Meet our Superhero of the Month for August: Katty Callender!
I was completely surprised when we discovered that we hadn’t selected Katty Callender as a Superhero of the Month until now!
Katty is an unquestionable superhero in life and at Mo-Mentum! Maybe that’s why we missed the fact that we haven’t officially named Katty superhero of the month before. If you haven’t met Katty yet, you’re probably new to Mo-Mentum! She is the definition of superhero in pretty much every way. I think she might even be able to fly, but that’s not confirmed!
If Katty has not met you officially, don’t worry, she’ll make sure to introduce herself to you when she sees you. She’s just that friendly. Katty is fun and hilarious too. She leads with love. She’s passionate about life, her family, her friends and her health and fitness. And you may have guessed already, Katty is very charismatic. Katty’s passion for health, fitness and life are contagious. She has a 7-foot-tall personality bursting from the seams of her 5-foot-tall body!
One of my favorite stories to share about Katty is when we went on our first Spartan race together. It was a Spartan “Super.” (That means the race was more than 8 miles with 25 obstacles.) When we finished the race, Katty ran back out into the race about ¾ of a mile and started yelling at people who were “fading,” to help them finish the race at a powerful run instead of a crawl!
It was amazing! Not one person argued with Katty, they smiled, high fived her and I could visibly see their energy come back into their bodies. Of course, she recruited me and a couple others to help her too. Nobody argues with Katty, accept maybe Andrea Swander!
Katty represents, above and beyond, all of the reasons we pick our superheroes. She is constantly challenging herself and growing 1% better every day. She is also constantly nudging others to do the same!
We are the average of the five people we spend the most time with. -Jim Rohn
Katty over delivers on EVERYTHING she does! She is an above and beyond person!
Katty’s definitely transparent, with nothing to hide about who she is inside and out. Katty is someone that we all love having in classes and training sessions because her energy is so contagious that she can’t help but raise the overall energy of our environment.
Finally, Katty is all about tribe! She just knows naturally how to help new members to Mo-Mentum, feel more comfortable and to feel part of the tribe. She believes in Mo-Mentum Fitness, and she knows how to help you believe in yourself if you ever start to waiver.
If you’re in need of inspiration, a little more inspiration is ALWAYS good! Introduce yourself to Katty or join our 5:30am group fitness classes! And, read Katty’s answer to her superhero questions!
Katty, we love you and we are so honored to name you the Mo-Mentum Fitness Superhero of the Month for August 2021!
A few words from our Superhero herself…
Specifics: age, job title, children, partner?
I am 53 years young (will be 54 years end of August), I am a License Clinical Social Worker. My job title is Mental Health Clinical Program Head with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health at one of our Juvenile Justice Programs. I Manage the Mental Health Services at one of the Probation facilities. I have been with the LA County –Dept. of Mental Health 30 yrs. I enjoy my career and having the opportunity to help and support youth and adults with life challenges.
I am a mother of two wonderful teens (15 year old son and 17 year old daughter) who I make it my mission to annoy them every day – hehe and do my best to raise two wonderful human beings. I am beyond proud of my kids and grateful to be their Mother, they have made me a better person. My husband, Bart Callender, who I love with all my heart (and don’t understand why he puts up with me and my shenanigan but grateful he does) for the past 22 plus years. He is the better person in our relationship and the rock to our family.
Describe what your life (and your health) was like before fitness.
Life before fitness: Growing up I did not eat healthy and did not exercise, not part of our family life style. At 15 years old I joined the high school cross country team and it’s been a life journey to stay healthy and fit. I really did not know how to eat healthy and running was not a sport high school girls joined but I joined anyways. Even though It was not easy (in Alex words – easy is free) I never stopped trying. What kept me going was the feeling and sense of accomplishment and energy every time I finished a run or race.
Was there ever a low point or an experience that made your priorities change?
The lowest point in my life is my accident. I thought I would never be able to run again. With my husband/children/family and friends loving support, my perseverance to keep fighting no matter what kept me going, and a lot of love from my Guardian Angel too I pulled through it. The accident did change me in many ways and one of the major change was I never took walking let alone running or working out for granted since.
How did fitness come into your life (or back into your life)?
