This week we’d like to introduce you to Fabian Soro, our Skimble Member Spotlight! Fabian, with his self-proclaimed “old-man problems,” has been an active Skimbler for almost two years, combining yoga and our workouts to keep him in tip-top shape. He’s also created nearly 30 workouts himself, contributing his own fitness know-how to our amazing community. Learn more about Skimbler Fabian here:

What was your starting point versus your current fitness status?

My core and back needed a real boost (overall old-man-problems), after my first whole year without playing regular soccer since 1983. From February/March, I Skimbled regularly as part of my daily routine and I feel fitter than ever, walk up straight (again), and feel much stronger and a whole lot more relaxed, due to yoga.

What do you hope to accomplish, fitness-wise, before the end of the year?

Well, goals: I try some new things along the way and almost a week ago I set my mind to get The Wheel, the Tripod headstand and/or the Shirshasana before the new year. It starts with headstand prep-workouts and further strengthening, especially the core and deltoids, so whatever happens, I win.

Who’s your fitness icon and why?

The only one that comes to mind in regards to ‘fitness’ combined with ‘icon’ is Bruce Lee, but i don’t know if he’s a fitness-icon. This dry-muscled man used to slap people silly (or worse) if my memory serves me right.

What’s your favorite thing about Skimble? 

The Skimble work-outs in all kinds and colours. I can make my own work-outs or try/use those of others and Skimblers can motivate you sometimes. And sometimes, I have to admit it, it’s addictive.

What’s your fitness mantra/motto?

If you want it, you can achieve it, and this is no Hallmark-card but actually true.

This week we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Flores, our Skimble Member Spotlight! Natasha has only been with Skimble and Workout Trainer for the last seven months but she’s seen mega progress in her training and fitness level.  Check out her story here:

What was your starting point versus your current fitness status?

Last year I started to exercise and get fit but wasn’t consistent; rainy days put me off going out to run and life got busy. I have exercised almost every day since January, I now have a very active lifestyle. I have seen a big difference in my body, my strength, fitness and I have so much more energy.

What your next fitness goal?

I am focusing on trying to reduce body fat, sculpt my body and improve my CV (cardiovascular) through regular workouts and a sensible diet.  I’m not doing this to get ready for summer, but to be ready for the rest of my life.

Who’s your fitness icon and why?

I don’t have an icon but I am definitely influenced by many Skimble members.  Their dedication to their workouts has helped my motivation.  Melissa ‘thrutheblue’ Weldon has also really helped me develop the confidence to lift heavy weights and sculpt my body.

Describe your favorite way of staying fit outdoors.

I enjoying walking/hiking in the country and running at the nearby lake.  I can’t wait for the summer to really start enjoying the great outdoors and fun with my family!

What’s your favorite thing about Skimble? 

I really like the great variety of workouts which as a beginner gave me the direction and focus I needed to work out at home and challenge myself. I can also create my own workouts and share these with others, which is great too.  There are so many like minded people of different ages and experience all over the world who are each others cheerleaders, plus I love the fact I can skimble anywhere!

What’s your fitness mantra/motto?

Do something and start today, not tomorrow.

We’d love to introduce you to a truly inspiring woman, Julie Webb Kelley, our Skimble Member Spotlight! Julie has been a dedicated Pro Skimbler for over TWO years, and we’d love to share her story with our wonderful community:

What was your starting point versus your current fitness status?

I didn’t have much weight to lose but I’ve gained A LOT in strength and confidence….am up to a 4 minute full-arm plank!! And at 50 years old, that’s pretty good!

Who’s your fitness icon and why?

My fitness icon is my 15-year-old daughter. She swims competitively and her strength and motivation inspire me year-round!

Describe your favorite way of staying fit outdoors.

My favorite way of staying fit outdoors is riding my bike. We have a lot of hills around! As long as a workout is kicking my butt, I’m happy. BUT my absolute fav way of staying fit is kickboxing!!! Love, love, love every kick, every punch, every day!!

What’s your favorite thing about Skimble? 

My favorite thing about Skimble is the community. I’ve truly come to count on the support of my fellow Skimblers and really enjoy the workouts they create. My Skimble friends challenge me in so many ways and because of them, I can do more than I ever thought possible at my age!

What’s a random fact about you that you’d like to share with our community?

I am a cancer survivor….16 months and counting!!

What’s your fitness mantra/motto?

“IT doesn’t get easier. YOU get stronger!” and “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

Check out the guns on this mama! Thanks, Julie, for sharing your story with us.  We are so humbly proud to have helped you stay fit.

