Member Spotlight: Meet Veronica and Timothy Tarver

How long have you been a member at Castle Hill Fitness, Veronica (V) and Timothy (T)?

V&T: We have been members for 1 1/2 years.  

What does your regular routine at Castle Hill look like?

V: My regular routine at Castle Hill usually consists of 2 classes a day! You can find me there almost everyday from 9:45-1:00. T: 2 hours a day, 6 days a week, combination of classes and weights.

Have you made changes in your health and fitness lifestyle since you joined? What changes stand out the most?

V: Since I have joined Castle Hill, I have become a pescatarian. It was something I had been wanting to do for a few years. I find that as I get older, I want to stay physically fit and eat healthy. This is what feels right for my body. My husband and chihuahuas still eat meat! lol T: For sure. By getting to know the trainers and staff I feel more dedicated to my overall health and fitness. The change that stands out the most is the ability to look in the mirror and feel good about myself.  

You both takes classes, so who are your favorite instructors?

V: I take a lot of the classes at Castle Hill. My new year’s resolution was to add yoga into my life; this has become a part of my fitness two days a week. There is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY I can pick a favorite instructor. All of them give me something different, and I mean mentally as well as physically; it’s all about balance! T: I started taking classes with Amid and Hilary and I thought to myself, “What in the hell did my wife get me into?” LOL … after I had a few weeks of getting my butt kicked by Amid & Hilary I thought I would “try” Robert’s classes (at the time I started, some of the other members I met said that “Robert’s classes were too hard for them.” So of course I had to try Robert’s classes to see how hard they could be, and they were right; Robert’s classes are not just back to basics! They are difficult, but Robert’s sense of humor clicks with me, so I try to make Robert’s class every day).  When Tiffany started her classes I had to support her also, so I take a couple of her classes per week too. Now that Chad is doing classes, I seem to be at CHF 7 days a week! I can’t pick one favorite instructor since there are several that I like –  Robert, Amid, Hilary, Tiffany and Chad.  

Do you frequent our Wellness Spa? Do you have a service provider who has helped you on your journey to whole body health?

V: I have seen Aaron for acupuncture twice, once for tummy tenderness and once for lower back pain. It works. I have never had a massage or facial, but I have heard that the facials are really good.  

Do you currently work with a personal trainer? Who are they and what goals are you working on together?

V: I am not currently working with a PT, but I have had sessions with Amid & Robert in the past and I’m still alive! Hahahaha! T: No, not at this time. I did some personal training with Amid and he is an excellent trainer.  

What motivates you to stay on track?

V: What motivates me to stay on track, is my group of friends that I choose to surround myself with. We text and communicate on workout schedules; it’s like a family with the same goals in mind. T: My wife’s motivation to workout inspires me to get up and work out.

What have been your obstacles with fitness?

V: My obstacles in fitness are always mental, for instance running. I’m not good at it, I don’t like it. But I have to say Hilary makes it fun by breaking up our running trips with activities. The aspect that I am most proud of right now in my fitness is my willingness to conquer classes that I never thought I could do. Before Castle Hill I thought kickboxing was something I could never do, but now it’s a part of my routine! T: Eating a proper diet, it’s still difficult to not overindulge but I don’t let it control my life. If I eat too much one day, I will work harder in the gym to burn it off the next day.  

What is your greatest health and fitness achievement?

V: My greatest health and fitness achievement is losing more than 20 pounds. My husband and I had put on a lot of weight. We love fine dining and indulging in dessert! We still do that but make sure to eat healthy at home and get a great workout in daily. T: Since joining CHF I can say that I’m in the best shape of my life and the credit goes to the quality of the staff that are at CHF. From the time I come in the front door, working with the Trainers, and talking with other staff members – all of this makes me feel like I’m part of the CHF community / family.

Are there areas you are still working on? What goal keeps you motivated to show up at the gym regularly?

V: I will always be a work in progress, I don’t think you ever reach a point where you think, “okay I’m perfect”. My motivations for showing up at the gym regularly are mental more than physical. I go to the gym to add life to my days :-). T: I’m working on my overall health and strength training.  My wife keeps me motivated and on track.

When you aren’t working out at Castle Hill, what do you do?

V: When Tim and I are not working out at Castle Hill, we have a very social calendar. One of the charities we love and support is Blackfret. They support local Austin Musicians and are a great organization. T: Sleep… lol, My wife and I are involved in several charities, we also love to travel so we do that as much as possible. My wife’s a real foodie so we try all the new and trendy places popping up around town – that’s why we are at CHF almost every day.