November Athlete of the Month

Congratulations to Margaret Hesse for being named Athlete of the Month for November. Margaret has been incredibly consistent over the last couple years and does a great job of working on movements that serve her goals well. She works hard when she is at the gym and we are lucky to have her at our gym!

1.Please tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and went to college at Miami University of Ohio where I majored in Elementary Education. After graduation, I decided to head west to the Rocky Mountains, beginning in Estes Park and then on to Breckenridge. In 1995, I moved to this area when I began my teaching career in New Castle. My children include my dog, Rosie, and my 32 fifth graders. :-) I love anything outdoors, especially biking, hiking, camping, swimming, skiing, and snowshoeing. In my free time, I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, and traveling.

2. When did you become a member at Defiance West?

I joined in January, 2019

3.What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now?

My friend, Laura, invited me to come and try out DW. We were working out together at another CF gym, and I wasn’t really enjoying it or feeling much of a connection there. I continue to do it because of our amazing coaches, the other members that I’ve gotten to know, and the camaraderie. I love pushing myself and always feel like I get a great workout, no matter how much I have to modify.

4.What were your thoughts after your first workout?

I remember being very sore but thinking to myself, “That was fantastic, and I really think I’m going to like this place!” Everyone was very welcoming and encouraging.

5.What is your athletic background?

I played softball all through high school and every intramural imaginable in college. I’ve always been very active, and my workouts have consisted of mountain and road biking, walking/hiking, and various gym memberships. I’ve done several Ride the Rockies, 5k runs, and sprint triathlons.

6. What is your favorite movement or workout?

I really enjoy the various partner workouts we’ve done in the past, plus deadlifts and clean and jerks.

7. What is your least favorite?

My least favorite are wall walks. I’ve never really gotten the hang of hand stands, diving, anything where I’m upside down.

8. What has been your favorite or proudest moment since joining?

Two things come to mind: when I was finally able to hook my feet on the rope and pull myself up a tiny bit :-) and when I participated in the CrossFit games and did better than I expected in spite of my hip issues.

9.How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness?

I know that I am stronger than I’ve ever been, and I have made working out 3-4 days a week part of my routine which I’ve never really done before. I have been able to do things that I never really thought I could do and have a lot more confidence in myself.

10. What are your fitness goals for this year?

I am determined to be part of the Committed Club this year, after having missed it by 5 days last year due to Covid. Also, once I have my hip replacement, I am really looking forward to being able to do some of the movements that I’ve had to give up like squats and jumping rope. I’d really like to get higher up the rope, too.

11. What is something most people don’t know about you?

I was in the Peace Corps for two years in Central African Republic, and, after I finished, I returned the following summer to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.

12. What advice would you give to people looking to get started at our gym?

I’d tell them to just come and give it a try. I think they’d be amazed at what they can do and to find out that we truly have the best CrossFit gym around!