May Athlete of the Month
Congratulatoins to Beth Mexted for being named Athlete of the Month for May. Beth consistently makes it to the gym whether it be at 5:30am or after school when needed, she works hard, crushes some cardio workouts, and always keeps things light hearted in the gym. Thank you Beth for making our gym a better and more fun place to be at!
Please tell us about yourself. I’m a teacher and I grew up in St. Louis, MO. I moved to Colorado with my husband Hayden for his job. We have 2 kids, Nate 12 and Elle 9. I was so sad to leave MO (we’re homebodies!), but after living in beautiful CO for almost 10 years, I can’t see myself anywhere else.
When did you become a member at Defiance West? September 2016, I think.
What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now? I was curious about CrossFit after I met Cierra on a running relay team, but I was a member of another gym at the time. I kept hearing so many great things about it that I just had to try it out! The reason I’m with it now is because I LOVE it…best workout ever! It’s different every day and it’s always challenging.
What were your thoughts after your first workout? I was so nervous for the first workout, but after finishing I was hooked! I did movements that I had never done before and thought, “Whoa. This is the real deal.”
What is your athletic background? This may come as a shock to you, but I did not grow up playing sports (insert crazy face). I started running after college (so 20 years ago) and fell in love with it. I’m a cardio girl. In fact, my friends call me “Cardi B”…and they know I love a good teacher cardigan;)
What is your favorite movement or workout? I really like squats and cardio. Yesterday’s workout of running (or rowing) and front squats was right up my alley! I admire so many of the members who can deep squat with a crazy amount of weight (ahem, Amy, Tess, and Camille!)
What is your least favorite? I don’t love box jumps. I have a mental fear of getting hurt. My giraffe legs are constantly catching on the box. Thank goodness for the soft box!
What has been your favorite or proudest moment since joining? It took me FOREVER to learn the form/technique of cleans, jerks, and snatches. I thought I was going to need to go to a remedial class for “CrossFit Dummies”, but Cory didn’t give up on me! All the coaches offered me little pieces of advice that really helped me to improve.
How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness? This ectomorph is so much stronger than I have ever been! I may not have bulging muscles to prove it, but I have endurance and better overall athletic ability. My running has improved and I’m not afraid to try things like water skiing and surfing. I even tried snow skiing again and was able to do several runs without feeling like death. My girl, Erica, and I cheers-ed a beer to CrossFit afterwards! I also love that CF has become a family affair—the fact that I got Hayden to join was a miracle! He’s hooked too. Nate and Elle love the summer kid’s classes.
What are your fitness goals for this year? I’d like to be able to do pull-ups and my link my dang toes to the bar! Oh, and “drop the rope” while surfing at Lake Powell.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Hayden told me to say, “I’m madly in love in my husband.” Hahahaha! But in all seriousness, I have scoliosis and wore a back brace for 4 years during the middle school years. Let’s just say, it helped during the crucial “personality forming” stage of life #robochick
What advice would you give to people looking to get started at our gym? Try it! If you like to sweat, then you’ll love our gym. My friend told me, “There’s a beer for every sport.” I think that about CrossFit too—“There’s a body for every sport.” Some of our bodies are good at gymnastics, some of our bodies are good at cardio, some of our bodies are good at lifting, but ALL of our bodies are capable of performing and improving in every area.
