Augusts AOTM is… Marcia! I’m sure you’ve all noticed this lovely lady has made some serious gains. She’s caught a serious case of barbell love knocking out PB’s on both her Clean and Snatch in the past month. Marcia has been a long time member of the ‘GymNASTY Army’ and also busted out her first strict muscle-up… always great to see “Respect for the Process” paying strong dividends. Powerful woman. These recent gains aren’t the sole reason Marcia is this month’s AOTM; notably, she’s been an incredibly valuable and contributing member of the Niche community since the moment she walked through the door. You’ll rarely see her wi
th out a smile on her face! She really lives and breathes all that Niche represents in hard work and spirit. On any given encounter, you’re likely to find her racing through a sweaty met-con, swinging on the rings, under a heavy barbell or sporting some serious dance moves between sets. Read below for a little more insight into this absolute top-notch, good egg.
Why did you start CrossFit?
I had been going to the gym for years, but had no real knowledge or great motivation. Injuries stopped me from running long distances too. Then when I started more functional movement training about 3ish years ago, I starting hearing about CrossFit. I loved that it involves all parts of fitness and quickly got hooked watching previous CrossFit Games videos and thought I need to give this a go!! Once I started at Niche, I wished I had done it sooner. It’s almost been 2 years and I could never go back to anything else.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
My first Open at Niche! It really opened my eyes to the community that Niche is and it made me so excited to be a part of it all. I remember trying to get under some squat cleans (first time I’d really pushed myself to see what I could do) and having the room full of people yelling at me to make it up was an amazing feeling. Now I can’t wait to encourage people and give them that same feeling.
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
I have a love hate relationship with Thrusters… more hate though. I love long chipper WODs, anything cardio, but also love all gymnastics movements and this year really starting to enjoy getting under a heavy barbell even if it is a slow process!
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
You really can’t compare yourself to others when you start, as everyone is at a different point.
You just need to listen to your coaches and keep moving at your own level, and really respect the process! You will learn to love it…
What keeps you coming back to CrossFit?
I am a competitive person, but the fact that CrossFit gives you measurable results and you can really see how far you have come and how far you need to go. It definitely keeps you humble.
And the community we have here at Niche is one in a million!
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
I rode horses from between the ages 6-22. Even had my own for 4 years… But now I just work with them as an Equine Vet Nurse.
