Name: Kelsey Parker
Age: 34
Occupation: Electronics Technician
What brought you to Baltimore Built? A love for weightlifting and a desire to improve my fitness. But, more specifically, I was looking for accountability and an environment that would inspire and motivate me to push myself more than I could do on my own.
How long have you been a member at Baltimore Built? About 8 weeks.
Were you athletic or involved in sports when growing up? If so, what sports and or activities did you participate in? I did not participate in sports or athletics as a kid. I actually wasn’t very good at sports at all growing up. I joined my highschool’s colorguard and I found myself in the weight room quite often where I realized my passion for fitness.
Were you working out regularly prior to joining Baltimore Built? If so, what were you doing? I often worked on the Olympic lifts and I followed traditional bodybuilding splits. I also recently got into running and started trying to work towards improving my endurance.
Why do you workout? I workout because I like to feel strong and capable. There are countless ways to keep progressing and improving so there’s always something to look forward to.
What is your favorite lift or movement and why? My favorite lift would have to be the snatch. Olympic weightlifting is so much fun and the snatch is so technical. It feels really awesome when all the cues click and you get a good lift.
What is your favorite workout or type of workout and why? Strength training. Strength transfers into everything else and it feels good to be strong. Also, cardio is hard.
What have you accomplished as an athlete (big or small) during your time at Baltimore Built? I’m way more consistent in showing up for all the conditioning work and I’m even hitting all my old PB’s!!!
What fitness goals do you have for the next year? Run a 5k in under 27 minutes. Learn muscle-ups. Squat 250 lbs. The list goes on…
How has your fitness influenced and/or impacted your life outside of the gym? Fitness has introduced me to events I enjoy such as the Savage Race. It is also involved in many of the activities that I participate in with people I love and care about. Being mobile and able to move and carry heavy things helps me to be self-sufficient and also to be more helpful to other people.
What hobbies and activities do you enjoy outside of the gym? Gardening, DIY projects, art and music.