Meet the hilarious duo, Pam and Lisa.
Pam and Lisa are neighbors, the best type of friends, and always bring up the level of goofiness and fun when they are at the gym. They started running 5Ks in 2011 and training for Run the Quay at Original Strength Institute. These races seemed like big scary goals then but now they’ve challenged themselves with 10Ks and 15Ks and Rucking, and they even have a goal for 1 race per month.
Pam and Lisa joined OS Institute to improve their overall strength and endurance for running.
Pam has since experienced less back pain and overcome her internal dialogue of “you can’t do that (which we think is absolutely awesome – and super freeing).
Lisa has experienced greater strength and feels challenged to go further rather than settling for what’s easy. She’s also found that her training at OS Institute has helped her recover faster from recent knee surgery.
Pam and Lisa enjoy “friendly” competition during races and challenges and they talk a lot of smack. Of course, it’s all in good fun.
I mean these two even have matching shirts that say, “But Did You Die?” It’s also common to hear one calling out the other to “get your @$$ in the car!” to get to the gym when one is feeling less motivated.
Isn’t that just the best kind of friendship?
Anyways, you’ll likely hear some snark between these two ladies, and that’s just part of their awesome friendship dynamic that pushes them forward as they learn to move better.
It’s not just about the typical gym stuff though.
Not only are these two friends motivated on their physical goals, but they also have been some of our favorite volunteers for all of our community events and projects. Pam and Lisa enjoy helping with events and have showed up fully in costume for Halloween events and our Holiday Open house.
AND! As moms, they are great influences on their kids to pursue healthy and active living. Both Lisa and Pam have brought their kids alongside them to OS Institute and Liam, Pam’s youngest, and Arianna, Lisa’s daughter, recently joined their moms for the Suggly Sweater 5K.
Now let’s let them do some talking:
Lisa Elmore- from New Castle, Virginia, has lived in FV for almost 15 years. She and her husband Randall, have a daughter Arianna who is a freshman at Southern Wake Academy. Lisa graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in chemistry and an MBA. She is career transitioning from insurance operations in special investigations to private investigation services. Lisa enjoys reading, cooking, gardening and playing with her rescue mutt, Squirt. Lisa thrives on challenges and is always looking forward to the next race or ruck.
Pam Towey – from New Bern, NC, has lived in Fuquay Varina for 20 years with her husband Patrick and has 3 children, 2 attending Campbell University, 1 at Fuquay HS. Pam graduated from Barton College with a degree in Film/Video Communications. Pam works for Centerpiece Home Health care in Fuquay. Pam enjoys horseback riding, raising chickens, and running fun races.
What do you do for work?
Lisa: Formerly manager of a special investigations team, now looking for new opportunities as a private investigator.
Pam: Home Health Care private aide
What ELSE do you like to do? 🙂
Lisa: Wife, mom to 1 skin kid, 1 fur kid. Volunteer as a cheer coach, teen church leader. Pet sit for neighbors, run races, rucking, cook.
Pam::Anything horses, fishing, being with my husband and 3 kids
How did you hear about OSI?
Lisa: Joined Run training for Run the Quay. Learned about resets, realized I could run better though with total body movement.
Pam: I Took a class with friend, Lisa Elmore. We were both not happy with our previous gym so we tried something new.
What has your fitness journey been like in the past?
Lisa: I have always been active, walking, yoga, fitness classes. But I never pushed or challenged myself and therefore I plateaued quickly.
Pam: I’ve always been active and enjoy the gym atmosphere. Fear of hurting myself has always kept me from making progress in strength training. I’ve had some injuries in the past that have made me question my abilities. I enjoy working out with others.
What positive impact has OSi had on your life?
I am stronger, less injury prone and feel confident in my movement.
What is your daily schedule like and how do you find time to fit in movement throughout your day?
Lisa: I am a middle of the morning/noon class person, mostly due to carpooling for school. My hound loves to walk so we get a couple miles in most days. On weekends, I do a long run, jog or ruck.
Pam: I work during the day so I attend evening classes twice a week and walk my dog on weekends. I press reset every day either in the morning or at night. I have a good friend that challenges me and we do 5ks together.
What has been one of your biggest obstacles when it comes to sticking to your game plan in the past?
Lisa: No challenge. I need a goal to work toward or an event to prepare for. Races and strength goals are important.
Pam: Not having a person to encourage me to workout and keep going. I am not a self motivator. It makes all the difference having someone counting on you to show up.
How has OSI helped you redefine that obstacle?
Lisa: The challenges and progression in my level of fitness make me want to continue to get stronger.
Pam: I like signing up for classes. It’s a small gym and the instructors know me by name. Knowing that the instructor is looking for me to show up helps motivate me, especially when I’m not meeting a friend at OSI that night.
What achievements are you most proud of since joining OSi?
Lisa: So many… deadlifting heavy weights, squat/burpee mountain.
Pam: My body is stronger than I think it is. I am proud of going to class even though I am sore or a part of my body is hurting. I always feel better after class. Most of my obstacles have been mental not physical. OSI is helping me realize that.
What is a new goal that you would like to achieve?
Lisa: Working on 200lb deadlift now.
Pam: I’d like to go to 3 classes/open gym a week instead of 2.
What motivates you to continue showing up, even on days you would rather throw in the towel?
Lisa: I never leave feeling worse mentally or physically, always better after a great workout.
Pam: I have friends that go to OSI and we text and encourage each other to go.
What is your favorite movement and reset? Why?
Lisa: Rolling, I feel the release in my hips and spine. Rocking on my forearms feels great too with frog legs.
Pam: Rocking with my leg out like a kick stand. My hamstrings are very tight and it just feels good!
Do you have any advice for newbies or for those interested in trying OSI?
Lisa: Indulge yourself in resets. Open yourself up to feeling strong and accomplished. You can be strong!
Pam: Talk to people, don’t be shy…we are all on our own personal journey. Let’s help each other get there.
Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?
Lisa:
1. I met my husband in 2nd grade.
2. People think Pam and I are sisters. We can pick up each other’s kids from school and they don’t know the difference.
3. I became licensed as a wedding officiant and married a couple I introduced.
Pam:
1. I am obsessed with my chickens
2. I am a film/video communications major
3. I have no sense of direction and can get lost in a parking garage.
What is your favorite jam to workout to?
Lisa: Queen, Skynard, 80’s, Old school country, must be danceable.
Pam: 80’s and 90’s pop
Do you prefer the mountains or the ocean?
Lisa: Love the beach, but I am a born and bred mountain girl.
Pam: OCEAN
Favorite food?
Lisa: Shrimp, crab, oysters
Pam: CHEESE!!!!!
What would you tell yourself if you could go back in time to the day of your first visit to OSI?
Lisa: You won’t believe how strong you are.
Pam: “Don’t cry during your workout. There is nothing to be afraid of and Dani won’t hurt you.”
Anything else you’d like to share with us or tell us about? We’d love to hear about it!
Lisa: OSi is like nothing else you have done before in improving your fitness. You learn how your body can move and how empowered that movement feels. All fitness levels are welcomed, embraced and encouraged by everyone else there…not just the coaches. Come see what your possibilities are!
Pam: I love how every class is different. I like not knowing exactly what the stations will be like. It keeps it interesting. It’s never the same old routine!
Now, grab your bestie and get yourselves set up with our 2 Week Trial for small group training. It’s just $29 and you’ll get 2 weeks of unlimited small group sessions and a private assessment (we call it a Success Session). You’ll get to experience what makes OS Institute different and meet some wonderful people, like Pam and Lisa and feel better than you do right now.
Contact us today and let’s work together to help you live your best life.
