Name: Julie O.
Current City: Natick, MA
Originally from: Natick, MA
Age: 30
Occupation: Behavior Therapist

What got you started with CrossFit?  

I ran track in college and I had been searching for something to do ever since. Having been a part of a team most of my life going to a regular gym and working out by myself was boring and I was having trouble motivating myself. I noticed people posting about CrossFit on facebook and thought it was worth a try.

Tell us a little bit about your first class. What was your first WOD?

My first WOD was Filthy Fifty. I remember looking at it and thinking I was never going to finish.   The coaches scaled me back to 30 reps (Dirty Thirty) and modified some of exercises for me. I was so excited when I finished I almost cried. I was so proud of myself and I hadn’t felt that way since high school sports. I knew right then I had found finally something worth sticking with.

What is your favorite and least favorite CrossFit movement or workout?

Rope climbs are my new favorite! I never thought I’d be able to do them and they are so much fun! I really like almost every movement but I guess I’d say snatches are my least favorite. They are definitely the most challenging Olympic lift.

What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment in the box?  

Pull-ups! I worked all last year on pull-ups. It’s hard to say which part I was the most excited about! My first kipping pull up during Mel’s pull up clinic….. or my first strict pull-up… or my first time linking kipping pull-ups. Coach Sarah literally stopped in the middle of her own workout to help encourage me and tell me when to push back. Then I got my first chest-to-bar pull-ups when coach Kate modified a workout so I first started with did attempts. I was too scared to try one, but after getting warmed up with the scaled movement, I ended up doing 5 rx! I was so excited about each progression!!

What has been the impact of CrossFit on your life outside the box?

I’ve lost 32lbs and feel great! But in addition to my physical appearance my overall health and well-being is much better. I’ve noticed that I’ve had so much more energy that I don’t even need coffee in the morning. I also have a more positive attitude. My husband has noticed so much of a change that during the summer break (I’m a teacher and wasn’t working in the summer),  I had considered giving it up to save money. He immediately said, “Absolutely not. We will find a way to afford it. I haven’t seen you this excited about something in a long time.”

Give us one fun fact about yourself. (Something not everyone knows)  

I’m an in the closet geek. I may pretend to be dragged to comic cons and superhero movies by my husband but I secretly love them. I’m especially obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Who doesn’t love a girl who can kick butt?!

What motivates you when you hit a rough spot in a WOD?

Looking at everyone else around me and knowing that they all feel the same way and are still moving through it.

What advice would you give someone new to CrossFit or Daybreak?

Don’t worry if you are doing something different than everyone else. Use the scale the coaches give you and don’t be frustrated.  One of the reasons Daybreak CrossFit is so great and is so much different than any other CrossFit gym is because we have amazing coaches. They won’t let you do something you aren’t ready for. It takes a while to learn the technique and build the strength to do the exercises prescribed. Give it time.