Patti first joined Kanna Fitness in January 2021—but she was no stranger to us. Her husband, Dave, had already been working out with us and encouraged her to give it a try. She finally did, back at our original location when most classes were still outside in the freezing cold.
Since then, Patti has earned her PhD, adapted to a diabetes diagnosis, and shown up to nearly 500 classes—despite being away most summers. Her consistency, grit, and positive energy show her commitment to learning, working hard, and having fun.
Whether it’s crushing a long workout or sharing a barbell and a laugh, Patti shows up fully. That’s why she’s our April Member of the Month—congrats, Patti!
Name
Patti Griffith
Occupation
Professor, nurse practitioner
When did you start at Kanna?
January 2021
What are your favorite numbers and why?
18 and 8. Two of my kids played softball and baseball. These are their numbers.
What movements do you like?
Pull ups, rowing, push ups, sit ups, box jumps (combo love and petrified of), snatches, KB swings. I really like a longer workout. And I have said for the better part of a year, if I am ever MOTM then I want a dance party. Third of four tabbatas?
What movements do you dislike?
Running, thrusters
What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?
Walking, Orange Theory
How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?
Husband was a member and RAVED about it. After Covid shots I wanted to return to a gym and decided to give Kanna a try. I felt like I knew everyone already because of Dave, but I was also instantly welcomed. I loved that it was okay to be pretty bad at most moves and that no one really paid attention to what I was or was not doing (gym goers not coaches)
What’s your “why” for working out?
Originally it was a combination of wanting to move, generic health, and getting out of my house when we were still pretty stuck at home. I was in a PhD program and between this, work, and Covid, I had become far too sedentary. These things still motivate me but now that I have diabetes I am even more committed to exercise for its immediate and long term benefits
What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?
Sharing a barbell and the question of the day. Exercise, strength, sweating can be accomplished in many ways, but the social connection makes me happy in a way that isn’t really a part of other exercise routines or gyms
What are your hobbies?
Making cocktails, baking, gardening, and I can get lost in a book when I make the time
What’s something most people don’t know about you or a fun fact?
Fun? I make some great cocktails! Name your drink. Boring? You can actually Google me because I have many publications
What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?
I may have been the most excited to do 10 Legit pushups…just can’t do that now
What’s on your fitness bucket list?
Rope climb! More achievable than a pull up
What’s on your general bucket list?
Exercise maintenance. Going to the shore for a few months in the summer is really disruptive. Trying to keep some consistency is an annual challenge for me. I need a Kanna LBI please!
What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?
Check out a couple of different class times to find your people; share a barbell so that you chit chat and make a friend, use the AMPRAPs to do something harder since everyone ends at the same time (embrace the smiley!)
Anything else you’d like to mention?
Love this place!
Kanna members: The MOTM custom workout date is TBD
How does one become Member of the Month? By embodying the Kanna ideals of Learning, Working Hard, and Having Fun. By contributing to the community and supporting others in and out of the workout. By being open to coaching and improving oneself for the sake of being better, not to “win” the workout. By just generally being a good person and having a positive attitude. And a lot more, but you get the idea!