Like many of the moms who do CrossFit at Salus in Middletown, NJ, Yuliya was on a mission to get back in shape after having her second child. Drawn to the challenging environment, welcoming community, and mood-boosting endorphins, she decided to join. Within just four months of doing CrossFit and Nutrition Coaching, she has already lost over 30 pounds and is strong enough to carry 2 kids to and from the beach with ease.
Congratulations to this strong mamma. Yuliya, you are an inspiration and we love having as part of the community.
Please meet the July 2021 Athlete of the Month: Yuliya Lee
1. When and why did you start at Salus?
April 1st, 2021.
I’ve made a bet with my hubby who will get 6 pack abs first. 😝 Just kidding. We actually did make a bet in January 2020, but then 2 weeks later I found out I was pregnant. So after the birth of my youngest, I really wanted to get back in shape. I started to Google “tough workout,” because I knew myself, Pilates and yoga are not my cup of tea (of course there is nothing wrong with those) I just needed to get results ASAP. So, I decided to try Martial arts and CrossFit at Salus.
After trying both, it was an easy choice.
CrossFit was exactly what I needed. And I never regret my decision.
2. How has your performance changed since you started at Salus?
Tremendously.
3. Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?
Well, you name it, LOL…
Handstand push-ups seemed surreal, I actually fell down when I tried my first handstand.
I couldn’t do toes to bar, double unders or even 1 regular push-up.
Now I can and I’m feeling proud.
4. How has your body physically changed since you started?
I’ve lost 30+ pounds for 3.5 months.
5. How has Salus changed you in other ways?
For me it started with one main goal – lose extra postpartum weight. However, now it is transforming more and more to a lifestyle of healthy choices.
- I have more energy.
- I’m stronger.
- I can carry 2 kids (extra 42 lbs) at a time from the beach (15min walk) because one can’t walk yet and another one has scraped knee. And It doesn’t bother me.
- I feel great.
- I feel more confident.
- I feel happier.
6. How do you describe Salus to your friends?
This awesome ever challenging tough workout that never gets boring and after completion of which endorphins kick in and you feel exhausted, sweaty but yet happy.
7. What keeps you motivated to continue?
Because I have 3 kids under 5 years old. I want to be strong for them. I need to be strong for them.
I need to be healthy, because I want to enjoy life with them as long as possible.
8. Favorite lift or WOD?
Oh, man, I looooove tabata. It’s different.
In regard of lift, probably “Deadlift”. It is the one that is easier to master.
With cleans and jerks it’s too much technique to process. My brain registers everything that coaches say: knees here, hands there, back like this, tummy like that, chest up, head straight, use legs, forget about arms, just like a zipper, just like a scarecrow, just pull yourself under the bar, don’t lift with arms, shoulders there, hips here, just dip under the bar, head out, heels grounded, elbows up… AAAhhh😳, trust me I hear you! I understand you! It’s just my body doesn’t follow 🤭, (he-he-he). But it’s ok. I’ll get it!
9. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining Salus?
Don’t give up trying.
Don’t be discouraged after completing the WOD, even if you come in last (at some point those people also were last).
Just keep on moving and keep on trying. One of the worst things you can do – is do nothing.
Just keep on trying.
10. What is your next goal to accomplish?
Click that RX button more! 😝
11. If you could design your own WOD, what would it look like?
- 10 wall balls
- 10 pull-ups
- 10 barbell thrusters
- 10 pistols
- 10 handstand push-ups.
- 3 min rest.
Repeat.
12. Favorite thing to do for fun?
I don’t have one thing. I have a lot. 😛
Spend quality / adventurous time with family and friends: have a God centered fellowship, playing soccer, doing murder mystery, game nights, traveling, doing escape room, visit new places, create new traditions…
13. Favorite healthy dish….and favorite “splurge” meal?
I love king crab legs and I do love some home fried potatoes with onion, garlic and dill.
My splurge? Chocolate mousse cake. Yum! Have you tried one from the Cheesecake Factory?
(on the side note: back when I watched “Friends” in Ukraine (where I’m originally from) there was an episode “The one with all the cheesecakes” and they ate it from the floor. I didn’t get it and it wasn’t funny, but rather disgusting… well, let’s just say I didn’t eat one from the floor, but it took me years to actually get the joke. Ha-ha.)
14. If you could be a superhero who would you be and why?
Hmm, not sure about a superhero, but if I had super powers I’d protect the little ones who cannot protect themselves. My heart is yearning for innocent children who are abused, kidnaped… and for innocent animals who are getting killed. I know those are 2 completely different categories, but I feel like I need to do something, I’m just not yet sure what exactly. I wish AAALLL the children would be happy, and loved, and cared, and nourished. I wish that people would leave animals alone. I guess I just need to pray more about it, to know if I can do anything in that regard to be helpful.
15. Favorite motivational quote?
“Be water, my friend.” by Bruce Lee.
“Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless like water … now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup … you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle … put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot … water can flow … water can crash … be water, my friend.”
16. Interesting fact not many people know about you.
I’m not actually sure when was the first time I met my husband. I’ve pinpointed it to a year.
(but hey, don’t ask me which year, it’s gonna take me a few minutes to think about it, lol 🤦♀️)
