We are so excited to announce January 2014 CrossFit Salus Athlete of the Month, Michelle Wicki. Michelle has been so dedicated and consistently attending class since the moment she started and always gives it her all (even when her dad warns her about the dangers of rhabdo). Check out her bio below and give her a chalky high five next time you’re in!

I started my on-ramp classes at the end of May 2013. I like workouts that are challenging and fun because I get bored very easily. The workouts I’ve been into in the past included p90x and bootcamp training…my next challenge was going to be between CrossFit and Kick Boxing. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have chosen CrossFit!

I think for the first three months i just “learned” how to breathe! It’s hard to explain but since doing CrossFit I don’t think I have the same lung capacity. My endurance has definitely gotten better, and I find myself less apprehensive about facing challenges..even handstands!

I knew nothing about weightlifting (besides using the machines at the gym which by the way is NOT weightlifting)! I couldn’t grasp the concept of a clean! Everything with weights was so intimidating! I started with the 15# tech bar and could barely put weight on it. One lap around the building and I couldn’t catch my breath. And those box jumps…I was afraid to even attempt the 12″ box. I thought I could never get my body to be coordinated enough to do the movements I was being taught…So much to think about for just one small movement (butt tight, hollow out, chest up, OMG!!) Whenever pull ups were in a WOD, I would have to do jumping pull ups…in my head, I’m just jumping right? How hard can that be? Well, it was harder than I thought!! Now, I enjoy the weight training part of the workout…the weights that were so intimidating became a challenge I look forward to facing everyday. I am getting so much better at running, even though I still don’t enjoy it…it feels good to finish a WOD with a lot of running- I would never have believed I was capable of doing that! I am no longer afraid of box jumps and I am finally able to do an unassisted pull up!

I was so impressed with the immediate change in my body. Within 2 weeks I started slowly wearing clothes I hadn’t worn in years. My whole body started getting toned, especially my legs. I slouch much less- finding myself standing straighter and even sitting up straighter. It ;is definitely a great motivating factor for me!

I definitely have more energy. I find myself less stressed, I’m eating better and sleeping better!

I tell them there really is nothing like it. It’s hard to compare it to anything I’ve ever done before…I say its a combination of cardio, and strength training, but you really won’t fully understand it until you’ve tried it.

So many things…my progress is a good motivator. Every week I see an improvement in something…I see results…often…And everyone at the box…Its like a community… or a family…everyone is so supportive. When I am having a rough day, I can’t wait to go in!

I am surprised to say this but I think my fave lately would have to be the clean and jerk.

Keep coming…no matter how sore you feel, you always feel better after the workout. And don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Go at your own pace, but don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

Ummm…soo many to choose from… I would say pull ups and double unders.

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