What do you do when you're not at CFA? I have five kids ages 11 on down. So if I’m not at Crossfit, I am being their Mommy first and foremost. Keeping the house in tiptop shape, running them around to all their sports and taking time to love on them. I also recently chose to pull them out of school and homeschool them! On top of that I help run our family business doing property management and also managing our own rental properties.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
Although I’ve always tried to do some form of working out, it started becoming harder to motivate myself at home. I was a part of a gym where we used to live in Kentwood. Upon moving to Allendale we were introduced to Crossfit through our friends Erik and Shannon. However it wasn’t until a couple years later that my husband came into the room and said he decided to sign himself up for CFA. He had had it with being out of shape, and we both found it hard to keep ourselves motivated at home. Of course I told him he was not going to go without me! I couldn’t let him have all the fun. The next day we were signed up!
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? After our very first week, we were hooked! Although it pushed us further than we ever thought we could go, the reward that came after your workout was done was greater than anything we had experienced at any other gym.
Do you remember your first WOD? I don’t remember my first WOD but what I do remember is doing Burpee‘s. I could not believe how hard it was to get just two Burpee‘s done! I had never done one before and was definitely shocked at how difficult it seemed to be at my first workout.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
I actually have two! I completely dislike wall walks and Turkish get up. I’m convinced whoever came up with the Turkish get up must have been extremely drunk and headed to the gym after the bar and thought he had come up with the most genius effective workout EVER when he attempted to get up off the floor without spilling his beer.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
Definitely last week when I completed an entire work out that included a 3,6,9,12,15 AMRAP with pull ups. I did my first WOD of pull-ups without any bands! I seriously was so proud of myself lol. I’ve never been able to do a single pull up in my life! Let alone an entire workout full of them.
What motivates you during a tough workout? I want to honor God with how I treat/care for my body. I also want to show my children that when you challenge yourself to have a positive mindset that says “I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me” you end up being able to do far more than whatever you set out to do that day. I share with my kids just how hard different work outs were. Through it, I have seen them have more confidence in pushing their own limits and rising to challenges they didn’t think they could conquer. When I push myself at the gym, I not only gain strength in my muscles, but an inner strength that is producing perseverance. And I watch that perseverance come out in all aspects of my life!
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
I absolutely love doing partner WODs! Especially because nine out of 10 times I get to do it with my best friend (my husband of almost 12 years)! The partner WOD would include box jumps, Burpee‘s, pull ups and squats!
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I definitely want to just keep moving forwards and setting more PR. I would like to be able to do a muscle up as well as double unders. And the only way I’m gonna get there is by practicing and continuing to strengthen my core. I don’t feel very coordinated when it comes to the double unders, but the day that I do get it, will be super exciting!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
I think our friends and family get a little tired of hearing us brag about Crossfit. But it honestly has changed our physical lives. Going from always feeling sluggish and out of breath, even though I was not overweight in any way, I still knew I was out of shape. You don’t have to be overweight to be out of shape. I’ve never felt so healthy and strong in my life! I also wholeheartedly believe that it plays such a significant role in a healthy marriage. It’s always been my priority to do my best, through the different seasons, to keep my body in the best shape I can for my husband. I never tire of hearing him say “Dang you look good!” Being a Mom and going through quite a few years of being pregnant or nursing, it definitely had to be prioritized. I also love being able to keep up with my kids when it comes to playing with them. As they get older they require a lot more energy, I definitely love taking them by surprise when I beat them in ways they didn’t think I could! Crossfit simply makes it that much easier to prioritize fitness because it’s the first gym I’ve actually looked forward to getting to and getting it done in the morning!
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
I would say, definitely don’t get distracted by the people around you in a negative way. Rather allow those around you to inspire you to work harder, run faster and lift heavier! I’ve never been one to really compare myself, but I could see how someone would get discouraged when they may be lifting a lot less or running a lot slower. I always look at it as an opportunity to grow. If you let yourself get caught up in comparing how you’re doing to someone else, you end up being the one that loses out. Instead use it as a way to strengthen you and inspire you to work harder! Also simply enjoy the journey. Keep in mind how long it took to get out of shape and remember it’s gonna take that same amount of time to get to a place that you’ve only dreamed of being. With hard work you may even get there faster than you anticipated!
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?
There are definitely little things I appreciate about every single person that shows up at 5:45! I love The positive attitude Melinda brings. She has such a bright and cheerful personality…even on a Monday lol! I also absolutely love working out besides my husband Ben. He definitely brings a lot of joy to the gym as well.
But I also appreciate Dave and his passion for Crossfit but even more so his willingness to always offer advice and tips on how I can do it better. There’s been times he’s stopped his workout to come and show me how to have better form and do a move more effectively. I truly appreciate that!
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat Meal: It would have to be my homemade Chicken Alfredo. The sauce is good enough to pour in a mug and drink! Add the toasted sourdough bread…
Favorite workout song: Hold me back-KB
Favorite place you have traveled: Rincon Puerto Rico. We love the authentic community and endless adventures.
Favorite TV Show: Lone star law/Fixer Upper. I Only like believable/no dramatic reality
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): If Josh and Kate count….I’d choose them 
I appreciate them both!
Coach's comment: We are proud to pick Becky as our member of the month for August. She really instills a strong work ethic and has made some major strides in her fitness since starting over two years ago. Her gymnastics (especially pull-ups and toes to bar), cardio endurance and strength all continue to improve monthly. We really like how much Becky has fully embraced CF and the workouts. Something we also think is so cool is how her and Ben incorporate fitness into their kid’s lives. CrossFit, running, skiing, swimming and other sports can have such a lifelong impact when you start them young. Congrats on being August’s MOM, keep up the hard work!