What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
My roommate (cough cough Madda) at the time had been doing CrossFit for a few years and joined CFA upon transferring to Grand Valley. She convinced me to join her for one workout and it took 6 months for me to come back! I joined her a few more times and eventually I started to show up on my own.
What was your previous athletic background if any?
I played both volleyball and softball all year round until I graduated high school
What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I’m a full time student in the business school at Grand Valley and currently I’m an intern at Haworth. In my free time I enjoy the beach, hiking, spending time with my friends and family, and petting any dog I see.
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
When I stopped feeling self conscious I started to have a lot of fun. It had been almost two years since my high school sports had ended and I missed that competitive atmosphere. It was an uncomfortable feeling at first. I had played the same sports my whole life, and felt very comfortable with my abilities. I was introduced to a new sport I was completely terrible at! I had to start at the bottom of the barrel and I quickly decided it was something I wanted to get better at. Every workout is a challenge and it always will be
Do you remember your first WOD?
DIPS. I don’t remember the exact workout but I remember doing dips. My arms were so sore, when I got home I could barely shampoo my hair.
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
My least favorite movement is burpees… and my favorite wod was when we did DT +200m run amrap with increasing weight each round!
What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
My proudest moment(s) is/are my first of anything. First strict pull up, first hand stand push up, my first handstand! They’re all things I never imagined I’d be able to do
What motivates you during a tough workout?
I like to workout near people who tend to move at the same pace as me or faster. I like to try to keep up or push myself to go faster. Some workouts I just have to tell myself finishing and doing every rep is all that matters.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I want to RX more workouts and have to scale less. I think that’s a pretty broad goal and there are so many things I need to do to get there. I’ve come a long way strength wise (I’ve always been kind of tall and skinny/lanky), but pushing myself every WOD will help me get there.. keep challenging myself with heavier weights and work hard in strength.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
For starters, the freshman 15 is REAL. Coming to college, I didn’t have practices twice a day anymore. My hour of cardio at the rec center a couple of times a week couldn’t keep up with my poor diet and dorm food. Now I’m stronger and healthier, physically and mentally, than I’ve ever been. I have more energy throughout the day, even after I workout and I try to eat better because it makes me feel better. Naturally I got rid of that freshman 15 and some! I stepped out of my comfort zone and it’s actually helped me to do the same in other areas of my life. It’s given me more self confidence.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
Don’t give up! It doesn’t matter what everyone else can do/is doing, just try your best and you will get better. I was intimidated a bit at first, and I know other people can relate. We all improve and learn at our own pace, no matter what we’re doing… CrossFit related or not. I thought crossfitters were crazy after my first workout at CFA… now I love showing up every day. Coaches are always there to help and guide you, and members are always friendly and supportive! No one is there to judge you.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?
VAL’S RING MUSCLE UPS. Or Madda’s wallballs
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: Ice cream
Favorite Workout song: Better Now, Post Malone
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state
Favorite TV Show: West World
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): Brooke Wells
Coach’s comment:
Ashley is one of those people that it took some time for her to really drink the Kool-Aid. After her first 7am workout we did not see her back in the gym for at least a solid 4 months. Not sure what happened there but as soon as she came back for the second time she was ready to commit and hasn’t looked back since. During that time she has become one of our most consistent and enthusiastic members while becoming a perfect fit for the CFA community. Her fitness has improved tenfold and she is better at every aspect of fitness. She has participated in all of our fitness events including finishing Murph, competing in the open and getting second place with her partner at our in-house competition last year. It has been very cool to see her start off as very intimidated to somebody who works hard everyday to get better. Its safe to say Ashley has come a long way but we are still excited to see what she can do in the future!
