February Member of the Month - Heather!

(Photo from Oscar during last year’s Open!)

Heather has been with us for almost two years now and has been a regular in our 7pm Classes, it definitely goes noticed when she’s not in class. She always shows up with a smile and ready to work, and with the recent addition of her Husband Marcus joining, these two are always a blast to have in class!

Heather is always keen to learn new skills, whether that be getting upside down, Snatches and Barbell work, or learning Double Unders. She has always set goals for herself to keep her moving forward and us coaches have loved seeing the progress she has made.

As a coach as well, I’ve always appreciated that she cares most about the quality of her movement and doing things right, and that even with some injuries, she knows the importance of movement and to keep doing what you can and adjust rather than avoid it all together. She takes cues and feedback well and is a great athlete to coach! Read more below to get to know her :)

What is your background in Fitness/sport?

I’ve never really thought of myself as an athletic person, but I played soccer and rock climbed growing up. As an adult, I’ve dabbled in everything from jujitsu to running to swimming, but until CrossFit I never really stuck with anything.

When did you start CrossFit and At Vic City? I started in April 2022, but got more consistent starting July 2022.

How many CrossFit Opens have you done? 

One

Favourite memories in the gym?

I’m having a hard time picking just one. Ladies night was a blast.

What is your favourite movement?

Front and back squat :)

Least favourite? 

Overhead squat, but I’m working on it.

Favourite WOD or type? 

I love an AMRAP. I also really like the workouts where you have a set amount of time and each round you add more reps until you can’t do them in the time allotted. They’re such a killer workout and an interesting way to shake things up.

What do you enjoy the most about CrossFit? 

I have serious chronic migraines and some old injuries, which means I go through times where I have to dial it way back or miss class altogether and consistency is hard for me. I had heard CrossFit was really intense and I was a bit unsure if it would work for someone like me, but I am so glad I gave it a try. I love that it’s so adaptable and you can work around a lot of issues if you’re careful and run your own race (know your limits and don’t try to compete with other people.)

I also cannot get over how positive the gym culture is at Viccity. Everyone is so kind and supportive. My experience has been that it is a very body positive gym. There are people of all shapes and sizes and fitness levels and while my body has changed a lot since I started, I’ve never felt pressure to shrink or heard anyone speak about how that’s the ultimate goal in the gym. It’s been really refreshing.

Most recent achievement that you are proud of? 

I got my clean and jerk up to 85 pounds. (It’s not exactly recent but I also got my husband into the gym and now I have a gym buddy so I’m counting it as an achievement.)

What goals are you working towards right now? 

I’m trying to gain confidence in my overhead squats and snatches, get double unders, and hopefully manage a pull up by the end of 2024. I am also hoping to get into the gym more often.

What is your go to treat / meal?

Dark chocolate and peanut butter (not necessarily together)

With two kids and a family, it can be hard for Mom’s to get in their workouts but Heather

has been consistent in her routine and making sure she gets in her workouts, she is a great example to her kids and to all Moms out there.

Heather, thank you for being such a great person to have in class and in our community, and for sharing the love of the gym with your family! Thank you for also pointing out the importance of “running your own race” and everyone can learn from that. It’s members like you that make this gym what it is and that make other new members feel welcomed and supported as well. So thank you for being you, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish this next year!

(Photo from Oscar during last year’s Open!)

Be sure to give Heather a High Five next time you see her in class. :)

Coach Tia