For this week’s JR CrossFit Athlete Spotlight, we talked with Emily Exline. Emily joined JR CrossFit in May of 2019 after moving from Indiana to Waco for graduate school at Baylor. In our interview, Emily explained what made her choose JR CrossFit, how she stays motivated, her love of weightlifting, and much more.
How old are you? When did you join JR CrossFit? How often do you make it to the box? What are some of your other hobbies?
I am 22 years old. I just had my 9 month anniversary with JR last week! I usually make it to the box 6 days a week. I’m in graduate school, so I’m usually at work, school or the library. But I also like taking our two dogs on walks and runs!
What was your workout routine like before joining JR CrossFit?
Before joining JR, I was working out 5 days at a CrossFit gym in Indiana. But before I started CrossFit around 2 and a half years ago, my workout routine was essentially nonexistent. I would go to the gym a couple days a week one week and then not go for another three weeks, etc.
What kind of progress (physical, mental, etc) have you seen since you started at JR CrossFit? How do you stay motivated?
I’ve seen a lot of positive progress in both my mental and physical health. I really enjoy staying active now, and although challenging workouts may push me, they makes me feel really good when I finish. I have a long way to go, but I definitely feel a lot better than when I started. The biggest thing that has helped me stay consistent at the gym, is picking one class time to go to everyday. The people in the class become your accountability partners.
Why did you pick JR CrossFit? What’s your favorite thing about it?
I picked JR on a whim. I saw one review that said they were awesome at scaling the workout for everyone’s fitness level and decided to give it a go. My favorite thing about JR is the 5 AM crew. I always can count on going at 5 AM and feeling great for the rest of the day. The people that go are definitely a huge part of that. I also really enjoy the new weightlifting class and Barbell Club as well!
What are some of your CrossFit and fitness goals going forward?
I would just like to keep conquering weaknesses and gain new skills. Also lifting heavy weights always.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining JR CrossFit?
Everyone always says try it, but really, try it! The people are friendly, and the workouts can be scaled to whatever your fitness level is. You don’t need to be fit to start coming!
