Jordyn
When Life Gives You a Wake-Up Call (Or Four)
You know those moments when life decides to hand you a reality check?
Mine came with a side of toddler chaos and a heavy dose of responsibility.
I’m a mom to a 2 and 5-year-old, working full-time as a nurse, and in May 2024, my in-laws moved in with us. My father-in-law had just been diagnosed with ALS, and my mother-in-law has MS. Suddenly, I wasn’t just thinking about keeping up with my kids. I was thinking about my future, their future, and what kind of example I was setting.
I’d been saying “I wish I could get back in shape” for way too long. But wishes don’t build strong bodies or teach kids valuable lessons. I wanted my children to see that when mom says something, she follows through with action. And if I was going to tell them that Corthells can do hard things, I needed to show them what that looks like.
Watching my in-laws struggle despite their diagnoses opened my eyes. Their conditions weren’t caused by unhealthy choices, and their prior commitment to wellness gave them more functional years than they might have otherwise had. I realized I needed to build a strong body not just for today, but for all the tomorrows ahead—including the days when I’d need that strength to care for them.
Finding My People And Discovering I’m Stronger Than I Thought
Here’s what surprised me most about Studio Strong: the trainers genuinely care. Doreen is always willing to answer questions—whether it’s about body mechanics, nutrition, or just pure motivation when you’re feeling stuck. I’ve never been part of a group quite like this.
The HIIT classes on Monday and Friday became my favorite part of the week. When you’re working out with friends, it stops feeling like a workout and becomes more like a really sweaty social hour. Time flies when you’re laughing with people who share your goal of just moving your body and showing up for yourself.
But let’s be real—it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. My left knee likes to remind me it exists, and on days when it’s really bothering me, I have to adjust my workout. Learning to listen to my body instead of pushing through pain has been its own kind of victory.
Victories That Matter Most
Want to know what I’m most proud of? It’s not a number on the scale. It’s slipping my wedding ring back on and feeling it fit comfortably. It’s pulling out pre-kid clothes from the back of my closet and actually wearing them. It’s finishing a 5K not too far behind my husband and seeing the shock on his face.
He later told me, “I was expecting you to be pretty far back, and I was so surprised and proud when you were not too far behind me.” That moment? That’s worth more than any before-and-after photo could ever capture.
Every day, showing up to train gives me the mental space I need to prepare for everything else. Raising young children while caring for aging parents is no joke. But that time I invest in myself gives me a clearer mind and the energy to take care of my family through the day.
Keep Showing Up
My phrase for 2025 is “be intentional.” I was tired of speaking words without following through with action. Everything I do now: my relationships with God, family, friends, and my health all gets done with intention.
Some days I don’t feel like working out. But I keep showing up because I know it’s good for me, and I deserve to be shown up for. My kids deserve to see that, too.
If I could tell my day-one self anything, it would be this: You found a really special community. Keep showing up because these people are going to make sure you have the support and knowledge you need to succeed. Also? Trust the process.
And to anyone thinking about starting but keeps putting it off? Take the leap. As my doctor once told me, “The day is going to pass anyway!”
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
Name: Jordyn C
Day Job: Utilization Review Nurse
Family Life: Mom of two amazing kids (ages 2 and 5), plus caregiver to in-laws
Decompress Mode: Walking, hanging with my kids, gardening
Workout Soundtrack: Forrest Frank or Josiah Queen
Personal Motto: “Be intentional”
Studio Strong in 3 Words: Community, Fun, Encouraging
Favorite Studio Strong Element: Monday and Friday HIIT classes with “my people”