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Welcome to February!
Although she's stuck right in the middle of Ohio winter, there are still redeeming qualities about Miss February. She's cold but she's short, she brings lovey-dovey feels, and she's also the keeper of Black History month, groundhog day, and random acts of kindness day. So let's welcome our girl, Feb with open mittens and explore all that she has to offer.
Speaking of Black History Month, we are always looking for ways to be more inclusive and welcoming at SOS. We are inclusive and welcoming in our hearts, but we need to continue to make sure that everyone out there feels it, regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, etc. We shouldn't just be talking about this stuff in February, either. That said, Black History month is as good of a time as any to continue the conversation about diversity and inclusion of ALL human beings.
I recently had the opportunity to listen to former Nike CMO (Greg Hoffman) speak about diversity in Palm Springs, and I took a nugget from his conversation that I want to pass along to you.
Many people jump straight to race when they hear the word diversity. The association with the word diversity can oftentimes be a corporate term or a box we have to check to be "PC." But Greg challenged us to elevate how we see diversity. To look at diversity as "diverse experience and perspective" as opposed to tying it to a certain type of person. He went on to say that capturing these diverse experiences and perspectives is the "oxygen for innovation and true understanding." You can take this advice and plug it into your workplace, your family, everywhere.
To Greg's point, just imagine if we replaced judgement with curiosity. Instead of putting a stranger in a mental box that fits our assumptions, we'd be curious to understand life through their eyes. To take it a step further, what if we took what we learned from them and put it into our own fabric of understanding? Taking little pieces of each other's life experience and weaving it into our own perspective in order to create more compassion, empathy, & curiosity toward the world.
Now, that's the good stuff.
Here's a challenge for you: Notice the next time you auto-pilot put someone in a box based on some difference they have. We've all done it. But moving forward, what's important is noticing when you're doing it and correcting the behavior. Next time this happens, Instead of putting someone else in a box, gently unpack the box with curiosity and compassion, and then mentally smash the box. Once you see how much someone else's life experience can enrich your own perspective, you'll wonder why it took you so long to lead with curiosity.
Recently, I shared my thoughts on the above with SOS trainer, Emily K. Not only is Emily a great trainer, but she's a talented writer. Here's a little something she wrote after our conversation:
It looks like it’s moving day
With all these boxes lying around
But instead of silverware and linens
We put people in them
Shit, we put ourselves in them
Cramming them into places they don’t fit
Or belong
Duct taping the top
And labeling
So much labeling
Then comes the story we create
How they’re different
Why we’re different
Why we’ll stay in our box
And keep them in theirs
Our narratives remain unchanged
Unchallenged
Because it’s easier to categorize
Label and store
Than explore
And understand
It’s time
That we smash the boxes
For ourselves
And those around us
Thank you for your beautiful words, Emily. I hope this resonates with someone out there today.
Keep Moving-
Keri & Team SOS
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There's not much we love more in life than really big, amazing cookies, so it only makes sense that we partner with Lion Cub's Cookies for the month of February.
"At Lion Cub's our philosophy is simple: we will never sacrifice on quality, we will always create lasting connections with our customers, and we will only treat people fairly and with respect.”
Lion Cub’s cookies philosophy IS simple and we couldn’t believe in it more. What started as one single table at The North Market has grown into an absolute local staple. Now, with a brick and mortar store on Grandview Avenue they are making the BEST and FRESHEST cookies in the city.
If you haven't tried these delicious cookies yet, please put it on your Feb to-do list. And keep an eye on those plyo-boxes in the studio because you just never know where Lion Cub’s cookies are going to “pop-up” this month!
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A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated to Kim's class for a cause in support of Butterfly Guild. Because of your generosity, we raised $932.00 for Butterfly Guild. The SOS community always shows up in big ways, and we continue to be so grateful to have you in our universe.
Butterfly Guild has raised over $4 million to aid in the mission at Nationwide Children’s. In recent years, their contribution has gone to support the Hospice and Palliative Care Program. They are committed and honored to support this effort, and these families, during a time of great need.
Don't forget to check out their latest event, The Sound of Music!
