Mara Campbell

When did you join Strength Camp?

- I did a few outdoors workouts in October 2020 and officially joined camp in November 2020, when the indoor facility opened.

Why did you join Strength Camp?

- I wanted to get back to focusing on lifting weights and barbell work. I had been doing mainly cardio based workouts for a few years and felt like something was missing.

Can you describe your top 3 goals you had before starting?

- I wanted to refocus again on lifting and strength training, and I wanted to get my strength back to where it was 8 years ago. I was also looking for more personal gym, instead of lifting by myself at a commercial gym.

Can you list your achievements you’ve had since beginning at Strength Camp?

- I’ve matched and exceeded my lifts from previous years and I’m probably the strongest I’ve ever been. I also had the opportunity to learn some strongman events and compete in a strongman competition in August. It was the best experience!

What compliments have you received since joining Strength Camp?

- I’ve been told by a few women in my life that I’ve inspired them to try strength training or pick up a barbell and that is the best compliment!

What is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your journey?

- The fitness industry constantly tells women that we should be smaller, take up less space, drink this fitness tea to lose weight, stay in the cardio section of the gym, don’t lift too much weight or you’ll get bulky, don’t eat carbs, you just want to ‘tone’, etc. When I first started lifting on my own, I dealt with a lot of ridiculous comments in commercial gyms from both trainers and patrons. It was frustrating and sometimes unmotivating. It’s been refreshing to find a gym that advocates getting strong is for everybody.

What is your favorite thing about Strength Camp? What makes it unique from other gyms?

- Strength Camp is probably the most positive strength gym I’ve ever attended. My favorite thing is the amazing environment. Somebody, whether it’s a trainer or fellow gym-goer always has an encouraging word that makes you want to do one more rep or pick up a heavier keg. I also love trying out all the unique equipment in the gym, like giant tires, kegs, logs, sleds, stones, and yokes.

What is your least favorite thing about Strength Camp?

- I really used to dislike the long warmup until I realized how I needed it and how it makes my workout so much better.

Who would you recommend Strength Camp to?

- I would recommend it to anybody who is looking for a positive gym environment and wants to get stronger and improve their lifting skills.

What does it mean to you to grow stronger?

- Growing stronger means improving my lifts and putting more weight on the bar but also going out of my comfort zone to try new things and learn new techniques.