We are excited to announce that our Athlete of the Month for September goes to a long standing, constantly hilarious hard working; congratulations HOLLIE!!! Together with her training consistency in both CrossFit and Gymnasty Strength classes, Hollie has really started to get some fire in her belly with her barbell work and is even surprising herself how strong she really is (yes, Miss “I can do 3 deadlifts at 95kg”!!!). It is an absolute pleasure having Hollie in our Niche Family and we are looking forward to watching her continuing gains, of course with the smile (and cheeky side-chat) in tow. Let’s hear from our September AOTM…
Why did you start CrossFit?
I was tired of going to the Les Mills Pump and Body Step classes and was in need of a change so I went and watched Brent at the Cell and said “I CAN’T do that’. Well I proved myself wrong and yes I CAN. I’m always up for a challenge so I very nervously signed up and haven’t looked back since.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
My most memorable moment would have to be earlier this year when I got my first strict pull up. Think Jen almost fell over and lost all hearing when I ran up to her screaming for a hug (and we all know how much she loves hugs!).
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
I love lifting and anything really with weights. I also really enjoy rope climbs.
I hate gassy WODs and find it difficult to push through when the going gets tough. I wish I enjoyed the pain as I know ‘no pain, no GAINZ’. This is something that I’m trying hard to work on and change as I know it’s my weakness. My goal is to begin to enjoy the pain and stay positive through the WOD!
What tip would you give to someone just starting in CrossFit?
I remember when I first started CrossFit someone told me ‘just turn up and soon enough you will be addicted’. I’m still doing that to this day. Face the challenge when you arrive. I’m not one for checking the WOD before coming, I just need to get there and get it done!
Plus maybe have a little chat here and there. I have met some of my best friends through the amazing community that CrossFit brings. People that I know I will be friends with for a very long time.
Also one more thing…always remember to listen to and trust your coaches (says me who doubts herself every second week!).
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
I grew up in Margaret River when I was a kid. My Dad always told me we couldn’t have a dog as a pet so one day he was driving home from work and found a piglet on the side of the road. We named her Rosie and treated her like a dog. We would take her for a walk on a lead down the Main Street of Margaret River, even when she was almost fully grown, until Mum and Dad said she had to go to the farms where she had more room to play in the mud. Little did my sister and I know that we probably ate her the following week!
We still have two cottages in Margaret River that we rent out for short term accommodation (check them out at http://www.bushysdreamcottages.com.au). They were named after my Dad because it was his dream to have cottages on a beautiful property overlooking a lake
