June 2024 Member of the Month: Yulia Novozhilova

Kanna Fitness is excited to announce Yulia Novozhilova as our newest Member of the Month for June 2024! Yulia started with us in spring of 2019 with the goal of getting back into a routine after having her 2nd child. As you’ll read below, getting in two workouts a week was an accomplishment, but now she gets to a class almost every day. Between signing up for a number of our excursions/clinics, in-house and external competitions, and spreading the word about Kanna to local friends, Yulia has been a great advocate of this great community. Congrats, Yulia!

Name

Yulia Novozhilova

Occupation

Marketing Operations

When did you start at Kanna?

February 2018

What are your favorite numbers and why?

20, 22, and 28 – that’s how I remember my kids’ birthdays easily, thanks to Rob’s idea of grouping them all in the twenties. My birthday is on the 20th, Charlie’s is on the 22nd, and Emma’s is on the 28th. Now, I just repeat these numbers in sequence in my head every time I have to!

What movements do you like?

I like everything body weight. (and AMRAPs)

What movements do you dislike?

My slowest progression is the heavy front squats and deadlifts. I know the reason why! I hate them!

What sports or fitness things did you do before Kanna?

Just the running

How did you find Kanna? How did you feel when you first walked in?

I started working remotely and got a desk at a coworking space right next to the old Kanna location. I saw people running, huffing and puffing, and got intrigued to try it myself. I signed up for a basecamp that taught me the basic movements before I got into regular classes. I felt slightly impatient at the start, but once I went though it, I appreciated the need for basecamp training to make sure I am doing the things correctly, besides more administrative tasks. This focus on proper technique and foundational skills has stayed with me throughout my time at Kanna, a place dedicated to exactly that. It’s not just about jumping in and finishing the workout; it’s about learning to do things right.

What’s your “why” for working out? 

For me, it has evolved over the five years I’ve been a member. Initially, my goal was simply to get back in shape after having a baby, and making it to the gym twice a week felt like a significant achievement. Fast forward to today, and fitness has become an integral part of my identity. Muscle soreness is now a familiar friend, and I’ve been at Kanna almost every day for the past few months. I understand my fitness levels well and have clear goals to focus on next.

What’s your favorite thing about Kanna?

Every time I work out at Kanna, I leave feeling energized, like I’ve kicked off my day on the right foot. The small chit-chats with fellow members and coaches are an essential part of my routine, and those post-WOD fist bumps really capture the sense of community. These interactions and the supportive atmosphere make every workout session truly fulfilling.

What are your hobbies?

I’m responding to this question in the middle of spring, a time synonymous with abundant greenery and the joys of gardening…

What PRs or accomplishments (fitness-related) are you most proud of?

A strict pull-up. It’s taken me five years, but the sense of achievement is incredible. Similarly, with double-unders, I never imagined I could do them, but now I can, and I’m in complete disbelief.

What’s on your fitness bucket list?

To join even more fun competitions, like Sweatin’ to the 80s!

What advice do you have for people new to Kanna?

Simply showing up is half the battle, I firmly believe. I may not be the fastest or the strongest, but I know that by being present, I’m making progress, even if it’s just a small step. And you can too!

***Kanna members: The MOTM custom workout is going to be Saturday, 6/15***

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!

Start here

Book a free intro today so we can learn all about you, your goals and how we can help you reach them
Free Intro