What was your athletic background, if any?
I grew up playing volleyball, basketball and softball since I was very little. I played travel volleyball and basketball all the way through high school and eventually went on to play volleyball at Ohio Dominican University. I loved lifting and workouts during college volleyball!
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I first saw the Crossfit Games on TV around 2014 and was in awe about the crazy workouts they were doing. I would watch the games every year I could after that. A couple years later I joined some friends in a WOD and enjoyed it right away! Eventually decided I wanted to join a box and CFA looked very welcoming so I signed up!
What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I am currently attending Baker College for Physical Therapy Assisting. I also coach travel volleyball for Michigan Volleyball Academy.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
Right away! I love the feeling of finally hitting a lift or movement you’ve been working on. I also love how good you feel after a workout, I have a lot more energy for the rest of the day! The community aspect also has helped because it makes coming to work out even more fun!
Do you remember your first WOD?
I think something with bench press and running.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
The assault bike ): Your lungs are burning and it kills your legs and arms. Nothing gets a break!
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
No particular moment, but I really enjoy the 7am class. Even early in the morning we all have fun, joke around and compete. It’s really a good start to the day!
What motivates you during a tough workout?
Just knowing that everyone else is struggling through it as well. I try to tell myself that every workout is making me better and pushing through it now will eventually lead to it (hopefully 🙂 ) getting easier in the future.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
Going forward I want to keep showing up and being consistent. Consistency goes a long way. I want to be the best I can be and be able to push myself a little farther past that uncomfortable place each WOD. Being able to get a muscle up would also be really cool!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
Day to day when I go to the morning classes I have more energy throughout the day. Overall crossfit has made me feel stronger physically and mentally. Everyday activities are easier whether that be helping or lifting patients for school or being able to demonstrate while coaching. Being strong and having muscles is cool, even for girls!
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
Pick tomorrow and just go and sign up! You don’t need experience or to be “fit” to start. Crossfit is great because everything can be scaled to you on each workout. Doing anything is better than nothing. Also everyone has been the new person at one point but it is really easy to make friends because everyone is so friendly and helpful!
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?
I am motivated by everyone in each class, we all made the choice to show up that day and better ourselves even with all the things we may have going on outside of the gym. I am also motivated by Kate and Josh, when I think that I can’t do anymore or can’t go up in weight they always give me the push to do just a little bit more!
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: Chick Fil A or Pizza
Favorite Workout song: Anything played at CFA, the playlist is always good!
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Zion National Park, Utah
Favorite TV Show: Reality TV is my guilty pleasure… Keeping up with the Kardashians, Below Deck, Jersey Shore, The Bachelor
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): Brooke Wells, I have followed her since I started watching crossfit.
I also suggest everyone look up the Buttery Bros. They make Youtube videos and documentaries about crossfit athletes and they are really funny!
Coach’s comment:
Ashlin has earned her place as December’s member of the month. She comes to the gym every day ready to do whatever the whiteboard calls for with no complaints. She has consistently improved in her overall fitness since starting with us. Keep up the hard work, Ashlin!
