What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I am a first grade teacher in the Kenowa Hills school district. In my free time I like to spend time with friends and family, I also enjoy playing volleyball, reading and watching trashy reality TV shows.
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
After my first class! My friend signed me up for Festivus last year and I figured I should probably get some crossfit experience before I competed. I dropped into a few classes at another gym then I found CFA. The first day everyone was so welcoming and the workout was fun and different from what I had been doing for the last few years. I quickly fell in love with the community that CFA provides and the classes give me a chance to be competitive with myself and others in a way that I was missing just working out on my own.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
The assault bike. It kills my body and my soul at the same time.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
I love rope climbs. It is a movement that was harder than I expected it to be, but I was able to pick up the technique quickly and I am always excited to see it in a workout.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
The people around me. I am competitive to my core so I am always looking for someone to push me and motivate me to go a little faster, lift a little more weight and never quit. In the 5:45 am class I have found a group of members who will compete with each other, but are also the most supportive people I have ever met. We push each other to be better, we lift each other up on the hard days, and always celebrate each other’s wins. It is the best motivation I could ask for. When I walk in and see a tough workout on the board that I don’t want to do, I remind myself that everyone else is going to do it too and we will all get through it together.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
Some combination of rope climbs, wall walks, double unders, and maybe throw in some squat cleans.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
Going forward I want to master some of the more technical movements in crossfit. I want to perfect the snatch, I want to get my first bar muscle up, I want to do handstand walks, I want to be able to do it all. Consistency and learning from not only the coaches, but also the other members has been a key piece to all the progress I have made so far and will continue to be what helps me reach my goals moving forward.
Another goal is to continue to feel strong and confident every day. Crossfit has given me both physical and mental toughness and I’m excited to continue challenging myself in new ways.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit?
Physically I have become better in every way. I have lifted more than I ever could, my flexibility and mobility have improved greatly, and I don’t even hate running anymore! I used to shy away from all cardio, when I started crossfit I was afraid to run a mile but now it feels (somewhat) easy.
CrossFit has also helped me mentally. My favorite part of the day is going to the gym and doing hard things with my favorite people. I don’t ever want to miss days because it has become an essential part of my routine and starts my day off on a positive note. It is a way for me to let off steam, destress and challenge myself in new ways.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Be patient! I wanted to do everything right away but new skills and PRs take time. If you are consistent and have fun, you will be amazed at the changes you see even after just a month! Crossfit can be intimidating at first but introduce yourself to someone new, don’t be afraid to ask questions and enjoy the learning process.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?
If I could have any skill or characteristic it would be Kelly’s attitude. She does everything with a smile, always has a kind word to say and genuinely cares about others in a way that is inspiring. She was my first friend at CFA, the first person I did a partner workout with and just an overall amazing human.
Quick Questions
- Favorite Cheat meal: Anything sweet, specifically donuts.
- Favorite Workout song: Any Big Booty mix
- Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Thailand
- Favorite TV Show: Any trashy reality TV (Vanderpump rules, Selling Sunset, Love is Blind, etc).
- Favorite CrossFit Games Athlete: Brooke Wells-she came up on my instagram a few years ago and is the reason I wanted to try CrossFit!
Coaches’ Comment
We are excited to have Jessie as our Member of the Month for November—she is truly deserving! Jessie showed up one random day in September 2023 and has been with us ever since. Not only has she improved her fitness in every way, but she has also become one of the cornerstones of our early morning workout community. Additionally, Jessie has won TWO team Festivus competitions since joining us. She wakes up extra early (pretty much every day) to make the drive from Ravenna before school. We are grateful to have you at CFA, Jessie—keep up the great work!
