For those who don’t know Petra, she is ‘that lady’ who can hold a 3 min hollow body and 3 min handstand!! Of course she is Boss Lady’s favourite. Petra is one of those quiet, no fuss types and we are extremely excited with her progress since coming on board. Please congratulate our Athlete of the Month and challenge her to a hollow competition… dare you. Let’s learn a little more about Petra…
Why did you start CrossFit?
I wanted to get stronger. I could hold a plank but could barely do a pushup or lift things above my head. I had been doing Pilates for a number of years and had not made progress with those strength aspects so I started looking for something else to do. I was attracted to CrossFit because it is so varied and there would be lots of new things for me to try. After having experienced the deleterious effects a sedentary lifestyle can have on your body, I wanted to give myself the best chance at keeping strong, healthy and mobile as I age. CrossFit really does embrace everyone, regardless of age or ability.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
That would be when I finally managed to push myself up off an Abmat while doing kipping handstand push up practice in GymNasty. It was an amazing feeling to have everything connect and to finally complete the movement and then do it again. Thanks to Liam for sharing his tips on how to make that connection.
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
Don’t really have a favourite yet, though I quite like the Bear Complex and doing Kettlebell Figure 8’s. My least favourite movement is wall balls. However, as it is an excellent full body exercise I would not avoid doing them in a workout if it came up.
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
Listen to your coaches and don’t compare your performance/progress to what others are doing. Look for gains in all aspects of your workout such as technique not just rep numbers or weights lifted. Also, you will get through the WOD!!
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
I’m going to have my first go at the Bicycling Western Australia 3 Dams Challenge this April. It will be my first endurance event. 146km of mostly hill riding…
