What Katelyn James reminded me about bloggging and 3 great Portland, Maine gyms to get your sweat on

Last week I had the pleasure of hearing the talented and successful Katelyn James speak at the Maine Professional Photographers of America's annual convention.  She and her husband Michael are the sweetest.  They are Virginia-based photographers, so it was so great to have them visit Maine and communicate some great tips on what works in their wedding and portrait business.  Katelyn reminded attendees that blogging isn't dead.  Far from it.  She says the blog is most important to your brand because it remains a constant and can out live all other social media platforms.  A blog is where you can really start your "tribe" and create a meaningful community. 

I have certainly been a dinosaur with all things social media and blog related, but I'm getting there (at least I'm writing blog post #2!).  For me, Katelyn's words of wisdom come at a fitting time as I navigate this virtual world and try to figure out "how to stay relevant," a phrase my father says that has stuck with me.  Katelyn reminded me to blog about what is important to me, whether photography-related or not.  I think I had a misconception in the past about what blogging should be and thus it became a "chore."  Right now, I hope my blog creates a genuine community for curious people who are interested in as many things as I am, or even just some of them (photography, fitness, heath, food, family, architecture, design, outdoors, big business, local businesses, furry friends, cats), and that it becomes useful and interesting to readers.  Don't I have some high hopes, ha?! 

Well, I figured I'd start with a fitness post because I've been pretty obsessed lately.  This snow-free winter was a huge motivator for me having no excuses not to run outside.  Plus my FitBit definitely jump-started that running habit.  And while I love the outdoors, I can say right now that I am a total gym rat.  How has that happened??  I definitely like my alone time, but the gyms fill my need for socializing and my craving for competition.  Even though I'm really only competing with myself, the gyms provide easily measurable progression.  Here are three great Portland, Maine gyms I love to get my sweat on at.  At all three gyms, both the coaches and athletes are motivating and the workout activities are super fun! 

What is your favorite workout?  Where is your favorite gym?  What gets you psyched to move?

Triple Jump Fitness:  275 B Marginal Way, Portland, Maine 04101

• Strength training, group classes, one-on-one personal training, every exercise is customized to you
• fitness for the whole family, from in the womb, to babies, toddlers, teens, adults
• www.triplejumpfitness.com

Back Cove CrossFit:  1037 Forest Ave, Portland, Maine 04103

• CrossFit gym, group classes
• Foundations classes and free class every Saturday morning at 9:30am;  total newbs like me can join, so you have no excuse not to try
• www.backcovecrossfit.com

Evo Rock + Fitness:  65 Warren Ave, Portland, Maine 04103

• Indoor rock climbing gym, sport climbing, lead climbing, top rope climbing, bouldering with top out
• fitness and fun for the whole family, kids climbing areas, workout/training area, yoga classes, aerial yoga, systems wall, tread wall, intro classes, advanced classes, clinics, birthday parties, team building, private events
• www.evorock.com/portland-me