What do you do when you're not at CFA? I work for Ottawa County in the Facilities Department. Otherwise I’m hanging out with my dog Rupert, cat Kevin, and human Josh. I also love watching TLC’s various guilty-pleasure shows like 90-Day Fiance, 1,000 Pound Sisters, and all the Harry Potter movies.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
Fitness has always been important to me and my mental/physical health. I have had several different gym memberships since graduating from college like PF and the YMCA but always trained harder in a group setting. When I moved to Allendale I was looking for a gym close to home and found Crossfit Allendale. I had done Crossfit in high school to help train for rugby and loved the functional training aspect to it. The classes at CFA fit my work schedule so I figured I’d give it a try.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? I quickly found a home with CFA and Crossfit. Within my first couple of months I began making friends and enjoyed getting up for the 5:45AM class. There is something magical about completing a grueling workout with a group of friends and fist-bumping afterwards. I was hooked.
Do you remember your first WOD? Not in detail but there was some type of lift I wasn’t very familiar with because I remember thinking that I needed to take the intro class.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Rowing because it is monotonous and feels like a slow death if it is more than 500m. Also not a fan of medball runs in the summer.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
Participating in the Open and Friday Night Lights was a cool experience. I was able to experience the “magic of the Open”, hit new PRs, and did way more T2B than I thought I ever could. Another top moment was completing “Riley”. When I started the workout I had no intention of doing 150 burpees but I was able to slowly chip away at them and completed both 1.5 mile runs (in the rain) without walking.
What motivates you during a tough workout? Knowing that the only way over a workout is through it and that I will feel accomplished afterwards, regardless of how long it takes to complete or the movement modifications needed to complete it. I have never completed a workout and regretted it afterwards.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
Strength: 1RM back squat every 2 min x 8 rounds
WOD: 400m Run, 10 heavier hang cleans, 20 sit-ups, 30 walking lunges x 4 or 5 if you’re feeling spicy.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
My current goal is to complete each of the workouts at Fresh Coast with my team. Until then I’ll continue to work on kipping movements on the bar, double-unders, and handstands. All of the coaches and members give great advice and encourage me to keep trying these movements. I’ve seen a lot of improvement on these skills and I know repetition and practice are necessary to master them.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
Crossfit has changed just about every aspect of my life. I am definitely not a “clean eater” but I am much more aware of the food that I eat and how it affects my body/wellbeing both in and outside of the gym. Crossfit has helped regulate my mood, decreased my stress level, and gives me a place to clear my mind. I also had to buy different pants for my new leg and butt muscles.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Continue to show up for yourself and don’t be intimidated by the movements or other people’s abilities. There have been many times I have started a workout thinking I didn’t need to scale or that I had chosen the right scaled movements, then halfway through had to change to a lower weight or different movement to complete the workout. The amazing thing about Crossfit is it meets you where you're at.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
I’m always excited to come to the gym (even at 5:45AM) and see the coaches and members. But some honorable mentions are… I like to use Ashley’s (Shley’s) times and weight as a goal for my workouts, Anna is always so knowledgeable and helpful with movements, and all the coaches who push me to do the things I never thought I could.
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat meal: Chipotle, Crumbl Cookies, entire bags of Sun Chips, Culver’s cheese curds
Favorite Workout Song: Any booty shaking music
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Most recently the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Favorite TV Show: CSI: Miami and TLC in general
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): Mal O’Brien 😮💨
Coach's comment: We are so thankful Abby decided to join us last March! She definitely fit in with everyone right from the start. She has a friendly personality, a go getter attitude and an easy going demeanor. She recently hit her one year anniversary with us: in that time she has improved all elements of her fitness. Gotten faster, stronger and really improved her gymnastics skills. It has been awesome to see her embrace the CrossFit mentality and even drug her fiance Josh in to join the fun as well. We are looking forward to seeing her continue to improve her gymnastics and do Fresh Coast this summer. Keep up the great work Abby!