Member of the Month – Mary Donelik
The Member of the Month for November is Mary Donelik. Mary became part of The Chatham Club family in 2002 and has been a regular fixture at the club ever since. Her constant smile and contagious energy have made her a well know person during our morning hours. Her fitness journey has been a wild ride with ups and downs, but her commitment has made her the strongest version of herself and we couldn’t be prouder of her!
What brought you to The Chatham Club?
I joined the Club because I was not exercising on a consistent basis since I was working outside the home. I thought joining The Chatham Club would help me establish a routine. I knew I wanted a Personal Trainer since I was unfamiliar with the equipment and unsure of the correct form to use.
What do you like most about the Club?
The Chatham Club is a welcoming and friendly place to exercise. It’s not only about the equipment and facility which are important but the differentiator for me is the atmosphere. When I enter the club, I am pleased to be there.
What do you like most about Personal Training?
I began training with Dennis(and trained a year with Tim when Dennis left to get married) shortly after I joined and have been training with him for 21 years now. He has been very instrumental in my fitness journey providing expertise, being supportive, challenging and encouraging me.
What are some memorable moments you’ve had throughout your time here?
Before I began attending classes, I asked Dennis to show me some of the exercises from the class he was teaching. After completing the exercises, I realized I was winded from the warmup! Sometimes getting stronger physically, means getting stronger mentally. In that moment, catching my breath, I made a commitment to myself, to get more fit, build up endurance, and be in that class!
Another was over 10 years ago, when I fell awkwardly (away from the Club) and broke my hip. After becoming the proud new owner of a rod and screw, I faced overcoming my fear to take another step and get on the treadmill at a speed of .5 miles per hour. Seems like forever ago as now I walk an hour on the treadmill and run on the treadmill and in my boot camp classes.
I see these moments as significant because I overcame doubt and fear and stayed on my fitness journey.
What are your favorite activities at the Club?
I really enjoy boot camp at 7am on Friday’s led by Tim with all my great classmates. I find it invigorating, challenging, and fun!
What are your least favorite exercises?
I have a love/hate relationship with the sled! Sometimes we work well together, meaning I can push it, and other times not so much, when I get stuck or come out of my shoes!
What do you enjoy doing outside of the Club?
I enjoy traveling. Seeing the Victoria Falls in Zambia and the pyramids in Egypt were especially memorable. My trips to Ukraine(homeland of my father’s parents) and Northern Ireland(homeland of my mother’s parents) have given me even more appreciation for their decision to come to America. Also, through the Church, I support 3 students in Kenya and 3 students in Honduras to receive and education. I enjoy volunteering at a local Church’s food pantry as well.
What are some of your upcoming goals?
My goal is and has been to stay strong and fit and continue to enjoy working out!
Keep up the great work Mary and keep being an inspirational member of The Chatham Club!
