Congratulations to Karissa Edelen, our October Fitness Patron of the Month!

Check out her story here:

Hi, I'm Karissa! I'm 52, and I've been exercising at Carbon Valley Rec Center since moving to Frederick back in 2013. For me, coming to the gym is about more than just fitness—it's a health commitment. In my 30s, after my kids were born, my doctor noticed my cholesterol was getting a bit high. She gave me a choice: either get serious about exercise or start medication. I really didn't want to go on medication, so I chose the gym. Fortunately, my consistency has helped me keep my cholesterol in check without a single pill.

I love all the classes here, and Zumba is definitely one of my favorites. I treat them like an appointment I can't miss. Just ask my kids! The instructors are amazing and always push me when I need it most, and it's great to be around other people who love the classes as much as I do. Working from home for over 25 years, the gym is my mental escape. It's my time to step away from the computer, enjoy a physical challenge, and just feel great.

My best advice? Just keep coming back. The first few times might be the hardest, but once you make it a habit, you'll feel a huge difference.