- How long have you been a member of CrossFit Northland?
About 5 years!! Summer of 2016 was the year I was coming consistently. Although, some months I was traveling for work and living abroad.
- What brought you into CFN?
The handsome coach with the ponytail. 😉 Obviously I’m a little biased, but I have been to other crossfit gyms and NOTHING has compared to CFN!
- Tell us about your fitness/health background? (Did you play sports growing up? Try other gym settings? Workout at home?)
I never played sports but fell in love with musical theatre as a child. I did some dance in highschool, but it wasn’t until college I started to take it seriously. (And in the dance world… that is a geriatric age to begin.) But I loved it and wanted better jobs. College and post college I would go to the gym strictly for the elliptical and doing crunches. It was miserable and I hated it but I thought that is what “being fit” was. Thankfully when I met David in 2013 he taught me how to weightlift in his basement. I backsquated 85# and could.not.walk.for.a.week.
- What are some changes you’ve noticed during your fitness and nutrition journey at CFN (Physically, mentally, capabilities, daily life, etc.)
Good movement begets good movement. Being better at crossfit makes me better at dance, and rollerskating and hiking and being a moving person. I was also diagnosed with RA when I was 18, and the past 2 years I have been off medication. I am nearly certain that is because of the better food choices I have made, strength gains and a healthier relationship with my own body.
- What kinds of things can you do now that you were not able to do when you first started? (inside or outside of the gym)
I am SO close to the middle splits! 🙂 Obviously, that’s something we don’t work on, but I like to dispel the myth that strength=less flexibility. I can NEARLY clean and jerk my bodyweight, do double unders, rope climbs, CrossFit Northland squats and the rare bar muscle up. In the recent past, I have been able to TAKE A BREAK and go light when I need to. Also an underrated skill. One last one!! Eat sweets and pleasure foods for pure joy without binge or guilt. I lost that skill for a few years and it was miserable.
- What motivates you and keeps you coming back for more week after week?
The physical benefits of being active. Pr’s and gains are fun but going to the gym just FEELS so GOOD and prevents aches and inflammation.
- In your opinion, what is the most valuable aspect of CrossFit Northland?
Handsdown, the environment. The focus has always been on health and inclusivity. The coaches just want you to succeed and be better than your previous self. Truly a non-judgement zone to play and explore.
- If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Teleportation. I could save on airfare and eat sushi from my favorite Japanese sushi-ya every week. My dream destination wish list is extensive.
- What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone that is considering joining a CrossFit gym?
Shop around for a place that fits your vibe and an environment you want to show up to. And if it feels like a good match…DO IT! We are always students, and learning is endless. I know it sounds corny, but learning how to move well and get strong was one of the most pivotal life lessons. Everyday I’m grateful for what my body can do and try my best to feed it well, and give it the rest it needs so we can stick around joyfully for the long haul. 🙂
