Congratulations to Krista Shurtz for being May’s Athlete of the Month!! To say this acknowledgement is long overdue is an understatement! Krista has been with us since we’ve made the move from Healthtracks, which was 7 ½ years ago!! She has competed in figure competitions, Urban Adventure Races, Chicago Marathon, Dogwood Canyon Half Marathon, and the Crossfit HOA here in town.
Krista holds a Master’s in Environmental Engineering & Science and is a supervisor at CU. She is also involved in many community organizations including Sunrise Rotary, 7 Billion Ones , and Picking Up the Pieces – A Women’s Self Help Cancer Support Group. All of those are impressive accolades, but none are more impressive than her beating cancer! Krista was diagnosed in 2014 and with great support from her husband Matt, she overcame many ups and downs along the journey. After overcoming each obstacle, she would always make it back to the gym earlier than expected and she continues to shock us with her drive and perseverance. Krista has now been cancer free for over 6 years!!! This just scratches the surface of Krista’s spirit but if you’d like to learn more about her story visit www.7billionones.org.
Krista Shurtz
Occupation:
Engineer
What did you do before joining MTS in regards to working out?
Planet Fitness, Crossfit Springfield, Chesterfield Family Center. I moved around every few years looking for motivation.
How long have you been with MTS?
7 1/2 years (really??) w/ a few sabbaticals.
What’s your favorite workout/exercise at MTS?
Back squats, front squats, sumo squats, sissy squats…
What’s you least favorite workout/exercise at MTS?
Bench press and pull ups.
How is MTS different from other methods of training you may have tried in the past?
I really enjoy the programming and the personal instruction. It’s truly “functional fitness”. It is holistic fitness that helps me continue to be able to stay in shape even as my joints age.
How has MTS helped you attain your fitness goals or athletic endeavors?
Battling cancer and reconstruction has a way of forcing a new perspective on fitness and athletic endeavors. I’ve always been athletically competitive. Now, it’s about quality of life and enjoying the time I have to do things I love with people I love. MTS meets me where I’m at physically and coaches me to say in the shape I want to do just that.
What’s your favorite cheat meal/snack?
Peanut M&M’s in the freezer.
Advice to those just starting out?
Find “your time” in the day and protect that time. Stay consistent and build your habit. I go first thing in the morning. It’s just “what I do”. Make working out just “what you do”.