Stuck, But Ready.
Selena Avolio joined Outlaw in October 2025.
As a high school teacher, her days usually run from 8:00 to 2:30, but most days also involve extracurriculars at work. At the time she joined, she was working in a long-term job, in a grade and school that she didn’t really love.
She wasn’t unmotivated, exactly. She was still showing up and still trying. But she felt stuck.
“I felt at a standstill in a regular gym,” Selena says. “I just wanted something to look forward to after work and something I could use to destress.”
She describes it as needing some help getting back up.
Wanting Coaching and Accountability
One of the things that drew Selena to Outlaw was the chance to be coached.
“I was excited for the aspect of being coached because I felt like somebody else could help me be accountable,” she says.
That accountability made a difference right away.
At her previous gym, there were plenty of days where she felt like she did not have “time” to fit it in. But once she had a place to be, people expecting her, and coaches guiding her, things changed.
“When you are held accountable, it’s funny how you can magically start fitting in time.”
Feeling Stronger Almost Immediately
Selena noticed the shift quickly.
She started to feel stronger almost right away, and mentally, she started feeling really good about herself.
Because work was not feeling fulfilling at the time, coming to Outlaw after school gave her something positive to focus on. It became a place where she could build toward her own goals and feel excited about her progress.
“I started to realize that even though naturally my build is small, I still do have a lot of strength and still a lot that I can work toward.”
One of her most exciting milestones so far was getting her first kipping pull-ups and then being able to start stringing them together.
“That was really exciting and motivating for me,” she says.
Building Confidence Three Days a Week
Since joining, Selena has noticed big changes in her energy, confidence, and commitment.
Coming three days a week has become something that feels really good for her — not just physically, but mentally too.
“I would say my energy, confidence, and commitment to coming three days a week has been amazing for me.”
The routine helped her prove to herself that she could make time for something that mattered to her.
It gave her structure, consistency, and a reminder that she was capable of more than she may have been giving herself credit for.
The Best Part: Friendships and Community
For Selena, one of the biggest surprises has been the community.
“I’m just so appreciative of the friendships and community that I have made at the gym,” she says. “Honestly, this has probably been the best part for me and a reason to keep showing up.”
From the start, she felt supported.
“Everyone has been so kind and supportive from the start and I’m just so grateful.”
What began as something to look forward to after work has become much more than that. It has become a place to destress, build confidence, feel strong, and connect with people who help her keep showing up.
Selena’s Advice
For someone who feels stuck, at a standstill, or like they need help getting back up, Selena’s story is a reminder that sometimes the right environment makes all the difference.
With coaching, accountability, and community, showing up starts to feel a little easier.
And sometimes, the thing you thought you didn’t have time for becomes exactly the thing that helps you feel like yourself again.
