Athlete of the Month: Judy
Judy has been with NoCoast since we opened! We love Judy's commitment to the process here, at NoCoast. She doesn't get bogged down with pushing weights and numbers, she simply works out. This is a great example to many of our athletes, and even more powerfully, to her peers outside of the gym. See, Judy is 65 years old, a mama of 2, and a grandma of 3. Most ladies her age aren't picking up CrossFit at this stage in life. But, we believe EVERYONE can benefit from our program, and can start at any age! She embraces the infinitely scalable piece to what we do, and is becoming fitter because of it! She is consistent and listens to her body. The payoff? She has lost 30 pounds, is stronger, fitter, more capable in her daily life, and she's made some good friends to top it off.
Age/Weight: I am 65 and 30 pounds lighter than when I started CrossFit.
How long have you been CrossFitting? I started when NoCoast opened - 3 years ago. Athletic/Sports history/highlights: I will admit that I am not the athlete in the family. My husband and my two daughters have always been very active and competitive while I have enjoyed watching them. Part of my problem with doing too much has been due to a serious brain concussion I had when I was young and then a disc in my back that almost went out about 10 years ago - both have limited my participation in various activities.
How did you get into CrossFit? After we moved here 6 years ago, I was doing some workouts at Paul Derda Recreation Center, but the exercises I was doing didn't seem to be doing much for me. My daughter, Sherrie, was taking CrossFit and I watched her in a competition. I realized that I would not be able to keep up with her, but decided to take a trial class that I enjoyed, so I decided to give it a try - waiting for NoCoast to open (per my daughter's advice - she didn't want me just going anywhere.)
What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement? I think that one of my favorites is the Bear Complex - I like the flow and the mix of the moves. What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement? I think that it may be a tie between the airdyne and overhead squats. I am not into cycling and anything where the bar is over my head makes me very nervous. What is your most memorable CrossFit moment? I'm not sure that I have one particular memorable moment. My goal is to show up three times a week and make it through the workout that Dan has programmed. I may have to modify certain moves, but I'm just happy when I'm done.
How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery? Nutrition is very important to me, and I actually fly back to Michigan several times a year to see my nutritionist there. The only supplements I take are made with all natural foods.and I stick fairy closely to a Paleo diet. I have realized that I feel much better when I stay away from wheat and dairy products and now need to stay away from corn as well. Unfortunately, protein shakes prove to be bad for me, so I make a point of making sure I get plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein daily.
How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness? After moving here 6 years ago, it took me a while to get used to the altitude, and walks with my husband around the open area near us would usually be slow and short. I'm now able to walk several miles at a good pace without a problem and can also chase after my grandsons, which I was not able to do prior to this. I never really ran before and won't say that I'm a runner, but I am able to do some when required to in the workouts - and no, I do not run a mile - I do what I can. I also see my chiropractor once a month to make sure everything is in place. In fact, he told me I'd be seeing him more often when I said I was starting CrossFit and has been pleasantly surprised to find that he has been wrong. Advice to new people: My best advice is to listen to your body when you're working out. Modify movements when you need to and listen to the coaches - all of them are excellent and have your best interests at heart.