We at Skimble HQ get psyched when we find out that our members are going out and challenging themselves.  If you are planning to participate in some sort of challenging event, and are using the Workout Trainer & GPS Sports Tracker apps to help you train, we’d love to spotlight you!  Please send us an email to trainers@skimble.com if you’re interested.

Meet Mykal Leal, our Skimble Member Spotlight! MykaL has been using Workout Trainer for almost a year and we don’t have to tell you about his amazing transformation– we can show you!  Not only has he had personal victory, but this native Alaskan has been motivating the community around him to join in his fitness journey. He’s already created several workouts, such as Power of 10, that are super intense and will keep you sore for days!  Check out how MykaL’s past year has been, and what he has to look forward to in the future.  

What was your motivation to start working out?

My motivation was my family, especially my only child, my son Joaquin. I want to be around and healthy for as long as possible so that I can continue to have fun and play with him each and every day. I never wanted my being fat to ever get in the way of that.

What your fitness goal for 2013?

My fitness goal for 2013 is to drop to at least 15% body fat and to weigh 175-185. I am currently 25% body fat and at 210lbs.

What’s your favorite thing about Skimble?  

My favorite thing about Skimble is how easy it is to follow all the workouts! Plus I love being able to create my own training sessions and keeping in touch with others on the site with similar stories as my own.

What’s your workout mantra (or your favorite inspirational quote)?

 “DO WORK!!!”

Who is your fitness icon?

My fitness icon is my dad, Leon. He’s in his 50’s but looks like he’s in his 30’s and in great shape because he hits the gym several times a week. My famous fitness icon has got to be The Rock!

Check out these amazing before and after photos of Mykal! 

Anything you want to tell our Skimblers?

I hope I can reach many of you out there with my story. I lost 60lbs in 5 months and I’m still going strong. I have degenerative arthritis on both ankles, one surgery on my right knee, asthma, I am a full-time parent, and a full-time school district security guard. If I can “DO WORK!” and get in shape with Skimble, then anyone can!

Also I really would like to thank my wife Carmina for all her support through my weight loss process. 

We at Skimble HQ get psyched when we find out that our members are going out and challenging themselves.  If you are planning to participate in some sort of challenging event, and are using the Workout Trainer & GPS Sports Tracker apps to help you train, we’d love to spotlight you!  Please send us an email to trainers@skimble.com if you’re interested.  

This week we’d like to introduce you to Gilbert Rod, this week’s Skimble Member Spotlight! Gilbert has been using Workout Trainer for just six months and has already seen great progress and results!  We were lucky enough to snag some time with him to ask him about his Skimble experience:

What was your starting point versus your current fitness status?

When I was younger I was told that I was too thin and I needed to fatten up. I took this to heart and ate as much food as I could without realizing what I was doing to myself. Four months ago, looking in the mirror, and shortness of breath doing simple tasks, woke me up! I needed to change. No more junk food, I increased intake of fruit and vegetables, I drink water everyday, and of course exercise with the help from Skimble. I now have the motivation and desire to be healthy and live healthily.

Before joining Skimble I was 223.5 lbs, no energy, and unhappy with my appearance. After joining Skimble I’ve lost over 10 lbs in body fat and 2 inches of my waist. I’m growing stronger, and energy and endurance has also increased. I’ve seen a change in my appearance which makes me extremely happy.

What your next fitness goal?

I desire to be healthy and strong and be an encouragement to friends and family. Next year I would like to help support Relay for Life during its walkathon in my local area. I have a co-worker whose grandmother passed away last year due to cancer and I wanted to walk in the relay but was unfit to do so.

What’s your favorite thing about Skimble?  

The support from other Skimblers who are on their journey to living healthy, we encourage each other to press on and reach our goals. I also enjoy the variety of workouts that are created by Skimblers.

Whats a random fact about you!

I’ve been told I have a radio announcer’s voice. 

Who is your fitness icon?

Everyone who has triumphed over poor health conditions and beat the odds when they were told they would never survive.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Gilbert!  Relay for Life is an excellent cause, and we know you’ll be ready to go in 2013!

We at Skimble HQ get psyched when we find out that our members are going out and challenging themselves.  If you are planning to participate in some sort of challenging event, and are using the Workout Trainer & GPS Sports Tracker apps to help you train, we’d love to spotlight you!  Please send us an email to trainers@skimble.com if you’re interested.