Squat: 265 lbs
Deadlift: 315 lbs
Helen: 12:47
CrossFit Level 1 Certification
I grew up working out at home with my mom. I was the only girl my age that could do pull-ups and I loved proving to myself how strong I could get or how far I could push. As I got older, fitness was always a big part of my life and helped me through many challenges. In 2013, my husband (then boyfriend) introduced me to CrossFit. I immediately fell in love but found it difficult to balance my competitive nature in order to actually enjoy the workouts. Fast forward to 2021, he then introduced me to Elect several months after he had been going; I fell in love with the community. The coaches taught me to balance my workouts and life to be able to get stronger, know my body, and enjoy pushing myself but also know when to scale back or modify when necessary. When I noticed I wasn't only getting stronger in the gym, but was less stressed in life and wasn't so focused on being the best every single day, I really found my passion for the sport. Then was when I realized I wanted to coach and help others find this passion and balance in their own lives.
After we had our twin boys in 2018 (we also had an 18-month-old at the time), I struggled with postpartum depression. I dealt with it for two years, and even through trying to eat well and work out (that was the only coping mechanism I knew), I couldn't get away from those feelings. I've always been a people pleaser, so it was difficult for me to express those feelings. I was too afraid to say how I was feeling and become a burden to my husband or family. Slowly, as I focused more and more on my relationship with God, I found true freedom. I realized that through God, I found joy in everyday life and wanted to build relationships and help other women find their way through that darkness. CrossFit gives me that time to get out my emotions and feelings but the community and the coaches really pour into me in a way that challenges me to listen to my body and allows me to be myself. There's never a fear of disappointing someone because we focus on being the best we can be that day, whatever that looks like. Through PPD and my prayer time, I've realized what's important and who I am. This community values those things and growth in all areas and encourages and challenges its members and coaches to be physically and mentally fit.
My passion for CrossFit comes from seeing how far each person can push and challenge themselves and prove that they can do things they never thought. I love the energy and encouragement that comes with every class and seeing people reach milestones and surprise themselves! I enjoy the technical aspect of the movements to be able to help someone make one small change and see them grow from it. Overall, the classes are a blast and it's so encouraging to see consistency and growth and be part of that change for someone!
