WildStyle Gym Member Story: Niki Schenk Finds Herself Again
For Niki Schenk, WildStyle wasn’t just a new workout—it was a return to herself.
Niki officially joined WildStyle in October 2022, but her journey began thanks to a friend. During her son’s football practices, she’d hear Emily Crockett rave about the kickboxing bootcamps—how challenging they were, how much fun she was having, how strong she felt afterward. Eventually, Emily convinced Niki to try a 5:30am class.
One class was all it took.
“I walked out knowing I had found what I’d been missing for years,” Niki says.
Searching for Community Again
Before WildStyle, fitness had always been part of Niki’s life. She spent years attending Body Pump and cycling classes at the YMCA, thriving on the energy and camaraderie of group fitness. But when the pandemic hit, everything changed. Gym routines disappeared. Schedules shifted. Life got heavier.
She tried to stay active—running in her neighborhood, squeezing in Peloton rides—but something was missing.
“I really missed the group fitness camaraderie,” she shares. “The people. The energy. The feeling of being part of something.”
At the time, Niki was also struggling with her weight being at one of its highest points, while juggling work, family, and the constant pull of everyone else’s needs. Finding time for herself felt nearly impossible.
Then came WildStyle.
The 5:30am Crew
Champ Camp quickly became Niki’s home base. While she jokes that she’s “very loyal” to bootcamp (with only one kickboxing class under her belt), it was the early mornings that truly changed everything.
She became a proud member of the 5:30am weekday crew—waking up before her husband and three children, sneaking out of the house in the dark, and getting a full, intense workout done in just 45 minutes.
“It felt like I cracked the code to life,” she says.
Those early mornings weren’t just about fitness. They were about identity. About showing up consistently. About being seen.
Familiar faces turned into an unspoken bond. When someone didn’t show up, it was noticed. People cared. People checked in.
“Being on the mat with people from all walks of life—all with the goal of improving ourselves one workout at a time—that’s a beautiful thing to be part of.”
Strength Through the Hard Seasons
Niki joined WildStyle during one of the toughest seasons of her life. Her husband had recently made a major career change. She was still adjusting to a demanding new job. Stress was constant, and she felt like she’d lost herself in the chaos.
The workouts became her outlet.
“I remember thinking, ‘If I can make it through this tough workout, I can handle anything else thrown my way today.’”
And that mindset carried far beyond the gym.
WildStyle became the place where she could blow off steam, clear her head, and pour into herself—something she hadn’t done in a long time.
A Moment She’ll Never Forget
One of Niki’s proudest moments at WildStyle didn’t involve a personal record or milestone—it involved commitment.
She worked out all the way up until 38 weeks pregnant with her fourth baby.
With the support of the coaches, every workout was thoughtfully modified to keep both her and her baby safe. It wasn’t about pushing ego—it was about honoring her body and staying active in a way that felt empowering.
“That level of support meant everything to me,” she says.
A Lifelong Relationship with Fitness
Fitness has always been woven into Niki’s story. From cheerleading and competitive cheer in her youth, to falling in love with running—even when she wasn’t very good at it—movement has been her constant.
But life didn’t follow a straight line.
She became a mother earlier than expected. Her husband deployed overseas. She finished college while raising a baby alone. Running became her therapy—something she could do with a jogging stroller, using visualization and grit to push through exhaustion.
“I’d remind myself that my husband was dealing with much harder things overseas,” she says. “That perspective carried me through.”
With each child, the journey back to fitness came with new challenges—mom guilt, lack of time, and learning to accept a body that looked and felt different. But each time, she found her way back.
“And when I do,” she says, “I find my way back to me.”
Coaches Who Make the Difference
Ask Niki about WildStyle, and she’ll tell you—it’s the people.
She credits the coaches for creating an environment where members feel seen, supported, and pushed in exactly the way they need.
Sara’s infectious energy and kindness made Niki feel like an old friend from day one. Maggie’s presence and authenticity reminded her that she’s valued as an individual—not just a mom, wife, or employee. And Coach Joey?
“You are the best coach I’ve ever had,” she says without hesitation. “You don’t just talk the talk—you walk the walk.”
Redefining What Fitness Means
Today, Niki never dreads coming to WildStyle. From the moment she books a class, she looks forward to stepping on the mat—knowing she’ll be challenged, tested, and better for it.
She’s proud of rebuilding consistency after welcoming her fourth baby in June 2024. Showing up again wasn’t easy—but it’s been deeply rewarding.
And beyond the physical benefits, the biggest change has been mental.
“WildStyle helps me close all the tabs open in my mind,” she says. “It’s one hour that’s just for me.”
Why She Keeps Coming Back
At the core of it all, WildStyle gives Niki something rare.
Support. Challenge. Belonging.
“It’s hard to describe,” she says. “You just have to experience it.”
And if someone is nervous about joining?
“Please don’t be. There’s so much beauty in trying something new. You’ll be welcomed with open arms—and after one class, you’ll be hooked.”
In Her Words
What’s surprised her most?
“I really enjoy punching and kicking things,” she laughs. “It’s great therapy.”
And in one sentence, what does WildStyle mean to her?
“It means everything—to be able to show up as my imperfect self and be supported while working toward a better version of me.”
SHOT BY SVANNA ANDRADA PHOTOGRAPHY