Meet Holly Cohoon!
Movement has always been a part of Holly’s life but once kids came along, movement took a backseat.
Holly started OS Institute about a year and a half ago doing personal training with Tim. A few months ago she transitioned into group classes. She is the epitome of strength, determination and confidence – but always with a sense of humor. It is amazing to watch Holly in action. She doesn’t back down from a challenge and with goal setting, she sets the bar high.
What do you do for work?
I am in human resources for a consulting firm.
What ELSE do you like to do? 🙂
I like to spend time with my husband and two boys (usually running around between soccer fields) and hang out with friends. If I can find time, I also love to read.
How did you hear about OSI?
I used to live right down the street from Tim so I knew about OSI in a a roundabout way. After several years working with another trainer who moved out of the area, I reached out to Tim.
What has your fitness journey been like in the past?
Long and winding…I was a dancer growing up, so that was always my way of staying fit. Once we had kids (and I had an extra 30 pounds sticking around), I knew I needed to do something but no longer had time to spend hours at a dance studio in the evening. I tried some of the traditional things – running, gym memberships, etc. but I found myself fighting injuries or getting bored and losing the motivation to stick with a plan. So I started working with a trainer. I liked the one-on-one, and the accountability that came with it. I thought I was in pretty good shape at that point – I’d lost the extra weight and felt pretty strong, but when my trainer moved away and I found OSI, I discovered a totally new kind of strength.
From a fitness perspective, it has completely changed the way I think about being strong and able. I move differently and can see the impact in so many of my daily activities. Personally, I am also enjoying getting to know the OSI family. I’ve been training individually with Tim for a year and a half, but I only started taking group classes about 6 months ago. I am discovering that there is a real community at OSI that supports, motivates and cares about each another. That is something I’ve never found at a gym.
What is your daily schedule like and how do you find time to fit in movement throughout your day?
I get up at 5:30 in the morning and on the go pretty much non-stop. I like to work out in the morning if possible because it keeps me from finding excuses not to do it. But my job is a typical ‘desk job’ so I have to be mindful of when I need to move or take a break. Sometimes it’s just getting up and emptying the dishwasher or throwing in a load of laundry. I also just got a sit/stand desk which I LOVE because I can stand and move even while I’m working. I try to take advantage of my boys’ active schedules in the evenings as well. I am typically at a soccer field 4 out of 5 nights in a week, so whenever possible, I will walk while they are practicing.
What has been one of your biggest obstacles when it comes to sticking to your game plan in the past?
How has OSI helped you redefine that obstacle?
I think OSI does a great job of incorporating real, meaningful goals and achievements into fitness. In the past, my fitness goals have been centered around things like losing weight, or toning/building muscle. At OSI the goals are much more fun and when you achieve one, there’s a whole W.O.W. wall full of new ideas to inspire you to set and achieve a new goal.
What achievements are you most proud of since joining OSi?
Being able to do a “legit” (as my 14-year-old would say) pull-up.
What is a new goal that you would like to achieve?
I set new goals all the time with OSI. I think at this point it’s less about a specific goal than just a mindset shift that anything is possible.
What motivates you to continue showing up, even on days you would rather throw in the towel?
Everyone on the OSI staff, the members, and sometimes just giving myself permission to say, “Ok, today the goal is simply to show up”. Because even on those days, you can still feel like you’ve accomplished something.
What is your favorite movement and reset? Why?
Breathing and rocking. I think they both make me feel more present with myself.
Do you have any advice for newbies or for those interested in trying OSI?
Just do it. 🙂
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?
1) I’m very clumsy (as in tripping over my own feet…often).
2) I don’t like vegetables – I have to make myself eat them.
3) My favorite movie of all time is Tommy Boy.
What is your favorite jam to workout to?
It changes but right now I’m into ‘Stronger’ by Kanye West.
Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?
That’s like asking me which one of my kids is my favorite. They are totally different and I love them both.
Favorite food?
Just about any dessert.
What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time to the day of your first visit to OSI?
This is going to be way more fun than you’ve ever had working out.
Anything else you’d like to share with us or tell us about? We’d love to hear about it!
I love OSI – thank you for everything you do!!
(** Awwww, we love you too Holly! Couldn’t be happier to have you in the OSi Family! Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey! )
Want to come hang out with Holly and the OSi Family? Join us for a small group personal training session. We’ve got a 2 Week Trial Package for just $29 that is perfect for anyone…from beginners to more advanced. With more than 35 sessions a week to offer, a a variety of times and coaches, you will be more than happy and will see strength gains, body changes, improvement in mental health and energy, and make some new connections.
