What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible with my husband. Hiking, traveling, fishing, trapping and gardening are some of our hobbies.
What do you do for a living?
I work in the greenhouse industry. My family owns a wholesale greenhouse operation in Hudsonville. I specialize in growing vegetables. The spring can get pretty intense with long hours, but it gives me flexibility in the summer, fall and winter.
How has your fitness changed since joining?
I am definitely stronger than when I joined and I have the confidence to try new things in and out of the gym.
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
I knew it was a good fit for me when I started meeting like-minded people in classes. I appreciate the community of CFA. Everyone shows up, gives it their all, and encourages one another.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Lunges. Especially when you have weight in your hands. I don’t know if it’s because I’m so tall or what, but I STRUGGLE .
Honorable mention: inverted burpee?? Like what even is that?
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA? So many fun moments!
I think when I finally got my first wall walk. It was just so gratifying to finally touch my nose to the wall and a moment when progress was so evident.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
When you see your fellow CrossFitters getting it done around you.
What’s something about you that most people at the gym don’t know?
I lived in a van all last summer right before I joined CFA. My husband and I took off and toured 13 national parks. We have a lifetime goal of seeing all the national parks.
If you had to describe your CrossFit experience in one word, what would it be?
Rewarding
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
Rowing. Rest. Bench press. Rest.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Just show up. You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. No one is looking at you. Get out of your head.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?
I appreciate the consistency of people like Derek, Gary, Deb, and the girls in the 5:45am. These people just have grit, determination and kindness in them. Those characteristics are way more important to me than any skill I could learn here.
Quick Questions:
- Favorite Cheat meal: Going out for ice cream
- Favorite Workout song: At CFA sometimes the Zach Bryan Revival remix comes on and it hits hard.
- Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Isle Royal, Custer State Park, Yellowstone. (I know I listed a lot sorry)
- Favorite TV Show: Alone
Coaches’ Comment
Sam joined CFA at the end of last summer after living in a van for the previous three months, traveling around and exploring. She had known about CrossFit before then but finally decided to take the leap and give it a try. We are thankful that Sam joined CFA and has become such a dedicated and friendly part of our community. She’ll be the first to tell you that she was nervous before getting started, as she had never done most of the movements. However, she quickly caught on and made tremendous improvements in her technique, form, overall fitness, endurance, and strength. Sam is truly committed and always finds time to work out, no matter how busy her schedule is outside the gym. We really appreciate all her hard work. Keep it up, Sam!