Charter Member, Valerie's, Growth Through the Kroc Center of Memphis

For 13 years, Valerie and her family have been part of the Kroc Center Memphis community, and her story is one of consistency, connection, and growth. “Gregg and I toured the Kroc during construction. Our family of four joined the Kroc in February 2013. I am happy to say, ‘We’ve been Krockin’ for 13 years.’”

When asked what has made her stay for so long, Valerie shares: “Community, excellent instructors, variety of classes, friendly employees, convenient location, and affordability. More recently, I have appreciated when instructors say, ‘This exercise will help you get off the floor when you fall.’ This comment is a good reminder of the importance of fitness and that goals shift as we age.”

Living nearby, Valerie credits consistency as a key part of her journey: “My family lives near the Kroc, so the consistency of walking inside the Kroc doors has been key. During Covid, my fitness routine was disrupted. Our membership remained active, and the instructors offered access to streamed classes from their homes. The Kroc included weights to take home for members. After Covid, it took me a while to reenter an in-person fitness schedule. I finally walked inside the Kroc doors again, saw old and new faces. I am thankful to be in a community with people who value physical activity and encourage each other. Fitness journeys shift during and after disruptions in life and as we age. The Kroc offers a sense of belonging for people to become active, to maintain fitness, and to improve strength. I have met people whom I may not have otherwise met in Memphis.” 

For Valerie, fitness has always been connected to something deeper: “For as long as I can remember, I have had a connection between my spiritual and physical health. My framework is mind, body, and spirit. Exercise helps me create a clearer, calmer, and more present mindset. Consistency in physical activity directly strengthens my ability to be consistent in spiritual habits. Exercise relates to stewardship. Caring for my body both physically and mentally allows me to work and to serve with more energy and focus. The discipline of physical strength cultivates mindfulness and directly applies to my prayer life and reading.”

In her professional life at Clarus Growth, Valerie sees wellness as a common thread in growth: “People are different, but my journey combines fitness and business. At Clarus Growth, I work with organizations on a people strategy, with individuals with ADHD on executive function strategies, and with individuals to engage in career conversations. A consistent topic is wellness. While the conversations are different, it’s about growth. If one struggles with consistency in physical activity, reflect on the why. Start with a 15-minute routine. If you choose the Kroc, employees will welcome you with a smile. Participating in a workout or a class will allow you to feel the endorphins. Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. You may meet someone who struggles to get out of bed because of grief, or who is recently retired, or who is a recent college graduate. While I don’t remember everyone’s names who I work out with, I appreciate seeing the same faces and new faces each week. Lastly, if you enjoy classes and haven’t used the Kroc app, try it. The Kroc has embraced technology to make it easy to see upcoming classes, sign up, and this creates personal accountability for a workout routine.”

Valerie’s journey is a reminder that fitness isn’t just about workouts; it’s about community, stewardship, growth, and showing up, even after life’s disruptions.