I’m sorry for the delay on our November honor. It’s not because we did not have this individual selected. Michele’s hard work and consistency has been noticed by the entire coaching staff for a while now. While reading through the Q&A, I’m sure many of you can relate to Michele on some level. She played sports in high school and was looking for a way to get that team feeling when training after college. And I mean who doesn’t like a warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream? Great cheat meal choice!
I have had the pleasure of coaching Michele through regular class and specialty class with weightlifting. She is certainly coachable and willing to put in the work needed to attain new abilities. I most recently got to witness her PR 3 lifts during the power lift-off last weekend. The atmosphere was great and I’m happy for her. Improving her gymnastics is a priority come the new year so I’m excited to see where she can take that.
Michele is also involved socially with the gym be it at our events or hanging out with other members outside the gym and concerts or other get togethers. It’s great to see that this place helps create good friendships. Keep training smart and you will certainly get your butterfly pull-ups and get more comfortable with the muscle up too.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
——————————-
Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
In summer of 2017 I was looking for a new activity. I drove past a Crossfit gym and thought “wow that looks fun”. The rest is history.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I played field hockey and ran track in high school. In college I went to the gym sporadically but for the past 10 years I have been addicted to exercise. I was an active member at a hot pilates studio, ran 2 half marathons and now have been doing Crossfit for 5 ½ years.
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I have been a member at Island Park Fitness since March 2022. I have been doing functional fitness since July 2017.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
My favorite thing about Island Park Fitness is the community and the programming. Everyone at the gym is nice, supportive, and fun to be around on a daily basis (shout out to the 5:45pm crew). The programming is very methodical, focusing on building strength and practicing skill work.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
The biggest challenge I have overcome since joining Crossfit is double unders. I gave myself plantar fasciitis practicing them so much haha. The biggest challenge I have overcome at Island Park is following the intent of each WOD and not “redlining” every workout.
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
My favorite moment at the gym so far is the last class of the 2022 Spring Olympic Lifting Program. I never enjoyed Olympic Lifting throughout my whole tenure doing Crossfit until this season. I took a risk, signed up for something I usually would avoid, and it ended up being a blast. I made new friends and significantly improved my lifting form and strength. The last class when everyone was cheering each other on while doing 1 RMs was a great day.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
A warm chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
Crossfit is all inclusive. You can begin at any level of athletic ability because all movements are scalable. The hardest part is getting started but the payoff is totally worth it. Once you see your progress it is extremely motivating and rewarding.
What drives you?
Mental health and being goal oriented- Working out always boosts my mood because of the endorphins and the supportive community (making it challenging to take a rest day sometimes haha). In Crossfit you can always work toward accomplishing new goals. Each time I achieve a goal it drives me towards setting another one.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Getting butterfly pull ups and continuing to move well by finetuning my form.