Hey Folks!
It’s your favourite time – When we highlight one of our awesome members and we all get to learn a little more about what gets someone started, why they do the things they do, and how’ it’s working for them. This month we’re featuring someone who quietly puts in the work, and has displayed a lot of consistency over the years. It shows as their skills and strength seems to improve every time they’re in.
For August we’re proud to announce our CrossFitter of the Month as…
Melissa!
Here are her answers to our questions 🙂
Name: Melissa Rawlyk
Age: 37
Occupation: Financial Administration, Canadian Armed Forces
What was your exercise experience prior to CrossFit?
Competitive Swimming, Olympic Style Boxing, Soccer and Body Building.
How long have you been doing CrossFit and why do you choose to CrossFit?
I heard about CrossFit for years and have had people recommend it to me, but I didn’t really understand what it was and I was too scared to try it out. It wasn’t until about two years ago I finally gave it a try and now I can’t imagine doing anything else.
What is your favorite part about CrossFit?
There are too many things – I love my coaches, the daily grind of blood, sweat and tears and seeing improvements in my abilities. I love how diverse CrossFit is and how much a workout challenges you on so many levels from day to day. I like not knowing what the workout will be the next day until the night before or even leaving it a surprise for when I arrive at the white board in the gym. I like having the coach there to cheer you on or
to tell you to stop slacking. I also like seeing all the friendly upbeat people at the gym and all the high fives!
What are the accomplishments you are proud of? (CrossFit or non CrossFit related)
It has been a long time since I competed in any sport and I never thought I would be competing again after a shoulder and neck injury. Since my first year in CrossFit I competed at a few different events and I felt like an athlete again. I’m really glad I decided to give CrossFit competitions a try right away. They push you to try harder and even accomplish what you never thought you could. My first competition I PR’d my clean by 40 lbs!!
I am thankful for my struggle, despite some set-backs here and there, I feel stronger and stronger every time I get into the gym.
Favourite workout or lift?
I like any work out that consists of heavy lifting or the long grinder type workouts. I also like workouts that consist of some form of gymnastics movement, I find these particularly challenging and forces me to work on my weaknesses. Learning the Olympic Lifts is new and exciting for me. They are so complex, require lots of patience and regular practice in order to develop a good feel for the movement.
Anything else you would like to share please feel free
I’m grateful for the journey I’m on now with CrossFit as part of my life.