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!

​Tell us about yourself (family, schooling, job, sports, military, interests, etc.)
I’m 28 years old and have been working as a Dental Assistant in Madison for the last 8 years. I enjoy reading, photography, family, yoga, animals and the outdoors. 

When did you start doing CrossFit?
April 2016. I knew I needed to find a workout that I could be more consistent with, if I wanted to continue to eat cheese curds and drink wine. 

What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?
My favorite movements are toes to bar, burpees, and power cleans. I also like core workouts, when they are finished. 

What has been your biggest struggle?
I’ve struggled with keeping my flexibility and double unders.  

What has been your biggest improvement?
I’ve seen improvements with all my lifting and just overall strength. 

What goals are you currently chasing?
My goals would be pull ups with no bands and hand stands with no wall support. 

If you could design a workout, what would it be?
If I could design a workout it would start with power cleans or front squats, a WOD involving; burpees, toes to bar, pushups, pull ups and finishing with rowing or running. 

What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
Most likely, you’ll see me in capris and a t-shirt. Whatever is comfortable and easy to move in. 

How often do you talk about CrossFit?
I talk about CrossFit as often as I can, but I do think about it daily. 

Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Burpees- Love them!

Do you have a favorite story about the Coop?
I don’t have a particular story to share, but I do very much enjoy my time at the PCC. I never regret a workout and always feel so much better with myself afterwards. I love how CrossFit is such an independent workout, but at the same time how awesome it is to be supported by and supporting your other members. 

boys, Chase (12) and Cole (9). I love to watch them wrestle, play baseball, and run. I like to stay active outside of the gym by running several times per week. I also enjoy watching football, am an avid reader, and LOVE to scrapbook.  Staying active and working out is so important for overall physical health but also mental health; I love a good workout after a stressful day at work. 

When did you start doing CrossFit?
My neighbors Tom and Tanya asked Mitch and I to join the 5AM group in their garage. That was in August, four years ago.  Maybe five now. I can't remember, I haven't looked back.
 
What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?
I love those movements that I'm best at I guess....double unders! I have always liked jump roping. I like pull ups too, although I'm always sore the next day. My favorite lift is probably the power clean. 

What has been your biggest struggle?
My biggest struggle is making it to the gym as often as I want.  Life sometimes gets in the way. My boys come first and their schedules are crazy.  I try to commit to certain days for the week and run outside those other times.  I try to not beat myself up about it.  At least I'm not sitting on the couch, right???

What has been your biggest improvement?
Snatches and overhead squats. I struggle with those being over my head. This year I finally had enough confidence to put weight on my bar. It might not seem like much but huge for me. 

What goals are you currently chasing?
Continued confidence in lifting-whether that's improving my technique or adding weight. 

If you could design a workout, what would it be?
Power cleans, push ups, pull ups, double unders, maybe some running.

What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
T-shirt and capris.

How often do you talk about CrossFit?
All the time. I like that I'm setting a good example for my boys. They can't wait to become members some day. Cole was so excited for me that I received this honor. He's my biggest fan.

Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
LOVE 'EM! I did complete the 100 day burpee challenge this year. You learn to embrace them after all that!!

Do you have a favorite story about the Coop?
I remember one blizzardy early morning when we were in the Foundry. We weren't supposed to park on the street, but some of us did. The police gave out parking tickets! I can't believe we went out in that weather to work out...that's true dedication.

What advice would you give a new PCC member?
Stick with it. The biggest hurdle you ever face is getting yourself to the gym. No one ever regrets that decision. I never thought I could do workouts like this. It is such a great feeling at the end of workout to look back on what you accomplished. I feel lucky and privileged every day to be part of something like The Coop. The people here are so supportive and encouraging. It's one of a kind.

When did you start doing CrossFit?
I have been doing CrossFit for 1 1/2 years.                                                  

What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?
I enjoy squats, especially the front squat.                                                        

What has been your biggest struggle?
Range of motion and snatch are definitely my biggest struggles, but I think I am learning to enjoy stretching (sometimes)!
                                            
What has been your biggest improvement?
Overhead squats!  I can finally do them after 18 months!                                       

What goals are your currently chasing?
Toes to bar and shoulder flexibility are my current goals.                                      

If you could design a workout, what would it be?
Wall balls, running and double unders.  

What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
My favorite outfit is the "Golden Suit" (Ha Ha).  The morning crew will know what I am talking about!                            

How often do you talk about CrossFit?
Every day, of course!                          

Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
Burpees: absolutely hate them, but I kind of like the intense workout they provide.  The only thing worse than burpees in my book is the AD!
                                               
Do you have a favorite moment or story about the Coop?
We have so many good laughs at the Coop that it is hard to share just one.     

What advice would you give a new PCC member?
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and try something new.  PCC is such a positive place full of all types of people.  I love that all abilities are accepted and applauded. 

I work for CESA5 as a speech therapist for preschoolers in the Portage school district. My husband and I live in Fall River with our cat, Oliver. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and am working on learning to enjoy running. 

