Rediscovering Her Power: Alexis' Inspiring Strength Journey at CrossFit Salus

Meet Alexis: September Athlete of the Month

1.    When and why did you start at Salus?

I started at Salus in March 2023. I had a 3 year old and a 1.5 year old, and two back-to-back pregnancies had really taken a toll on my body. I was ready to get back into weight training and regain the strength that I had lost.

2.    How has your performance changed since you started at Salus?

I have been able to progressively lift more weight, so I know I’m stronger than when I first started. I’m actually the strongest I have ever been since joining Salus.

3.    Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?

Absolutely. When I first started at Salus, I wasn’t even able to hang from the bar or rings (a fact that Coach Erin and I reflect on often🤣), and now I’m able to do (scaled) versions of those gymnastics exercises.

I had also never done any of the Olympic lifts, so it’s pretty cool to now be able to do a snatch, overhead squat, clean & jerk, etc.

4.    How has your body physically changed since you started?

My body composition has changed- I’ve gained muscle.

I also have less back pain, which I attribute to increasing overall strength.

5.    How has Salus changed you in other ways?

After my children were born, I had disc deterioration and bulging discs, and was told that my days of weight training and high intensity workouts were over if I wanted to become pain free. I joined CrossFit hoping that if I scaled the workouts enough, I would be able to still weight train and complete high intensity workouts at some level. As the months passed, I found that the stronger I became, the better my back felt.

Salus has made it possible for me to engage in strength training and exercise that I didn’t think I would ever be able to do again, and I’m so grateful. I also have more energy, sleep better, and know that if I can finish some of those really tough WODs, that I can handle anything else the day throws at me 😜

6.    How do you describe Salus to your friends?

Salus has the best culture of any gym I’ve been a member of- the overall environment is encouraging, welcoming, and positive.

The coaches are so supportive and knowledgeable, and always ensure the workout meets the athlete’s ability level while also providing enough of a challenge to continue making progress. 

7.    What keeps you motivated to continue? 

Continuing to maintain and build strength keeps me motivated, because I know how important it is for woman as we age. I’m also acutely aware that my daughters are witnessing my approach to exercise and fitness, so it’s important that they see this is something I do not only because it’s beneficial for my body, but also because it makes me feel great overall.

8.    Favorite lift or WOD?

Favorite lift would probably be squat, deadlift, or clean.

I really liked the CrossFit Total and the Other CrossFit Total WODs.

9.    What advice would you give to a newbie just joining Salus?

Everyone was a newbie at one point! The great thing about CrossFit (and Salus) is that it’s for everyone at any level, and you’ll definitely get a great workout as long as you’re willing to show up and work hard. 

10.  What is your next goal to accomplish?

I’m working toward an unassisted pull-up, and I would also like to kick up into a handstand.

11.  If you could design your own WOD, what would it look like?

Favorite WOD would be working up to 1 heavy single rep, or some combination of a barbell lift with wall balls, sandbag, rowing, or box jumps.

12.  Favorite thing to do for fun?

Being with my family and friends while doing something outside (beach, hiking, playing sports/games).

13.  Favorite healthy dish....and favorite "splurge" meal?

Probably salmon or another fish with lots of vegetables, and pizza for sure.

14.  If you could be a superhero who would you be and why?

I don’t know any by name, but any superhero that can teleport so I can travel and see different parts of the world, and also easily get to be with family/friends that aren’t local.

15.  Favorite motivational quote?

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” -Albert Camus

16.  Interesting fact not many people know about you.

I lived in Hawai’i for 4 years; two years earning my masters degree and two years working post graduation.