Long-time members know that back-to-school is one of the busiest times at our box. There are literally dozens of new faces, which is both exciting and daunting for us as coaches and trainers because we want to get to know everyone! Mary was one of those new faces this fall, and she has not only jumped right into classes with the desire to constantly improve and someday compete, but be part of the community as well. So it is with great excitement and pride that we name her CrossFitter of the Month!
How long have you been attending CrossFit Fringe, and what brought you here?
I joined CrossFit Fringe in August. After I joined a box mid-summer at home, I instantly fell in love with CrossFit and the idea of competing in the future. Once school started, I needed a new box to join here in Columbia. I spent my first week in Columbia visiting gyms in the area and the second I arrived at Fringe, I was sold! Impressed by their coaching and motivational atmosphere, I knew this was the place for me to grow as a CrossFitter. Luckily for Fringe, I am in a 5 year Ph.D program so they are stuck with me for a long time!
Since starting at CrossFit Fringe, what has changed about your lifestyle or outlook on life?
Throughout my undergraduate career, I was overwhelmed with stress and just not feeling like I was running at 100%. Fringe has not only inspired to me eat healthier, but to live healthier as well. Fringe has provided me a home away from home to unwind from hectic days and yet push myself past my limits. My motto is to “Make the rest of my life, the best of my life” and CrossFit is one of the key pieces of making this happen for me.
What is your favorite movement/skill?
Squats and Double-Unders for days please! If I see one of those two on the board, I leap for joy. Could we just make a WOD with those two moves only? Ha.
What has been the most challenging part of your journey with CrossFit?
By far, my biggest challenge is shoulder and hip mobility. Growing up, I’ve had problems with my hips and even needed therapy. It’s hard to really master techniques when the flexibility is just not there. However, I have seen momentous improvement in flexibility over the past few months! I can even break parallel in my squats now. Hopefully no one can tell that I used to attempt squatting to parallel and it ended with me just falling over.
What do you enjoy most about CrossFit/CrossFit Fringe?
Two things: 1) The people of course! I felt very welcomed to the gym the first day I arrived. Everyone is encouraging and always looking out for one another. I wish I would have known about Fringe sooner because I have connected with such amazing people. They inspire me, push me and help me to become a better CrossFitter tomorrow than I am today. Especially the women who competed in HOA. Those women go hard and I hope to join them one year in such awesome competitions.
2) I also love feeling stronger. Before CrossFit, it was always frustrating that I needed to ask for assistance to carry things. I can proudly say that I can carry all my grocery bags from the car to my kitchen in one trip. Independent woman here, that’s the dream. =) ha
What do you like to do outside the gym?
With graduate school, I’m either in the gym or in a book. Apart of long hours of studying, I enjoy photography and photoshopping. I also love baking the challenge it brings of trying not to eat it all myself.
Congratulations Mary!