When did you start doing CrossFit?
I started fundamentals in March 2016. 

What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?
Probably snatches and dead lifts, because I can see progress with them. 

What has been your biggest struggle?
Wall balls and single/double unders. 

What has been your biggest improvement?
Single unders; I am finally starting to be able to do them! 

What goals are you currently chasing?
Someday I really want to do a pull-up!

If you could design a workout, what would it be? 
Anything that doesn't include wall balls or thrusters!

What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?
Whatever is clean that day. 

How often do you talk about CrossFit?
Pretty much every day 

Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?
There are worse things. 

Do you have a favorite story about the Coop?
I really enjoy the holiday workouts and how supportive everyone is. 

What advice would you give a new PCC member?
You never regret going!

soybeans. In my free time away from the farm, I enjoy trying to stay fit either playing basketball or CrossFitting. My wife, Michelle, also a member of PCC, is my motivation as she works very hard to stay in shape coming back from both knee replacements. I have two kids in college and one in high school, who all CrossFit with Michelle and me when they have time. 

When did you start doing CrossFit?       
Five years ago.  I thought I was in good shape, but I was wrong.  I wish I had started it sooner.
 
What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?       
Grace. The first time I did Grace it took me 7 minutes, I think.  Now it is under 2 and half.  I’m hoping for under 2.
 
What has been your biggest struggle?       
HSPU (handstand push-ups)
 
What has been your biggest improvement?       
Squats. My form is better and I have increased my PR by over 33% in two years.
 
What goals are you currently chasing?        
To continue to build flexibility and to get double unders & HSPU as they have been in almost every Open.
 
If you could design a workout, what would it be?        
Anything heavy and under 3 minutes.
 
What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?        
Black, I don’t have to worry if the colors match...
 
Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?        
Burpees are a necessary evil.
 
Do you have a favorite moment or story about the Coop?        
Nothing in particular except that after every class the feeling of accomplishing something is a rush.  I would also like to mention that I really enjoy working out with everyone and that I feel lucky that we have such supportive and qualified coaches that make my experience a positive one. Thank you!

What advice would you give a new PCC member?          
Don't get discouraged. Everyone was new to CrossFit at some point. Know your limitations and listen to your body; everyone has different strengths. Be consistent and have fun!

​When did you start doing CrossFit?       
I started CrossFit August 13th last year and haven't stop talking about it since.
 
What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?       
My favorite workout so far is anything that includes the airdyne or muscle ups.
 
What has been your biggest struggle?       
I would say my biggest struggle and my biggest gains have both been flexibility, and coming back from the torn labrum. Though they are small gains, they feel big to me.
 
What has been your biggest improvement?       
See biggest struggle.
 
What goals are you currently chasing?        
I'm currently chasing a lofty goal of a 4.49 second column climb, which would be the new world record. (So please push me at CrossFit!)
 
If you could design a workout, what would it be?        
I'm not much for designing workouts. Before CrossFit I would use the workouts from Men's Health at an ordinary gym or at home.
 
What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?        
My favorite outfit to WOD in would be any of the themed WODs that we had during the open. ...or if I could beat Meredith to the punch with the jeggings next time!
 
Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?        
Burpees, love'em when they're over.
 
Do you have a favorite moment or story about the Coop?        
My favorite moment would easily be when Rod had a 335# barbell floating on his shoulders during a back squat!!

What advice would you give a new PCC member?          
My advice to new members would be, to be coachable and willing to learn.

​When did you start doing CrossFit?        
I want to say I started CF in 2009 when my friend asked me to CF with her. I had no idea what it was but once I started, I knew I would never go back to traditional weight lifting. My life is too busy to have a leg day, shoulder/arm day, etc... 

What is your favorite movement and/or benchmark workout?        
Clean and jerk would be my favorite movement, but you never want to miss snatch day!

What has been your biggest struggle?        
Life...There are things that have happened (good and bad) that prevented me from CrossFitting for periods of time, and getting back on the saddle sucks!

What has been your biggest improvement?        
I have seen improvement in all my lifts thanks to great coaching and logging my workouts (Thanks Ben! I never wrote workouts down prior to meeting Ben.)

What goals are you currently chasing?        
Walking handstands, double unders (errr), and increasing the weight on my bar!

If you could design a workout, what would it be?        
It would have HSPU,  C&J, and burpees.

What is your favorite outfit to WOD in?        
Luluemon bottoms and tanks.

How often do you talk about CrossFit?        
Daily (you have to ask your husband what the workout is for the next day).

Burpees: Love ‘em or hate ‘em?        
Love hate relationship!

Do you have a favorite moment or story about the Coop?        
Meeting some of my greatest friends! 

What advice would you give a new PCC member?          
Don’t get overwhelmed; CF takes time and practice! More than likely you will be CrossFitting the rest of your life! Oh and don’t forget to log your workouts because you will love looking back at the progress you've made.