“…in fighting form after joining Hybrid!”
1. How long have you been a member at Hybrid?
I started at Hybrid in April 2011, so I’m 9 months in.
2. How did you hear about the gym originally?
Facebook! I saw a post about CrossFit and lucky for me, when I did a local search Hybrid came up.
3. What is your favorite lift?
Now that I’m more comfortable with the movement, I like doing squat cleans. As far as workouts go, I love the intensity of tabata.
4. What is your least favorite lift?
The clean and jerk is my nemesis. Still struggling with that one.
5. What has been your biggest achievement since starting at Hybrid?
My biggest achievement has been a mental one. In the beginning, I’d look at the WOD on the board and watch other members in awe as they knocked it out. My first thought was “I’ll never be able to do that”. Now when I come in, I’m psyched to see what’s on the board knowing that it will be a challenge but I will always try it and give it my best shot. Thanks to the trainers- especially Tim- there was a week that I set 3 PR’s doing deadlifts, front squats and box jumps. That really helps to set you up to keep pushing yourself to do it ‘harder, better, faster, stronger’ the next time.
6. How many days a week do you workout at Hybrid?
I’m at Hybrid 3 times a week which fits in perfectly with my work schedule. No need to work out anywhere else, although my dog Georgia keeps me moving with at least a 2 mile walk daily.
7. What movement are you struggling with and what are you doing to fix it?
Overhead movements like the strict press, clean and jerk and back squat are a big challenge for me. I work on them by trying to make sure I get each rep while keeping the right technique which often means scaling down the weight or going slower. That can be frustrating, but I’d rather do it right and get the benefit than to be doing it wrong and get hurt.
8. What were your stats, physically, before coming to Hybrid? Weight?
I’m not really sure what my stats were in terms of inches and pounds. What I do know is that I had little muscle tone, a weak core and absolutely no endurance. I’ve seen a huge improvement in those 3 areas, as well as an overall feeling of increased strength and conditioning.
Anything else that stands out?
Now that I feel like I have a good foundation, I am working on setting new goals. I’d love to be able to do an unassisted pullup, learn how to flip a tire, and yes, lose the grudge against the clean and jerk.
9. How has your nutrition changed?
I have a real weakness for chocolate and diet Coke, but I am trying to make better choices like drinking more water and eating a lot of protein. My husband and I just got a juicer and will use that a couple of times a week which is a great way to get in all those vegetables that otherwise I tend to leave out of my food pyramid.
10. What motivates you daily?
My family, especially my sisters, motivates me all the time. Exercise is crucial in their lives, and I love to see them passing the importance of it on to their children. It is also impossible to not be motivated by the trainers at Hybrid and most especially the other members. I’m motivated by the grandmother next to me, the exhausted mom on the other side, the people who have been doing this for years and still seek the challenge, the people returning after surgery or a difficult time to get back in it, and the newbie walking in the door ready to try something new. There are a million excuses we can all use to NOT do it but we make the choice to work hard and support each other along the way. It’s motivating, humbling, and inspiring.
11. What advice would you give someone who might be intimidated by Hybrid?
First, I would agree that it is intimidating! There is a new language to learn and CrossFit is most likely a new way to work out unlike anything you’ve done before. The difference about Hybrid though is the people- if you are willing to callous up the hands and work up a sweat doing the work, there is no better place to be instructed, supported and encouraged. It is a great community to be a part of and I am proud to be a member.
