Gina
What is your sport and why?
I love group fitness! One of the things that makes group fitness such as Crossfit so great is that everyone has different strengths. Any workout may include movements that are both strengths and weaknesses, which gives everyone an opportunity to feel great about the work they put in. The camaraderie you develop in a group fitness setting is special and creates life time friendships.
Tell me about your athletic history?
I grew up dancing with my mom, who taught for several years. What precious memories! In my teens I started teaching aerobics, and in my twenties I became a certified instructor and dance teacher. When my mom passed away I took up running with the Team in Training and ran my first marathon. Since, I’ve run 3 more marathons, several halves and other runs. I spent a few years leading a boot camp style class at the local community center, and fell in love with the format. After a few years, I started crossfit and currently do crossfit style workouts (though my gym is not affiliated). Being active is who I am. It keeps me positive and gives me a sense of accomplishment every day. I love my workout buddies and coaches. The community that I’ve found is supportive and gives me a boost to do my best.
List your top athletic achievements so far in your life
Running Marathons
Pullups, I was never able to do pull ups and now I finally can
Running relays
Who inspires or has inspired you?
My coach inspires me. She is incredibly supportive and just an amazing human. She has created such a community around her, which speaks volumes on who she is.
The people I work out with every day inspire me. Everyone has challenges. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Everyone puts in the work. It’s fun to watch others reach their goals, and cheer me on when I reach mine.
Why did you want to participate in this Female Athlete Project?
Empowering women is something we need more of in this world. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of our strength and beauty.
Why do you think it is important to keep active as we age?
Not only does it feel good to move, but if we do not move our bodies, we develop more ailments. We only get one body, why not treat it well and feel great!
What obstacles have you faced over the years trying to stay active in your sport/compete in your sport?
Motivation is sometimes difficult when life gets busy. When joints and muscles ache and hurt, it can be discouraging, but I keep going. Nothing is going to keep this gal down!
What would you tell the younger version of yourself?
Start sooner! I found what I really love to do later in life, and it would be great if I would have found it sooner!
What keeps you going?
I love the group I have found and I love the format. Moving makes me feel good, and my gym time is the best part of my day!
Advice to other women about staying active as we age?
Keep moving, no matter what you do. You do not have to do the same thing as other people. If the gym is not for you, try something else. There are MANY different ways to be active and the only way we succeed is finding that thing that YOU love to do.
Best memories in your sport?
I have run many miles with some pretty special friends. Suffering together somehow makes a friendship stronger!
Running my first marathon was such an accomplishment for me. I never liked running, and it was not easy to start. When I finished, it was the best feeling in the world.
What do you hope you never forget as you grow older?
Be kind to myself. My body will age. I will not always be as strong as I once was. Remember it’s natural. Try my best, and most of all, continue to enjoy what I love!
Anything else you want to say about your experience with this project?
This has been a great experience to help me see me. It’s not always easy, but it is a fun way to remember that I am a good, strong woman!
