What was your athletic background, if any? I did pom poms in high school. The dancing version of cheerleading if you are not familiar. Other than that, I tried a year of track, and a year of tennis. “A” year being the key word here. I’ve done Tae Bo workouts at home for years on and off, but that’s about it!
What do you do when you're not at CFA? Bryce and I have been married 25 years this year, and we have 2 kids - Lexy (20) and Cameron (15). Camping is my absolute favorite thing to do. Reading comes in second - mostly crime fiction/thrillers and mysteries. One of my happiest places is in the sun where fortunately I can do #1 and #2! We also have a cabin in Baldwin, MI that we’ve started to bring back to life, so we spend a lot of time there in the fall/winter. To help support our fun stuff, I work at NCR as a Solution Architect where I’ve been employed for 23 years - which is just incredibly crazy to me. How can I be old enough to have worked somewhere for 23 years? It’s a mystery because I am still in my twenties.
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When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? Honestly, it probably took 2 months or so. I kept anticipating that I was going to change my mind and decide it was just too much. When the physical differences started becoming apparent, and I felt good, I didn’t want to lose that!
Do you remember your first WOD? I remember my first one-on-one with Josh! I thought I was going to die and told him that as I was walking out of the gym all pissed off because 2 laps around the gym, a couple jumps over a bar, a sit up and a burpee made we want to cry.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
It’s a toss-up between burpees and the assault bike. For both I just get winded so quickly. My legs get super fatigued with the bike too. They both make me cringe and want to sneak out the back door.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
When I climbed the rope for the first time. I decided to give it a try and was surprised when I made it a few feet off the ground. It was in the WOD that day and I went ahead and tried to go all the way up. I made it just shy of the black tape but only because I started thinking about how high off the ground I was and heights are not my favorite - I still had to get back down! I was so incredibly proud of myself - I have never climbed a rope in my life! So yeah, it was a big deal.
What motivates you during a tough workout? There are a few things that motivate me during a workout. First is the OFSG and knowing there are others struggling through it just like me. I also try to think about those who don’t have the physical ability to workout and how blessed I am to be healthy - so the voice in my head says “suck it up Jean! You’re lucky you get to do this!” I’m bossy so I have to listen.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
My goal is to keep going consistently and to always try my best. I’m not a very competitive person so numbers don’t hold a lot of value to me, other than knowing how many plates to get for lifting of course. I do like to see if I can do better with lifting than last time, but I don’t have a specific goal to reach there. My mental strength is one of my best assets - it will keep me going.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
The reasons I started were for my physical and mental health which were both struggling to be honest. I had just finished 6 weeks of physical therapy for tightened muscles in my neck that were causing migraines, among other things. After PT my neck felt 95% better and I knew that if I didn’t keep up with something physical on a regular basis that it may get worse again. Prior to PT I just didn’t feel good most of the time and was pretty depressed, and working out very little, so when PT started to help, I was highly motivated to make long-term changes to keep it that way. After PT and since I’ve started CrossFit my neck has stayed at 95% and the migraines are gone. Strengthening the muscles in my upper body is significant to lessening the pressure on my neck muscles. Depression is also a part of my life, but I’ve found that going to CrossFit is another tool in my box that helps me to deal with it. On top of all that, I lost 12 lbs. and an inch in my waist! I feel more comfortable in my clothes and just better in my skin. Bonus!
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
If you are afraid, tap into your mental strength to get you there, then keep coming back. You need to go consistently for at least a month - it doesn’t get easier, but you get BETTER. It’s humbling to everyone - give yourself lots of grace. The results are crazy good.
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?
Lori Grassman motivates me. We are about the same age and size and she’s a badass so I know I can be too. Chris Steele is the reason I stayed - if he hadn’t said “just come back” after my 2nd time, I probably wouldn’t have.
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat Meal: Cake, donuts. Pretty much anything baked.
Favorite workout song: There are so many I couldn’t narrow it to one. I like just about every genre of music but mostly rock for working out. As long as it’s not slow or stupid, I like it.
Favorite place you have traveled: The Bitterroot Mountains in Montana
Favorite Tv Show: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): I really don’t know any official CF athletes - don’t judge!
Coach's comment: Jean has been attending our classes consistently ever since she began with us last summer. Not only have we seen an increase in her overall fitness, her confidence has greatly increased as well. I liked that she pointed out how great CrossFit has been for her mentally, many people tend to overlook that benefit of regular exercise. Keep up the hard work & consistency, Jean!