From dedicated member, to cfc coach
Meet Natalie,
one of our dedicated members turned coach at CrossFit Clintonville. In this blog post, we'll delve into Natalie's CrossFit story, exploring her journey from a beginner in February 2015 to a seasoned athlete and coach.
From Novice to Expert:
Natalie began doing CrossFit in February 2015. At first, she didn't really know how fit she was, but as she kept going, she learned a lot about her stamina and strength. When most people begin CrossFit, the workouts can be challenging and difficult, but for Nat, what began as just trying things out turned into a strong desire to challenge herself and build her “engine.”
Setting the Bar High:
Many people will tell you it’s all about trusting the process, learning the correct form and technique, and pushing yourself. Over the years, Natalie's dedication and hard work have shown in some impressive numbers.
Her max clean and jerk is 235lbs!
Her max back squat…325lbs!!!
And her max snatch you ask? 185lbs.
To put that in perspective, looking at over 100k athletes, Natalie sits in the 99th percentile of women’s Olympic total (clean & jerk and snatch). 99TH PERCENTILE!!?!?!
Community & The Heart of CrossFit:
One aspect of Natalie's journey is her acknowledgment of the CrossFit community. Reflecting on her early days, she emphasizes the importance of realizing sooner that the CrossFit community is not just a group of individuals working out together. It's a close-knit family, an instant support system that cheers you on and pushes you when you need it. If you’ve ever been coached by her during one of our CrossFit group classes, she’s probably pushed you to go harder than you thought you could.
Words of Wisdom:
When asked what advice she would give her past self, Natalie reflects on the importance of embracing the CrossFit Clintonville community. She wishes she had known from the beginning that this community would be an integral part of her fitness journey.
If you’re someone new to CFC or looking to join, she emphasizes the importance of embracing the supportive network that comes with CrossFit. The friendships you build within the walls of the gym don’t just stay there. Weddings, tailgates, and happy hours are filled with the same faces you see each day.
The Coach's Calling:
For Nat, CrossFit didn't stop at personal achievements. Motivated by her passion and the desire to share her experiences, she transitioned from being a member to becoming a coach at CFC. Oh, and becoming the face of CrossFit Clintonville’s first-ever CrossFit Intramural Open champion in 2023 with her team Nat Daddies. She’s planning on defending her title in 2024.
Learn more about Natalie and the rest of our awesome staff at CFC below!