Anna Kaschner

Name: Anna N. Kaschner,

Age: 35

Occupation: Yoga teacher, fitness instructor, Kohl’s associate

Why is physical fitness important in your life?:

I was a heavy kid and a heavy young adult and I hated feeling “bigger” than my peers. I was terrible at sports and had pretty low self-esteem. In 2005, I was diagnosed with kidney disease at age 25. I spent five years in dialysis until I received a kidney transplant that saved my life. The first thing I wanted to do after this was a triathlon, so I trained and learned how to run. Since then physical activity has been a way for me to stay strong and healthy while feeling good about my body.

Describe your fitness routine:

I do CrossFit as my activity of choice at CrossFit Shift in Lansing. I'm in the gym four or five days a week doing workouts, plus daily accessory work that is specific to my own personal weaknesses.

How do you stay motivated to maintain your fitness?

I stay motivated by always keeping my kidney transplant and being sick close in my mind. I try to focus on where I've come from, the gains I've made, and allowing myself to feel victorious over small wins. I'm currently waiting for a second kidney transplant, and while I know I may not always have the same ability or speed as I did when I was well, I know that every workout toughens me for facing any new life challenges.