Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1439376
JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 2022 35 "As I've aged, I realize how important cross-training is to keeping your body healthy and injury-free." —MITZI CARLETTI Fitness Specialist & Personal Training Coordinator Michelle Payne says. "e main reason is that it corrects any muscular imbalances, which decreases chance of injury." As Mitzi le school and became a young professional, balancing training with her career and social life became increasingly difficult—until a co-worker introduced her to the WAC. During more than three decades as a WAC member, she has shied her focus from setting personal bests to prioritizing strength and flexibility to stay limber and avoid injuries. "As I've aged, I realize how important cross-training is to keeping your body healthy and injury-free," Mitzi says. "I trained for my first marathon when I was 30 and ended up with a serious knee injury. at's when I started training with weights. Since then, I haven't had any injuries." Mitzi trains with Michelle as well as Pilates instructor Natalia Tikhonova, with hopes of running a half marathon this year. She is also a firm believer that her exercise routine helps her mental health as much as her physical health— especially during the pandemic. "Working with Michelle and Natalia gives me something to look forward to, which keeps me sane."