As a closely-knit organization, we take pride in our community of unique “J Family” individuals. Perhaps we do not always have an opportunity to get to know each other, aside from a passing “hello” en route to the coffee machine or a meeting. We all have busy lives outside of the J; but some staff members find interesting hobbies to pursue right here under our roof.
Laura Skroska from the NJT set design team recently participated in a natural bodybuilding competition’s Bikini Division, taking home 2 well-deserved trophies. I had the opportunity to speak with Laura the other day, and she was willing to share some personal details about her transformative journey.
Working full-time in the carpentry shop requires a considerable amount of upper body strength. In order to stave off potential injury and physical therapy, Laura started taking Group Exercise classes here and ,after COVID, moved into Elgin’s Signature small group personal training classes.
Soon Laura got a bit more serious about strength training, learning what she was capable of and how to gently push through previously unknown plateaus, to bring new strength potential to fruition. Elgin helped her ease into a protein-focused meal plan to facilitate building lean muscle mass. Laura’s husband Phil was very supportive each step of the way.
Over time, Laura made the well-researched decision to compete in a show here in St. Louis, opting for the glamorous and feminine Bikini Division. Elgin continued to answer her questions along the way, often researching first in order to offer her accurate information. For those of you who have seen Laura at work, you will understand that learning to walk gracefully in 4” heels was quite a shift from her usual attire!
Laura says she moved from a place of on-the-job injury prevention to realizing just how much determination was within her, in terms of physical strength and mental stamina. She gained confidence in herself, which definitely shined through that day on stage, when she claims she had no idea how much fun this experience would be!
When asked what advice she might offer someone who is considering entering the competitive bodybuilding arena, Laura said it is vital to set small, reasonable goals and be gentle with yourself. This is a journey, and it should be a fun one. The end goal is not the competition necessarily, but a “moving target”, as she put it. Having a long-range outlook definitely helps.
The JCC can offer this to anyone willing to put in the work required to achieve high fitness goals. Consistency, both in and out of the gym, helps turn the journey into a new lifestyle. With our free Group Ex classes, outstanding personal trainers like Elgin and so many more, state-of-the-art workout equipment, a great community of both members and staff, plus the fairly new addition of our InBody services as a resource to keep one accountable, the JCC Fitness Team can make getting into the best shape of one’s life a fun and transformative journey.
This November, Laura will once again hit the stage, this time in a show out of town. Stacy Owens, who has been training alongside Laura, will also be competing. Even Elgin has decided to prepare for this competition right along with his students. Perhaps a few more from the Signature small training class will join them?? Anything is possible when one trains hard and dreams big.
Laura says JCC members stop her and ask what she is doing, with whom she is training, and what sort of meal plan she follows. Even her stronger, younger co-workers look at this petite gal and ask, “How are you doing this???” The answers lie right here, under our roof. Come join the fun!