“When Jessica initially started with us I didn’t have a strong feeling that she was necessarily really into CrossFit style workouts. She stuck with it and progressively made improvements; and over the last five months has become extremely consistent and her skill set and coordination has improved remarkably – specifically with her olympic lifting technique and her fluidity with the kipping pull-ups.” – Coach Robert
How did you discover The Combine [CSC] CrossFit? And how long have you been a member?
I discovered the Combine because the guy I was starting to date at the time (Tommy) invited me to come and check it out. I was REALLY nervous but the things you do for love… I’ve been a member since December 2017.
What is your exercise history or athletic background?
I’ve always been into sports and fitness growing up and into my adult years. My dad was into lifting when I was a kid and was always a tomboy. Through my school years I did track, football, basketball, water polo, dance and drum line. After I was out of school I continued my gym routine on my own, but always missed the group aspect of it all that you got from school activities which is why I really like CrossFit.
What has CrossFit at the Combine done for your personally? Physically?
I really like the Combine because it feels like a community and working out in a group setting always makes you push yourself way harder than you would if you were just at the gym by yourself. You see many of the same faces over and over. You can talk about previous workouts with your classmates even if you did not attend the same class. Everyone is so encouraging – especially when you are new / less experienced, everyone is still always cheering you on and encouraging you throughout the process, even if they finished the workout way ahead of you. The coaches are also engaging and always making sure you are prepared for the day’s workout.
Who/what inspires/motivates you or why do you workout?
I think there are a lot of things that go into why I like to workout but, ultimately, I have discovered that I am a much happier and balanced person when I am in a consistent workout routine. CrossFit is the only workout that has made me gain the most muscle out of all of my previous workout endeavors. Lifting definitely helps me to relieve stress and, as long as you keep track of your progress, it’s also very rewarding to see gradual progress in terms of lifting.
What is one of your favorite moments you’ve had in CrossFit?
I’ve had a lot of great moments at the Combine but I think my favorite so far has to be when I was able to start to do pull ups without any band assistance. I can’t remember exactly but I think it was a hero workout and I remember just deciding that I was not going to use a band. They were kipping pull ups but I was so proud of myself that day!
What fitness accomplishment are you most proud of? Have you hit any recent PR’s or achieved any other goal(s) in our outside of CrossFit? Any future goals?
I’ve hit a few PR’s recently and am finally at a place where I feel like I can do the workouts ‘Rx’ about 50% of the time. I may be the last one on most of these workouts but I’m happy just to be getting through them at the same weight as the pros at my spot. My goal is just to continue my trajectory in terms of progress. It’s only recently that I’ve been so consistent with my workouts and progress. It hasn’t always been like that but I hope to keep this a consistent pattern going forward.
What are your favorite CrossFit workouts or exercises/movements?
Even though pull ups are still hard for me I think one of my favorite moves are kipping pull ups because I finally feel like I have a good rhythm for them so it’s fun to practice. I also feel a lot more comfortable with a barbell so practicing power cleans are fun because they used to be SO HARD for me.
When you are not working out, how do you spend your free time?
When I’m not working out I’m probably watching trash reality tv or checking out a bar I’ve never been to in town since Austin is a great town for bar hopping and I’m also in the beverage industry.
When Jessica first started CrossFit she was using the thickest band for assistance. Two weeks ago she was able to do FOURTEEN kipping pullups in a row with ZERO resistance. Keep pushing and reaching those goals; Jess!