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 . (Sherome Hathaway, Founder & Eryn Hathaway, Executive Director)
We are so excited to be partnering with ICE Mentors in 2023, and we have Emily K to thank for this incredible connection. (Emily, you're just crushing the Feb Low-Down!) ICE & Eryn Pink continue to do great things in Columbus and we are pumped to be a part of it!
Image Character Etiquette (ICE) is a mentoring and empowerment organization created to provide youth with practical lessons and positive examples of how to navigate life. ICE also has a program called ERYN Pink which focuses on empowering youth, specifically black girls and young women, to live purposeful lives through the development of skills and talents, positive character, self-improvement, and leadership.
Emily K will be teaching a warm + toasty yoga class on February 26th at 12:15pm in Grandview to support ICE. This SOS Class for a Cause is donation based and the spots are limited, so please sign up today and support this amazing organization!
If you want to learn more about ICE and how you can get involved please CLICK HERE.
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Why do you train at SOS? I teach at SOS because it allows me to share my love for Group Fitness with my hometown - Columbus, Ohio. As a former client, I’ve seen the effects of SOS on myself and want everyone to have the same experience.
What makes SOS unique? The System, but seriously. I got into group fitness while I was in college at Loyola University Chicago and no place comes close to offering these kind of workouts all under one roof.
What would you tell someone who's on the fence about SOS? If you care about investing in your body, there’s no place that will give you a better return than SOS. Come to my class or take a class with me for free and let me know how you feel after, good right? Imagine stacking that feeling 4, 5, or 6 times a week and see how your body feels in 4 weeks or 8 weeks.
Anything interesting about you that people don't know? I’m running The Chicago Marathon in October and raising money for a charity called Good Sports. They provide brand new sports equipment to in-need youth sports organizations. Sports are the best and growing up I played almost all of them - so it only makes sense to help other kids have a similar experience.
What music are you currently listening to? I recently started compiling music for when I ‘hopefully’ start teaching High & Tight in 2023. Here is a Spotify playlist with the sounds you can expect in my class :)
Follow Nick @nickdicello2
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Join Team SOS at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio on Wednesday February 15th as we prepare, cook and serve breakfast. If you've prepared a meal at RMH before, you know Chef Blair will let us turn up the music, we'll definitely have a few laughs and help these families start their days off right!
PS. If this is the time you normally have reserved for your in studio time, we'll throw in a free class so you get some extra SOS time both in studio and at Ronald McDonald House.
WHO: SOS + Ronald McDonald House
WHAT: Prepare breakfast for families
WHEN: Wednesday, February 15th, 7am-8:45am
WHERE: 711 E. Livingston Ave. Cols, OH 43205
WHY: Because we want to hang out with you AND do something good for others. When families visit the Ronald McDonald House, a home cooked meal can make all the difference in the world!
Want to join? Email Kim at kim@systemofstrength.com to RSVP. We have 15 spots available!
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Podcasts we're listening to:
The Keri Croft Show. If you haven't heard yet, Keri Croft started her own podcast. This show is an organic look at cool people in Keri's life doing amazing things. You never know who's going to pop up on the show, and nothing is off the table. You can watch The Keri Croft Show on YouTube or listen on Spotify & Apple. Please go follow @thekericroftshow and CLICK here to listen to the first 3 episodes!
If you haven't listened to Ep. 2, Keri & Gretchen reflect on 10 years of SOS...here is the link.
Attention SOS community: The Keri Croft Show is looking for SOS clients to be on the show. If you have a life challenge that SOS has helped you through, please email info@thekericroftshow.com and let's talk about it. Your story matters, and it could be the flame that ignites someone else's fire.
Shows we're watching: Yellowstone made the list this month and we are anxiously awaiting the next season of YOU on Netflix.
Have something you think we should listen to or watch? Please DM us @systemofstrength and we'll give it a review!
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The next SOS apparel drop is happening at the end of March, and it includes the SOS Limited Edition leather ball cap! So keep your eyes peeled because those puppies will fly.
If you haven't tried the SOS Digital Studio yet, what are you waiting for? This online studio is the cure for any excuse that you have for not getting your workout in.
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Team Tread starts on February 6th so there's still time to join the fun. If you have questions please email Mat Wion at matt@systemofsrength.com. Otherwise click below to join today!
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