Athlete Spotlight: Meet Leslye Swigert!

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Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month we’re catching up with Leslye Swigert, who has been a member of Defined for almost our entire 15-year history! Leslye is celebrating 12 years with Defined, joining our community in 2013.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you are from, what you do, and a little background on your fitness journey and how you found Defined Training?

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Leslye: I have lived in Chicago since 1997. I grew up in Crystal Lake, IL. I was a scholarship athlete in track & field/cross country at the University of Kentucky. I went to The John Marshall Law School (UIC Law now) where I met my husband, Josh Singewald. We've been married for over 23 years! We work together as divorce lawyers and have our own firm, Singewald Law Firm, in Chicago.

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I have always been a runner/gym rat and started marathoning in my early 30s. I completed 15 marathons including four Boston and four NYC marathons. I had some chronic injuries from running that transitioned me into CrossFit for the community and fitness routine. I joined Defined in May 2013, and I am still here!

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My husband and I are avid skiers so you don't see me as frequently in classes during January-April. We spend most of our winter time in Salt Lake City. Defined keeps me skiing at Alta Ski Resort! 

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How has Defined Training transformed your life?

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Leslye: I LOVE this place and the people! I have seen coaches and members change up but the daily positive vibe remains the same for me. Defined keeps my fitness routine going, and I like the variety of movements. When I am away during ski season, I miss you guys! It's hard to do on my own (this is a work in progress!).

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I love the Strength classes on Thursdays and Saturdays with a slightly slower, strong vibe. As I have aged, the real dynamic stuff can give me some trouble because I have some movement limitations. I had back surgery in 2023 (microdiscectomy at L5/S1) that truly kept me going. Before surgery, I was struggling to move as I never knew when my back would go out—so frustrating! So you may see me doing some modified movements during a class or a WOD and that's because I am trying to be "smart" about my routine at 52 years old.

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What does #MoreThanAGym mean to you?

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Leslye: Defined is a special place to me. It's a supportive, friendly environment to get your fitness goals accomplished. The coaches are great people that are always willing to help if you need it. I love our community that we have and that has kept me around for so long. It's a positive, energizing space for me.

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How do you track your progress and measure your success? Are there any particular tools or methods you use?

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Leslye: I track in SugarWod and my notes, and have over the years. My goals more so now are to keep moving consistently and to stay healthy to keep on moving at the gym and skiing. The past couple of years I have done a fall 5K just to see where I am at and keep me honest. I may not run as many miles as I used to but still get my steps in daily and bike/Peloton a few times/week.

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What's one piece of advice you'd give someone who is just starting their fitness journey? 

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Leslye: JUST SHOW UP. There will be low mojo days but still come to the gym. I have to remind myself of this at times. On tough days you need to get to the gym because it will make you feel better. Something is always better than nothing.

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What are your goals, both in and out of the gym?

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Leslye: Have fun, enjoy life, and be that friend that makes a difference.

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Keep moving—CrossFit, walking, biking, yoga, Pilates—whatever it is!

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Our law firm is our law firm. If you have a friend or colleague that needs help navigating a divorce or divorce related situation, please think of me, and make a connection. We also do premarital agreements—that's the "fun" part of our jobs!

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Final statement/words to live by?

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Leslye: Be kind. You never know what someone else is going through. Say hi to the new person in class as we were all "new" at some point! 

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Thank you, Leslye,  for being a member of Defined and helping make our Community Strong. 💪

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Leslye’s Favorite Quote:

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“Movement is medicine!
 

I am one of those people who tells themselves  "something is better than nothing" to help get me to the gym. Getting started is the hardest part, but once you do start, you are usually thankful about it.

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Leslye’s Fun Fact:

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My favorite band is Depeche Mode, and I love 80s music. I swear that will never change so I will be listening to that music in my senior community when the time comes… LOL. Horror movies are my favorite,  too!

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Do You Have a Transformation Story?

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It doesn’t have to look like the one you just read. How has Defined help transform your life? We want to hear from you — reach out to Coach Reid or Coach Cara to get started!

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