What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I am probably feeding teenage boys, buying more groceries for teenage boys, watching high school or middle school sports, or hanging out with my kids.
What do you do for a living?
I’m a professor in the natural resources management and wildlife biology programs at Grand Valley State University.
How has your fitness changed since joining?
Since joining CFA, I definitely am stronger, faster, have more endurance, and mental resilience.
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
When my son was going into 7th grade, he wanted some weight training, and asked me to go with him. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after a couple weeks, I was addicted. I realized that CFA was where I wanted to be because of the amazing people there. The coaches and other members are among the most positive, supportive, encouraging, and genuine people I have ever met. The burn, the grit, the perseverance, and the fist bumps after every workout became a part of my life when I needed it the most.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Assault bike; it’s especially brutal for short people!
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA? So many fun moments!
This is a hard question. I don’t think I can pick just one single moment as my “all-time” favorite. But it feels really good to gain a new skill or achieve a personal record.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
It definitely is motivating to be alongside everyone else who is also pushing through a tough workout. It’s easier to give up when you are by yourself, but seeing others persevere motivates you to dig deeper and find the courage, strength and determination to keep going. Hearing the coaches yell, “let’s go!” is also really encouraging.
What’s something about you that most people at the gym don’t know?
I really like gardening and grow a lot of my own food. It’s hard work, but it tastes so good!
If you had to describe your CrossFit experience in one word, what would it be?
Empowering.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
This is a hard one, too. There have been some really fun and challenging combinations of movements. I struggled with toes to bar, but when I tried toes to ring, I thought they were really fun. So I think it would be fun and challenging to do something like a 15-minute AMRAP including 10 toes to ring, 15 box jumps, and 200-m run.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
I would say go for it! Push yourself to try hard things, accept failure as an opportunity to grow. I think Master Shifu’s quote from Kung Fu Panda sums it up: “If you only do what you can already do, you will never be more than you are now.”
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?
I would like to be able to do kipping pullups like everyone who makes it look effortless!
Quick Questions:
Favorite Cheat meal: pronto pups from Grand Haven
Favorite Workout song: “Poison” by Alice Cooper
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Cyprus
Favorite TV Show: I really enjoyed watching One Piece live action with my kids.
Favorite CrossFit Games Athlete: Anna Steele!