Maggie R.
Age: 34
Hometown:
Chicago
How long have you been a member of CrossFit Enclave?
Just over 1.5 years
Athletic Background:
I was a competitive figure skater majority of my life, competing regionally for the U.S. and internationally for Poland. When my competitive skating career ended I was a Dance Major at Columbia College Chicago.
What brought you to try CrossFit?
My husband Nic was a member and raved about how much he loved it and the people at the gym. I was always skeptical because I’ve heard stories about other gyms but decided to give it a try!
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
I loved it! It was hard and had no idea what I was doing with many of the movements as they weren’t part of my skating training. But I missed having had a regimented training routine that challenged me and Crossfit does just that!
What are your training/fitness goals?
Besides shedding baby weight, I really want to feel comfortable and confident with my body again.
But aside from physical features I have goals of being able to do more movements such as pulls ups, TTB unbroken and from there to advance into even more things.
How has your motivation changed since you started CrossFit?
I’ve never trained with heavy weights or did much upper body training so Crossfit has definitely been a challenge in that aspect but I enjoy how excited I get when I hit a new PR or get closer and better at different exercises.
What results have you seen from CrossFit, inside and outside the gym?
I’ve noticed I have more energy when I do get a workout in and definitely feel guilty when I can’t make it in for a few days! I love feeling like I’ve accomplished something, like after every workout, as much as it sucked I am proud that I made it through it. I try my best to stay active with my family too and I think our kids seeing us take care of our bodies is a huge positive example.
What is your favorite CrossFit WOD and/or movement?
I really enjoy WODs that have an array of movements such as:
I really enjoy the “Sweat” programming at CrossFit Enclave too!
What is your least favorite CrossFit WOD and/or movement?
I definitely don’t enjoy the bike, rower and wall balls!!!
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit?
I think one of my favorite things about Crossfit is the amazing people I have met! Our gym has such wonderful members and I’ve been lucky to get to know many of them and become good friends! It’s hard as a parent to “make new friends”.
Having found a new support system that’s not just at the gym but outside of it is something I truly cherish!
What’s your number one tip for balancing being a mom, having a career and finding time to work out?
Commit!
Commit to making time for yourself! Going to the gym is pretty much the only thing I get to do for myself and it’s a great opportunity for me to shut my brain off, even if just for a short bit, and just release any stress and thoughts!
Being a parent is a lot of hard work, I love it, but every parent needs an outlet just like our children do. Helps maintain any sanity we may have left!
There are some bad ass moms at our gym that inspire me every time I’m there that are going through the same struggles. They motivate me that if they can do it, I have no excuse!!!
Your husband is also a member. What’s it like doing CrossFit with him?
Haha I was nervous to start because he had been doing it longer than I had and I was afraid I’d embarrass myself in front of him but it’s been the complete opposite. I am nowhere close to being as strong as he is and that’s fine but I definitely find myself being competitive with him. It’s not a mutual thing and he probably has no idea but I try to push myself to keep up with him in anyway I can. I guess it’s my competitive background. But watching his gains at the gym inspire me to push myself harder!
What is your favorite CrossFit moment/achievement?
I think one of them was during the last open when I PR’d my squat clean and made it further than I thought during the workout. But it wasn’t just that, it was so exciting to be surrounded by so many friends and members who were cheering each other on and pushing one another. The amount of support everyone has for each other at our gym is remarkable. I’ve never been a part of something like that.
Tell us something no one knows about you:
Well some already know but for those who don’t, I love to cook/bake. Hosting get togethers is something I really enjoy!
Any advice for people just getting started with CrossFit?
Stick with it. A lot of it may be foreign and hard but it does get easier and you will find a great support team at our gym to help you get through it.
What is one piece of CrossFit equipment you swear by?
I love my Nobull’s and Nike Metcon shoes.
And I love my Rogue jump rope.
Do you have a favorite elite CrossFit Athlete (or other professional athlete) you follow or admire? Who & why?
Can’t say I have a favorite Crossfit athlete, I just started watching some of the events and haven’t had a chance to really read up on many of them.
I do think it’s remarkable what many of them, especially the women are able to do!
Commit!
Commit to making time for yourself! Going to the gym is pretty much the only thing I get to do for myself and it’s a great opportunity for me to shut my brain off, even if just for a short bit, and just release stress.
Maggie with the barbell at CrossFit Enclave.