Margaret Casagrande: Athlete of the Month December 2021

Salus • Dec 21, 2021

We’re excited to introduce our December Athlete of the month: Margaret. Margaret started just over a year ago – in the middle of lockdowns. Immediately we were inspired by her quiet determination and dedication. Whether that was consistently showing up in the middle of winter or grinding through a tough workout, Margaret has the grit we all aspire to have.

Congratulations Margaret! Meet our December 2021 Athlete of the Month!


1. When and why did you start at Salus?

October 2020. Salus saved me from boring home workouts in the lockdown. And, I had little experience with weight lifting and was interested to try it.

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

My back and legs are stronger and that helps with carrying a backpack while hiking.

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

I’ve gotten better at overhead squats and maybe pull-ups might be possible.
And, I like running more.

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

No aches or stiffness. Maybe working muscles hard is the cure.

5. How has Salus changed you in other ways?

I have more energy.

6. How do you describe Salus to your friends?

Intense, but a workout where you can get strength, cardio, and stretching all in one. And inspiring, helpful coaches and fellow athletes make it exciting.

7. What keeps you motivated to continue? What’s your “why”?

I was so impressed with the everyone’s abilities in the outdoor 9:30 class when I started. Especially the women who can lift so much weight gracefully.

Good form is so important and I’m hoping to achieve that and lift heavier weight.

8. Favorite lift or WOD?

I like the long WODs like Murph and the 12 days of Christmas.

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

While it’s a group class, you always get personal attention from the coaches. They are always watching and making sure you have good form.

And, there are different levels of the WODs, so you can build up to harder workouts.

It’s a fun, friendly environment and you’ll feel great after!

10. What is your next goal to accomplish?

Pull ups-at least a few at a time.

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

Something with squats, push ups, running.

12. Favorite thing to do for fun?

Hike!

13. Favorite healthy dish….and favorite “splurge” meal?

Anything vegetable.

Pizza with lots of toppings.

14. If you could be an animal what would you be and why?

Mountain goat. It would be fun to run up mountains with little effort.

15. Interesting fact not many people know about you.

I have hiked 7 of the 8 Northeast hardest day hikes. 25-51 miles, 6,000-9,000 elevation gain.

Hoping to complete #8 this summer!

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