May 2024 Member of the Month: Maria McDonald
Maria met Molly before FUELhouse was in existence, so to say she’s an OG is, is an understatement. 🤗 We don’t get to see Maria as much as we used it, so when we do, it’s even more special to see her smiling face! Her spirit and attitude on life in and out of the gym are inspiring. We’re beyond grateful she prioritizes attending FH when she can - especially since she’s 75 miles away! 🤯 Check out what some of the coaches have to say about Maria, and continue reading below to learn more about this special human in her own words!
“Maria- one of the most magical humans you’ll ever encounter. Can we just start with that smile? I’m a BIG Maria fan… she lights up a room with her joy, positivity, attention, ability to listen… everything. Being around Maria makes me want to be a better human” - Coach Molly
“One helluva Kettlebeller Maria is!! Then you add in her sweet voice teaching yoga and she is this most bad ass Yin & Yang!! She still prioritizes coming for herself even though she lives in Olympia wow.” - Coach Kari
“10/10 human, Maria is! Her calm/positive energy is contagious and she really puts in the work.” - Coach Abbey
“Maria is one EPIC Human -- She is a dedicated student and practitioner in all of her pursuits. Whether its mindfulness, yoga, or strength training, I have had so much fun working with and learning from her over the years! She is a giver of strong hugs and teacher of the best yoga nidra!” - Coach Brian
“Our sister in strength is one awesome human! Her thirst for movement is infectious as is her laugh. Love me some Maria!” - Coach Dre
Name: Maria McDonald
Pronoun(s): she/her
Occupation: Learning & Development Manager / Yoga & Meditation Teacher
Find her on IG: @marialanemcdonald
Where can you be found outside of the gym? What do you do for a living?
By day I am the Senior Learning & Development Manager at Geocaching, a company I have proudly worked for the past 11 years. By night (and the occasional weekend) I can be found teaching yoga at a local community college, MMA studio, and yoga studio (all in the Olympia area).
What are your hobbies?
Reading books, daily walks in the woods, sending snail mail, boxing, attempting to cook, learning about movement and the physical body, camping & hiking, geocaching, and sending ridiculously long Marco Polo's to family and friends.
What brought you to FH in the first place?
MOLLY! I first met Molly when she was teaching fitness classes out of the dance studio in Fremont, it was across the street from where I work. At that time she was schlepping her gear around on the daily yet still teaching the best fitness classes around. I was instantly inspired by her energy, commitment, drive, and empathy.
How are we so lucky you picked us (what are your favorite things about FH)?
Expert coaches, welcoming community, and intelligent programming. Molly has consistently hired outstanding coaches who are constantly learning and sharing that learning with the community. Their expertise is unparalleled in the Seattle area - I can say this with confidence after years of exploring other gyms via Class Pass. The community of people who call Fuelhouse home have always been welcoming and inspiring. You see all ages and stages of fitness working out side by side and inspiring each other. It has always felt like a place where I can show up in whatever version of my body I have that day and trust that I will leave feeling better than when I walked in. I have been hooked on KB's from my very first class. The combination of strength, stability, and mobility that those things are capable of is incredible. The thoughtful programming Fuelhouse provides (and shares so freely on social media) gives me the confidence to know I will always be getting stronger.
What sports or fitness things did you do before FH?
Walking & yoga.
What programs are you currently involved in at FH and why?
Unfortunately, I now live in Olympia, so I don't get to hang out at Fuelhouse as much as I'd like. Despite being 75 miles away - I persist in staying connected! Currently I am doing private coaching with Bryan, recently participated in Molly's new year Reset program, and try to drop in for Thursday KB classes at least 1-2 times a month.
What goals are you working towards and/or what’s on your FH bucket list of things you’d like to accomplish?
Next year I would like to take Strong First Lifter. This would be a massive challenge for me, but it gives me a goal to focus on for this year.
What makes you commit to training even on days you don't feel like it?
I'm still trying to figure this out. When I lived in Seattle and could easily pop over to Fuelhouse, it was knowing I could see people and get hugs. Now that I live far away and have to have the personal motivation to train, it's much harder. My current iteration is rucking, inspired by Sokol. When I don't have the motivation to lift, I at least take myself for a ruck and go up and down a few hills. It's maybe not the strength training session I was hoping to have, but it beats sitting on the couch.
What's your favorite movement/exercise?
Halo's! A simple movement that has drastically altered the functioning of my shoulders for the better. Also, deadlifts...cause they just feel badass.
What have been your “bright spots” (PRs or accomplishments are you most proud of)?
I participated in SFG in 2019, I passed everything but the snatch test. It was a great challenge for me and I learned a lot about movement and strength.
How have these accomplishments affected your life?
SFG taught me the value of strength training for life.
What is on your general bucket list for life?
Buying a house with a half acre of land and growing my own food.
Tell us a little known fact about yourself or what’s something most people don’t know about you?
I can bend my pointer finger all the way backwards to touch the back of my hand. It's as weird as it sounds.
What's your favorite thing about being a FUELhouse member?
Knowing that no matter what iteration my health and fitness journey is currently in, I can get the support, education, resources and inspiration from the coaches & community at Fuelhouse.
What was your first impression of FH? How has that changed?
That Fuelhouse would be my 'third place,' and that hasn't changed :)
What advice do you have for new (or experienced!) new friends trying out FH?
Try all the things Fuelhouse offers! Workout with all the coaches, sign-up for stuff you've never done before, attend all the fun stuff. You never know what where you'll find your next burst of inspiration to steady the course.