Fitness was not part of my life until I turned 15 years old. That was almost 40 years ago when fitness/exercise was not part of social culture especially for girls. I was very lucky to have our high school cross county/track coach who allowed girls to be part of the boys cross country team and train with the boys. He was my mentor and inspiration to pursue running. It was because of his support and motivation that he brought fitness to my life. He taught us to persevere no matter what, don’t give up even if you are dead last in a race. Without us knowing it he was also shaping our character for our future to make fitness part of our life. I am forever grateful to him.
What kind of results have you seen since starting a regular fitness program?
Energy and feeling good about my daily fitness accomplishments. We all have ups and downs, curve balls thrown at us every day but staying healthy and fit is a daily choice I make for myself no matter what is going on at work/home/life. Over the years and as I get older, I incorporated other exercises into my life besides running especially after having my two wonderful children. I changed my workout to incorporate new activities/ new challenges (kickboxing, Spartan races/ weight training/Spin/ other crazy but fun challenges) to keep it fresh , fun and enjoyable. Daily/regular fitness is a daily mindset I choose to do every day, it’s not really an option, it an “ I CAN “ attitude every day for me. Got to work on my stretching!
Let’s focus in on the blood work. What kind of changes have you seen there? What do these changes mean for you lifestyle, longevity, finances, etc.?
In my early 20’s I had very, very high cholesterol to the point the doctor recommended medication. I refused to be on any drug so instead I started to research what I needed to do. Part of the issue was high cholesterol runs in my family but I also made the necessary food adjustment and slowly my cholesterol got to a normal percentage and under control without med’s every since. I recently had my blood work done and results were all good!
Why do you make fitness a priority in your life?
The simple and short answer is BECAUSE I CAN. Without getting into the specific, approx. 7-8 years ago while running home from my morning run I was hit by a truck. I survived the accident thanks to The Higher Powers/my Guardian Angel. After almost a year of road to recovery and a humbling journey I slowly starting working out again. I found an amazing trainer, Adrian, and Amanda opened Mo-Mentum. I joined Mo-Mentum a few months after the gym opened. Personally Mo-Mentum is not just another gym, it’s a community of wonderful amazing women and men!!!!!! Throughout the years I made wonderful friendships, and all while working out and having a great time every time.
These days, what makes truly happy and feel at peace?
My two hour EVERY morning workout (bright and early) personal time for myself. I enjoy the early morning to think about things and the day, put things into perspective, watch the sun rise, or just be in the moment. A 45 minute power-walking/or quick sprints before Alex and/or Nick’s 5:30AM amazing classes, Saturday spin class with David and Susan (power couple), Steve’s weight training class on Saturday, and my Sunday morning long runs. Staying fit everyday keeps me young, energized, and more importantly allows me the mental mindset and physical energy to take on the day.
How do you feel compared to 1 year ago?
I am beyond grateful and thankful to Alex Williams, our instructor and my friend. Alex was in the gym every day during COVID teaching 5:30AM Zoom classes, keeping us fit and mentally motivating us to keep coming back every day. We worked out hard , had fun, laughed , kept our bodies moving, but more importantly kept our spirits positive. I know I would not be at my fitness level without her and Mo-Mentum so I want to thank my dear friend for being our inspiration this past year and a half. Thank you for challenging me/us to a new level of fitness (she kicked our ass every morning without a doubt and we kept coming back for more). Amanda, without Mo-Mentum I don’t think any of us would be at our fitness level without you and your Mo-Mentum Gym. I mean that with all my heart.
Team Mo and I choose our SUPERHERO OF THE MONTH based on several important factors that we believe reflect the values on which the Mo-Mentum Fitness world-class culture has been built upon.
Mo-Mentum’s Core Values Include:
· Mindset for growth, constant never-ending learning – if you’re not growing, you’re shrinking.
· Over-deliver on all we do.
· Tribe – we all need a supportive and inspiring tribe, people we can be ourselves around and who nudge us to be one percent better every day.
· Transparency – We believe in honesty with ourselves and with others of course.
· Vitality – We believe in living vibrantly and living all out with courage and passion.
Love,
Amanda and Team Mo
