Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do outside the gym?
I’m a mom to a dog named Dolly, an aunt to the most adorable 7-month-old niece, a caring friend to many, including folks from Hardware, and a lady with way too many hobbies and side quests. For a career, I work as a user experience designer for a healthcare company (If you are over 45, for the love of god, please start screening for colon cancer!).
What initially got you into training, and what keeps you coming back?
I noticed Hardware folks running on Balmoral when I first moved to the neighborhood. I was curious but intimidated by the idea of strength training. Then, one day, my ex wanted to try it out, and I decided to tag along. I wasn’t sure at first, but I wanted to stick it out to prove myself. Now, after 3 and a half-ish years, going to the gym has become my weekly routine. It has been very beneficial for my mental health as I work from home full-time.
What are your fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them?
The goal when I started was to be able to handle my reactive dog, who weighs almost half as much as I do. My current and ongoing goal is to stay strong while still learning to listen to my body. I still push myself, but I’ve gotten a lot better at knowing when to draw the line.
What’s an accomplishment or goal you’ve reached at Hardware that makes you the most proud?
Handstand, push-ups, AND handstand push-ups! I’ve recorded my progress over the last 3 years, and I can confidently say I’ve come a long way! :) When I’m on a plane, people often offer to help me store my luggage in the overhead compartment. I say ‘Thank you, but no thank you’ as I lift my, usually very overpacked, carry-on over my head with no issue. It brings me SO MUCH JOY to be self-efficient.
Favorite WOD/movement?
Believe it or not…. I like the Murph…. but doing it in Cindy style. It’s simple and does a little bit of everything. Oh, and chatting with my friends in between reps is another fav ‘movement’ of mine. :-)
Least favorite WOD/movement?
Anything that involves the Echo Bike. NOPE! Get outta here!
Any advice for someone interested in trying out Hardware?
I’ve never stuck with any workout routine for more than a couple of months before I started Hardware. It’s a great place to start, even if you don’t have any fitness background.