Jason and Agnes Hamilton have been around since MADabolic Stamford’s inception. No really…they attended the very first class at their Grand Opening nearly a year ago and have been hooked ever since! In celebration of MAD Stamford’s anniversary, let’s shine some light on this power couple, shall we??
Tell us a bit about yourself and your fitness background:
Jason: Agnes and I have been together for 26 years. Over the years she has stayed active with different workouts, but I never was a “gym rat” or participated with her. I think the last time I really worked out was back in high school. Needless to say, MADabolic was an eye opener at 48 years old.
Agnes: I’ve always been active. I went from kickboxing, even trying out zumba (not for me), through bootcamp classes to finally falling for Tony Horton and his P90X and HardCore programs. The takeaway from all of the above was that I loved any weighted movements more than any dancey/cardio crazy workouts, which is why when I saw the advertisement for MADabolic, it all just clicked and I was sold. Jason stood no chance and was coming with.
How long have you been a member at MADabolic Stamford?
We were there for the first class when they opened and have been rocking it ever since! Agnes just completed her 200th class and I am right on her heels.
What drew you in to take your first class?
Jason: Agnes loves finding things for us to do on Instagram, so she secretly signed us up for a free week. I thought I was going to die in the first class!
Agnes: I liked the methodology of MAD. Trainer led classes with carefully designed and timed 5 mindful movements. Made a lot of sense to someone who had never learned how to properly squat or do a push up. It was also the way of getting my husband out of his comfort zone and doing something together. Win-win.
What is your favorite thing about MADabolic?
Is there really enough room for this? Everything is the easy answer, but it’s so true. The trainers are amazing and the workouts are great, even when they are tough as nails. The community of people who are MAD just like us. We might not look forward to doing Anaerobic at 5:30am, but we always look forward to seeing our friends sweating right next to us. It’s also a time for me to leave everything at the door. I don’t have to think about any outside issues, I just focus on the workout.
What interval is your favorite (M.A.D) and why?
Jason: This is a tough one. I like all 3, but I guess durability would be my most AND least favorite. Walking in and seeing 5 minutes on the board is a soul crusher, but then I feel amazing when the final buzzer sounds. “Did I really just do all that?”
Agnes: I agree with Jason. If I was to stack most favorite to the least would be Durability and Anaerobic up top and Momentum last. Durability for me is perfect for focusing on your form and the movement itself. There is plenty of time to correct it and grind it out. I love Anaerobic for the cardio aspect and going 100% for a short amount of time. Equally excited for both workouts.
What are your favorite and least favorite movements?
Jason: Favorites have to be D-Ball OTS and elevated dumbbell burpee with a pushup. Least favorite, anything that has to do with a plank, SKIerg and THE TURKISH TRIPOD!!!
Agnes: Jump rope and any sort of jumping movements plus boxing are my most favorite. Anything with weights is a close second fave. However, I truly cannot warm up to the parallettes and pushups, although I’ve gotten a smidge better in both.
What has been your biggest accomplishment since starting MADabolic?
Jason: Moving up in plates, never thought I would be able to pick up and toss the 50# D-Ball over my shoulder.
Agnes: Since starting MADabolic my biggest accomplishment would be the way I think about my body and what it can and still could do. I’m way up there in my forties and am having a blast challenging my muscles in all sort of twisted ways the founders of MADabolic see fit on any given day, including Sundays. Also, getting up early enough for 5:30AM class, 4 days a week, every week for the majority of our first year. I did it for and with my early bird husband, so no regrets.
What’s your favorite way to stay active on your off days?
We like to take walks around some of the many nature parks in our area.
What’s one fun fact about you that not many people know?
Jason: I became an ordained minister after two close friends, whom I introduced to each other, asked me to officiate their wedding.
Agnes: I am a heavy metal loving transplant from Poland with a degree in German language. Also, I am the wife of an ordained minister.
What advice would you give someone who is hesitant to take their first class at MADabolic?
Jason: Come with an open mind. There’s no judgment and tell me what class so I can join you!
Agnes: Read what MAD stands for and then read it again. Beginnings are hard, but you’re not alone in this. Everyone has their own journey. Trying something new and struggling towards your goals beats not trying at all for fear of failing any day. Get your mind right, leave your ego at the door and come do the work. We’ll be there struggling there with you and high-fiving with every failure or victory.
