Who are you? Tell us a little about yourself or something that would surprise us.
It’s me Yolo, Yolanda Castillo de Hernandez. I am originally from Monterrey, Mexico, but have been here in the US for over 21 years. Almost three years ago I decided to change my life. I started eating better, hitting the gym and found my passion for running. Before the pandemic started I ran 15 races in one year including 5k, 8k, 10k and 12k. I also ran my first Aramco Half Marathon in 2020. I have been working for the past 11 years as an adjunct professor at Lonestar College and I also work at Mathnasium of Copperfield as a Center Director for the past 6 years, Let’s just say I love MATH!
How and when were you introduced to Behemoth?
I was just tired of the gym and free weights. I was looking for more challenging workouts and when I looked online and I saw Behemoth I knew I had to try it. I first talked to Coach Aja on Valentine’s day 2019 and I had to cancel on him because of some plans that came up, let’s say he wasn’t too happy. Then I reached back out in May and got started. I was one of the lucky ones to do my 6 week challenge with Coach Aja, he has a special way of coaching and motivating you to get the extra mile. Thank you for that, now my family is tired of hearing me always saying Behemoth and all the lingo that comes with it. Lol!
Mentally, I am way stronger. I do not let myself get down when something unexpected happens in my life, before if I was going through a hard situation I would curl up in my bed. Now, I just get my workout clothes and show up to class. I do not let anything break me down. Thank you so much for that.
What are you most proud of, physically, mentally or both since beginning with us?
I am so proud of my stamina when I do the workouts because I can feel it getting better as I work out more. Mentally, I am way stronger. I do not let myself get down when something unexpected happens in my life, before if I was going through a hard situation I would curl up in my bed. Now, I just get my workout clothes and show up to class. I do not let anything break me down. Thank you so much for that.
What has been your biggest, yet most rewarding obstacle to overcome, whether in the gym or on your health journey to date?
My seizures back in 2012. I had two seizures that left me out of work for three months. I was literally like a baby, my mom had to feed me and bath me. I also lost some of my vision on my left eye. I take seizure medicine for the last 8 years and the side effect is MS. So with that saying I move whenever I can and I do not waste any time! I make my time count! Running and working out is what I do.
Why Behemoth?
Why not? Community, coaches and workouts are the best! I just cannot say enough about the positive encouragement and the passion that the coaches have for what they do. They are like a family and they have been there when I needed them the most. Thank you so much for everything that you have done for me!
What next? What are you excited about pursuing here in the future?
Continue kicking butt and taking names, also hope to join the Olympic lift classes whenever they are available again. I am excited for that!
“3, 2, 1…Go” Mad Lib section
My favorite movement at BGYM is? Cleans I have increased my weight lately, so that makes me happy to know that I am stronger.
My most frequent class I come to is... now it’s the 9:30 am
I have yet to, but have always wanted to? Go to Hawaii with my family
When I’m not working on my fitness at BGYM, I like to? Go out to eat with my husband and run with my amazing runners
I would love to see Coach___ do ___? Coach Aja crush 100 burpees!
Beast mode engaged when this song comes on during my workout? High Hopes (Panic) or Dynamite (Ted Cruz)
