 

It was a feeble attempt to show my appreciation for everything he's given me and my fellow members in his creation of our third space. 

Let me know if you ever want to join me at Hype for a workout! I promise future health and friends and fun will be waiting for you!!

(Check out some other videos from the years past in my Instagram carousel!)