Our Athlete of the Month for October is… BEL!! Bel came on board a couple of months ago with our Cell friends and has slotted straight into Nichehood. Bel always has a smile on her face and has shown fabulous commitment to her training by jumping on board her core training (you know nothing makes Boss Lady more proud!) and being very consistent with classes. Let’s learn a little more about our Athlete of the Month for November…
Why did you start CrossFit?
I have always been into fitness and new challenges. Before I started I had been doing outdoor boot camp style training and boxing classes and was looking for a bit of a change. A friend of mine was already doing CrossFit so I went down and did a trial class at the same box (which was The Cell in May 2013) and never looked back! I’m pretty sure googling CrossFit also helped – I was pretty inspired by the girls in action and super jealous of their rocking bods!
What is your most memorable moment to date?
Probably my first full rope climb (which beforehand I never though I could do!)…I got to the top, freaked out and slid back down the rope without releasing my hands. Let a chunk of my finger on the rope, whoops!
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
Favourite moves are double unders and power cleans
Least favourite movements are cleans and thrusters…Front squats are a weakness I need to work on!
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
Give it a go! Absolutely every workout is scale-able to your fitness level, mobility, strength and skill level and the coaches at Niche wouldn’t let you do anything they don’t think you’re ready for. What I love most about CrossFit is that the PB’s just keep on coming…partly because you get stronger and/or faster, but also there are so many new skills to learn that when you start they seem impossible, but trust me that with consistency every week they get that tiny bit closer. And as for the “cult” label…once you try CrossFit you’ll realise that it’s just a whole bunch of really cool, like-minded people who want to improve their fitness and physical capability across a wide range of tasks, continuously challenging themselves and most importantly having fun!
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
I have been getting involved in triathlons in the past few years. This year in May I completed my first Half Ironman (1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21km run) which I absolutely thought I could never do! I’ve been crazy enough to sign up to do it again next year, so now I have a time to beat.
“Achieving something I never thought I could do” seems to be a reoccurring theme in this little spiel. That’s what I love most about my time doing CrossFit, it has given me confidence that has translated to my life outside the box. The awesomeness just keeps on giving!
