Hey Folks!

The beginning of May means we get to feature another beauty member who kicked serious butt in April (and for numerous months before that).  This month we’re featuring someone who showed up with a pretty solid engine and work ethic, and who was very interested in improving their weaknesses as well.  This person is a pleasure to have in the gym as they’re always up for a challenge, while also keeping a light-hearted approach to it.  It’s an admirable dichotomy, being able to take your training seriously, and not yourself 🙂  This month we’re excited to feature…

Emily!

Here are her answers to our questions:

Name: Emily Jago

Age: 26

Occupation: Earnings Capacity Assessor, Student

What was your exercise experience prior to CrossFit?

My exercise prior to CrossFit couldn’t be more varied. Growing up I dealt with mild Cerebral Palsy that required a lot of physiotherapy and presented a lot of challenges and chronic pain, but I still danced and played soccer competitively, and dabbled a bit in fencing, basketball, volleyball, and the rest of the sports offered in high school programming. I was mostly interested in organized sport because it was an immediate community of people who liked being active – I’m not really great at sitting still.

I’ve experienced a number of injuries and setbacks that have significantly altered my life course, particularly fitness and exercise pursuits so I suppose I feel fortunate that even in the face of difficulty, there lies opportunity (Einstein quote). Before going to University my plan was to play soccer, but after an injury just prior to the start of the season I tried rowing, and it stuck! It took me a long time to get used to going to the gym and training individually – sitting on a bike for a couple hours, or dedicating time in the weight room – but I’ve really developed an affinity for it.  After 8 years of Varsity Rowing, now I hang out with you guys, lifting things and drinking coffee.

How long have you been doing CrossFit and why do you choose to CrossFit?

I started CrossFit about two years ago after recovering from an abdominal tear. I was looking around for something new to try and Curtis H had previously talked about his positive experience at CrossFit Sudbury. I completed a condensed fundamentals and then got to experience Filthy Fifty as my first WOD. Lucky me!

What is your favorite part about CrossFit?

High fives.

…

In all seriousness, I come from a background of fitness that didn’t always provide the most positive atmosphere and have seriously struggled with poor mental health at times, so I was really excited to join a group of people with a common goal who celebrated small and big victories. Sometimes I feel like just showing up is deserving of a high five! (Editors note:  You know it!)

What are the accomplishments you are proud of? (CrossFit or non-CrossFit related)

I’m not always great at acknowledging things I’ve done, I just put myself out there and hope for the best, then move on. In rowing and academically, I’ve accomplished the things you’re supposed to do for measured success that guarantee accolades, but I’m not sure I’ve ever found profound happiness in those accomplishments.

Something I’m really proud of is dedicating myself to marathon training. As mentioned, I tend to be a bit injury prone so staying physically healthy for the last 15 weeks has been my main goal. I’ve never enjoyed running, but my approach to this training has been really positive and I’ve found myself looking forward to long runs!

Favourite workout or lift?

This won’t come as a surprise to anyone, but I’m a big fan of wall balls, rowing, squats and deadlifts. I’ve recently become acquainted with some gymnastics success and playing around on the bars is becoming a favourite of mine!

Anything else you would like to share please feel free         

It may not come across immediately, but I really love fashion, interior design, and culinary arts. Every year my mom and I go to the Interior Design Show and I spend most of my free time flipping through magazines, sipping on coffee, and browsing restaurant menus and reviews. I have a growing collection of cookbooks and books on food culture and behaviour (approx. 60-70), and love to bake and cook.  I’m also about half way through the course work to become a sommelier; another love of mine is wine!