 | Michelle GumzDecember's Member of the Month is beyond deserving with everything she does for our cooperative. She is our in-house Zen Planner guru and has been with us from the beginning! Portage CrossFit Cooperative would not be where it is without her. Congrats, Michelle, and thanks for everything you do for us! Tells us about yourself (family, schooling, job, sports, military, interests, etc.) When did you start doing CrossFit? |
I graduated from Purdue University (a few years ago…) with a degree in Industrial Engineering and worked in that field for a few years before leaving it to join my husband, Rod, and his family farming. At the farm I do payroll and some accounting. However, my most important and rewarding job has been “Mom” to my three, now adult, children. Initially (6 years ago!), I felt guilty incorporating CrossFit into my workout routine because I thought it would take too much time away from my family. Instead it made me a more relaxed, focused, and better parent. I am proud to say that my example has passed along to my children. They don’t all do CrossFit (yet), but all incorporate exercise of some form into their daily lives.
What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?
My favorite movement is the pull-up. I never thought a pull-up would happen for me, and I still remember the day I got my first dead hang; very empowering!
What has been your biggest struggle?
Two areas I struggle with are:
1. Mental toughness with handstands (I don’t like being up side down), rope climbs, and believing I can finish a WOD in a certain amount of time or that I can do a heavier weight.
2. Many movements involving legs (I have had both knees replaced)… More specifically squats, jump ropes, and lunging of any kind.
What has been your biggest improvement?
I am pretty excited that my leg strength is increasing and improving. I still have a way to go, but the confidence I have gained knowing my knee won’t dislocate and I can run without feeling instability in that joint and leg is huge!
What goals are you currently chasing?
One day I will do: kipping pull-ups, unassisted handstands, and maybe someday a double under.
If you could design a workout, what would it be?
It would be a longer WOD (at least 20min) where a certain pace has to be maintained to finish. Maybe incorporating toes to bar, AirDyne, box step ups, pull-ups…
What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
Anything black –It’s camouflage against the black mats (and it’s slimming…)
How often do you talk about CrossFit?
Daily! I love to tell people what it’s done for me!
Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Not a fan! Love ‘em when they’re done or when I can get a partner to do them for me.
Do you have a favorite story about the Coop?
I have so many wonderful, funny stories and memories at the Coop! Most of my best friends are here and I can’t imagine a group that is more supportive and encouraging. My goal is to give as much back to our community as they have given me!
What advice would you give a new PCC member?
I would like to let new members know that the most difficult part is walking through the door those first few classes. I assumed everyone was in great shape and they would notice I wasn’t – it was very intimidating to me. However, I realized that everyone is at different skill levels and very supportive and encouraging of each other. My best advice is to be consistent, listen to the coaches, and have fun!
What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?
My favorite movement is the pull-up. I never thought a pull-up would happen for me, and I still remember the day I got my first dead hang; very empowering!
What has been your biggest struggle?
Two areas I struggle with are:
1. Mental toughness with handstands (I don’t like being up side down), rope climbs, and believing I can finish a WOD in a certain amount of time or that I can do a heavier weight.
2. Many movements involving legs (I have had both knees replaced)… More specifically squats, jump ropes, and lunging of any kind.
What has been your biggest improvement?
I am pretty excited that my leg strength is increasing and improving. I still have a way to go, but the confidence I have gained knowing my knee won’t dislocate and I can run without feeling instability in that joint and leg is huge!
What goals are you currently chasing?
One day I will do: kipping pull-ups, unassisted handstands, and maybe someday a double under.
If you could design a workout, what would it be?
It would be a longer WOD (at least 20min) where a certain pace has to be maintained to finish. Maybe incorporating toes to bar, AirDyne, box step ups, pull-ups…
What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
Anything black –It’s camouflage against the black mats (and it’s slimming…)
How often do you talk about CrossFit?
Daily! I love to tell people what it’s done for me!
Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Not a fan! Love ‘em when they’re done or when I can get a partner to do them for me.
Do you have a favorite story about the Coop?
I have so many wonderful, funny stories and memories at the Coop! Most of my best friends are here and I can’t imagine a group that is more supportive and encouraging. My goal is to give as much back to our community as they have given me!
What advice would you give a new PCC member?
I would like to let new members know that the most difficult part is walking through the door those first few classes. I assumed everyone was in great shape and they would notice I wasn’t – it was very intimidating to me. However, I realized that everyone is at different skill levels and very supportive and encouraging of each other. My best advice is to be consistent, listen to the coaches, and have fun!
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