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Alissa has been a member of the Bomber Crew for just over 2 years.  She has an amazing positive attitude which she carries into class each day.  As someone who had never done any weight lifting prior to starting CrossFit, she has made tremendous progress, and continues to improve each day.  Alissa is extremely coachable and encouraging her outlook on every day brightens everyone around her.  

 


How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience?

A friend invited me to a free class at a different CrossFit in the area. Truthfully, I found it too difficult, too expensive, I was working long hours at the time, and I decided it just wasn't for me. Little did I know...


When did you first come to Bombers CrossFit?

My first class at Bombers was in December of 2015. I had just spent that year taking aerobics classes at a local rec center, and realized I really hit a plateau and was maintaining my fitness level but no longer improving it. That first day I recall Dawn being my coach, and that the WOD had some type of barbell movement. To my surprise, I enjoyed it, even though I'd never touched a barbell before and was somewhat intimidated. Dawn graciously spoke to me at length after class about CrossFit and encouraged me to return. 

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How many days do you CrossFit?

Typically, I attend Monday through Friday, and the occasional Saturday. Currently, I have decreased my time at the gym temporarily and am completing PT twice a week to deal with some neck/shoulder discomfort while learning how to combat some muscle imbalances and hopefully come back stronger. 


What classes do you normally take?

Most often I attend the 4:30pm class. Occasionally I will attend a 5:30pm or 10:30am class. But, most definitely, never 6:00am. I am not a morning person and those crazy Freedom Fighters would be sensory overload for me. (Love you guys!)


What motivates you/keeps you coming back to Bombers CrossFit?

Truly it is the people and the atmosphere over the gainz. By nature I am a passive gal who honestly gets some anxiety about certain new things and new groups of people. I keep coming back for the wonderful friends I have made and the excellent coaching staff that Bombers offers. I am motivated by the fact that we have every size, age, and ability of people in attendance and we all look at one another from the same perspective. A gym is where most people either feel very insecure or like to display their ego... I'm so appreciative that at Bombers we are all on the same level. The fact that we encourage each other while 'competing' side by side is so special!


What's your favorite thing about the Dayton area?

After growing up in a tiny town, then attending grad school in a huge city, I enjoy that Dayton falls in between the two. There is always something new to do or place to eat, though it's easy to get out of town when you need a change. My initial plan was to not settle back in Ohio and never had Dayton on my radar, but it’s now been 4 years and somehow I'm still here!

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What accomplishment are you the proudest of? (inside or outside the gym)

My biggest, tangible accomplishment thus far was completing my Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2013 at one of the top rated OT programs in the U.S. I've enjoyed working with both children and adults in the past few years, and look forward to further expanding my experience as much as possible. I love how my OT knowledge of functional movement and body mechanics assists me in understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind many CrossFit skills. 

Within the gym, I have to say I am proud of actually looking at myself as an athlete for the first time. I started as a literal 'fish out of water' learning to work out on land following growing up on the swim team and being your fairly decent swimmer. I attempted many other sports at which I was the picture of uncoordinated, and I was always somewhat shadowed by my tall, athletically built siblings. People from home can't believe I'm into CrossFit, and I love that!

 

After a hard WOD, what is your favorite meal?

When I feel like eating a lot after a rough WOD, I go for breakfast foods. Typically protein pancakes with cashew butter and fruit on top, or scrambled eggs with lots of veggies and meat. Or both. I'm also all about chocolate milk. 


What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

I love to go hiking with my boyfriend, Matt, and his two dogs, and trying to hit up every pizza place in the area together. I enjoy returning home to spend time with my parents and sister, as well as family trips to Europe to visit my brother. I also enjoy swimming laps, playing my flute, and learning about birds, trees, and all things nature. 


What is one goal within the gym that you are working on?

My biggest goal for this year is to clean and jerk my body weight! I also plan to focus on increasing my strict pull-ups and getting my first unassisted ring dip. I am also wanting to potentially complete a triathlon. 


What impact has CrossFit had on your life/lifestyle/level of fitness?

CrossFit has made fitness a more routine part of my life, and working out is finally something I look forward to rather than seeing it as a chore or something I am too busy to do. I’ve started eating healthier, built great friendships, and have seen a difference in my overall attitude when tackling each day. 

More importantly, we all know we wouldn’t be impacted the same if we attended merely any CrossFit location. No one can deny the impact our Bombers coaches have that makes our box different! Special shout out to those that have influenced me the most:

Andy- Thanks for being an upbeat coach with genuine compassion and enthusiasm towards me! 

Justin- Thanks for keeping classes lighthearted yet structured, and for pointing out specific strengths of mine, as well as always taking the time to ask how the rest of my life is going. I’m honored to have been a part of the original #stompclap 

Greg- Thanks for all of the specific technique tips you’ve given me. There are a few skills that did not click until you explained them just right!

Amy- Thanks for being the tough love coach that I need, and for always encouraging us to ‘pick something that scares you’. Thanks for putting more weight on the bar even after I just got a PR because you know I can do more. I am so appreciative (after the fact) when you stand between me and my bar so I can’t take any weight off after multiple failed lifts!  

To the rest of the coaches, I highly value the times I get to be coached by you and I love how invested you all are in everyone who walks in those doors! 


What advice would you give to a newbie?

You do not need to make any lifestyle or fitness changes before giving CrossFit a try! And once you do, don’t compare yourself to others and take note of the small victories that will come for you each week. Yes, CrossFit is very difficult! And it should be. You will gain a new mindset about working out and develop a confidence you didn’t know you could have. Be ready for your life to change for the better. 

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