TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I’ve been an art teacher at a high school on the west side of Chicago for the past 16 years. When I’m not harassing teenagers I’m probably planning a road trip to visit a National Park. I’ve been to 46 out of 63 so far. If I’m not camping most of the summer I’m a sad, sad person.
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO TRAINING AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
I joined Hardware in 2016 because I was planning my first backpacking trip and was worried about being strong enough to schlep around a 30lb pack and/or being left for dead on the trail. I’ve joined a lot of gyms over the years and gravitated to the ones that had lifting programs and “bootcamp” style classes. But nothing ever really clicked–it was either too repetitive and I got bored or was just not fun. I love that I’m still learning new things at Hardware all these years later and even tho I complain a lot (it’s my love language) I always have a great time, even at 6am.
WHAT ARE YOUR FITNESS GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
Primarily I just want to keep strong, healthy, and injury-free as my body ages much faster than my brain. But I wouldn’t mind breaking the 90lb barrier on my strict press.
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED AT HARDWARE THAT MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
I did my first modified half-Murph this year and didn’t feel all that terrible afterward.
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
I prefer the long chipper WODs. Plus anything that has me going shoulder-to-overhead makes me feel like a badass.
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
Push-ups are my nemesis. And hanging from the rig has always been a struggle. Whyyyy have I been gifted with such soft, baby-like hands?
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT HARDWARE?
Do it. Sick of judgy, meathead types who say “bro” a lot? That’s not what you’ll find at Hardware. There’s such a wonderful collection of human beings at this gym and literally everyone is rooting for you–it’s such a safe space. If you’re worried about abilities or limitations there is something here for you. Can’t do a handstand push-up? Cool. Neither can I. But the coaches will have 6 other things you can do instead that will be just as challenging and you’ll get to feel like a badass, too.