We all have those people who have crossed our paths evoking a gut level  physical and mental reaction upon meeting them for the first time.

• Is it fear?
• Is it awe?
• Is it, “What the heck? Who is that and how did she do that?”
• Or is it “Oh no. I cannot do that!”

That is Joanne, or Momma Jo as she is so affectionately referred to. Truth be told,  I experienced every one of those questions beginning in 2009 when we first met. I was new to the gym and licking my wounds after being laid off from a law firm in Manhattan. At the suggestion of a friend, I joined the gym and was soon working with weights, bands, and other tools of torture in my first Chisel class with a little bit of a thing named Joanne. Little did I know the impact she would have on my bones, my strength, and my person.

I thought to myself at that time, “I can do this. What’s the worst that can happen?”

Remember the hula hoop class Jo? Three broken ribs later…no hula hoop for Karen. Now do you understand my fear of the TRX?

Momma Jo famous sayings

These are just some of my personal Momma Jo favorites. People- please add any you think of by using the comments section on the blog page so we all can see them.

• Yes, or yes?
• See you when I see ya
• Is your junk hanging off the back?
• If it hurts, you did it right.
• Did you try my moose balls?
• C’mon back row let’s go! Rosemary, that means you too.
• Ride it like you stole it.
• I can see you in the dark.
• Ohhhhh yeaaaaaa
• I smell clementines!

Now close your eyes. Can you hear the whistle?

Go ahead, wave that towel.

Momma Jo favorite hashtags

Jo uses these fast and furious so here are just a few:

#darkroom   #loudmusic  #dontweall   #movingforward     #BFITT  #crazytrain  #thatswhatshesaid

#seeyouwheniseeya     #pedalfaster       #BeastMode      #earlymorningcrew   #beyourbestyou

I spent about 35-50 minutes today scrolling through Facebook and reading the notes to this woman who has arguably influenced, motivated, and changed the mindset and bodies of probably 500 people’s lives over these years. There were countless posts, pictures and expressions of thanks and gratitude. I lost count with the number of pictures taken all sweaty and tired in dark rooms, mall hallways, on bikes, on the TRX, and in too many to count, crazy dress up outfits.

In turn, so many of her posts were addressed to individual people targeting something that Joanne identified specifically with each person whether it be unusual socks, puppies, sports, funny GIFs or the usual ‘come saddle up with me’ or ‘I’m coming for you.’ She supported Breast Cancer research and that meant the world to me. Countless other charities have been associated with her and her fundraising t-shirts and marathons.

But Joanne, the best are the pics with your girls, the ‘boys,’ and the beach. It’s pure Joanne.

Her sayings just slay me. Here are just a few quotes from her page:

• Just keep pedaling
• I’m a fitness instructor. What’s your superpower?
• Don’t just stand there. Bust a move.
• You are only one workout away from a good mood.
• Don’t just talk about it. Be about it.

Joanne, I have spent many Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve mornings with you. I have Zumba’d in the parking lot and at Proctors, ok, not actually with you but you attended in spirit. Through spin marathons and Les Mills releases you have been such an influence on me to be better and stronger. I laugh on the TRX until I end up on the floor. I  will wave my towel no longer as it will not be the same in that dark room without you.

Go get ‘em Jo and we will see ya when we see ya.

Final Jo quote:

“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you – not because they are nice, but because you are.”

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