We are excited to bring you Melissa R. as this week’s Athlete of the Week! This mama is crazy strong and has been hitting some big goals since she started in 2011. She is no stranger to pushing herself and crushing PRs. Her list of accomplishments include muscle ups! Need we say more?! Recently Melissa has been learning the art of the mental PR, which is often a more difficult PR to hit. Keeping your mental game in check and knowing when to ask for help and modification is humbling and can cause an athlete to lose confidence quickly. Melissa has worked hard to adjust to what her body needs and has fully trusted her coaches to help her make progress through effective modifications. We have even seen her encouraging others who are working through their own limitations, which is part who we are as a family. While Melissa is eager to learn and improve in the sport of CrossFit, her genuine passion for people and community shines bright. Read on to learn more about this SYCF all-star.
How would you explain your occupation to a 5 year old?
I help the doctors and nurses at the hospital help sick people feel better.
How did you get started with CrossFit?
I got started when one of my parents’ neighbors decided she wanted to try CrossFit and she didn’t want to go alone haha. I was also looking for something to keep my attention/keep me in shape between seasons.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started in early 2011 and have been drinking the CrossFit Kool Aid ever since. But I started at Sycamore CrossFit in July of 2014
What are your hobbies and interests outside CrossFit?
I love hanging out with my friends and family. One goal we have since schedules often times don’t line up is to have at least a couple walks together as family a week.
What is your fitness background?
I was a 4 year varsity athlete in high school, got offers to compete at the D1 (rugby) and D3 (T&F) levels. Ended up going D3 because I didn’t want sports to be my entire life. I was able to do college track and field for 2 years before I got hurt and had to retire.
Short-term training goal?
I want to become more comfortable with a high bar back squat (still a low bar fan at heart).
Long-term training goal?
I want to have full functional use of my left arm one day and not be afraid to push myself.
What is your favorite movement?
Deadlifts for sure, but I’m happy anytime the workout includes lifting heavy shit.
What is your least favorite movement?
Pistols and ring muscle ups, they’re just something I have not been able to master yet. Even though I haven’t done a muscle up since 2013!
Proudest moment in CrossFit so far?
Placing first in my first large CrossFit competition was my old one but now it’s knowing my body well enough to not push a workout if I know it’s going to hurt me. So being able to swallow my pride enough to do what’s best for me.
What was your biggest obstacle to starting CrossFit and how did you overcome that?
Every day I go into the gym I have to work on overcoming by biggest obstacle, post surgery I have been unable to workout like I have in the past. So with the help of the totally rad coaching staff I am able to modify and adapt the workouts in order for me to complete them with the rest of the class.
What kept you coming back?
The dedication of the coaching staff to modifying workouts for me constantly and the community the Sycamore CrossFit provides.
Your advice for someone considering starting CrossFit?
Yes it’s hard, yes you won’t be good at it right away but that’s what makes it worth it. You’ll be working towards constantly improving yourself. Don’t look at what anyone else is doing, your only competition is what you did yesterday.
How has Sycamore CrossFit changed your life?
I enjoy the culture of Sycamore CrossFit especially the positivity and friendly competition between members which is so much different than other CF gyms I’ve been a part of. I feel blessed that such an amazing place opened their doors to Chris, me and eventually Brantley. We look forward to raising Brantley to love the functional fitness and be as kind/supportive to others on their fitness journey as the people we have met here.