Meet Marie, our remarkable Athlete of the Month, who defies expectations by pursuing her CrossFit journey even while embracing the beautiful journey of pregnancy. As she gracefully navigates this unique chapter of life, her dedication to fitness has not only kept her body in shape but has also had a profound impact on her mental well-being. Marie’s uplifting perspective shines through in her words, “Salus has helped so much with my mental state, my mind is much calmer and helps to keep me focused throughout the day.”

Marie’s commitment to fitness and well-being during pregnancy is both remarkable and motivating.

“Marie is awesome, she has advanced many of her movements since she started at CrossFit Salus: handstand push ups, single leg squats, kipping toes to bar and Olympic lifts.” ~Coach Gino

“Marie is an amazing athlete to coach. From the time she walked into the box, she approached learning new skills with an open mind and relentless determination. She was always willing to try something new and was persistent in conquering her skills. Now, watching her adapt during her pregnancy is nothing short of amazing as she continues to push herself while staying cautious.” Coach Erin

“Marie is one amazing athlete and person! She’s ready to tackle any workout at any hour. She has amazing weightlifting and incredible gymnastics, she’s a natural born Crossfitter! Aside from her physical feats she’s a lot of fun to have in class as well.” Coach Steve

“Marie shows up to work hard at every class! And Always with a smile :)) Despite being pregnant right now with baby #2 she is consistent and committed to her fitness. And she is super amazing at handstand push-ups!! I love having Marie as part of the Salus Community.” Coach Melissa

Meet Marie Brown, Athlete of the Month for August 2023

1. When and why did you start at Salus?

I joined November 2022. When my mom passed away June of 2022, I felt lost and needed an outlet to relieve my stress and sadness. My daughter’s daycare was a few stores down so I was curious to try Salus out. I had done CrossFit for 3 months in 2019 before I gave birth to my daughter and loved it. I thought it was something really good for me to start up again.

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

I’m more energized and doing WODs with correct form. I feel stronger and have more confidence performing heavier or harder WODs (but on pause right now during pregnancy).

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

I never did handstand push-ups until I joined Salus, and thanks to Alicia I’m also able to do kipping handstands which makes the workout so much easier!

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

My body feels more in shape, I can see my legs are more toned, and my arms getting stronger.

5. How has Salus changed you in other ways?

Salus has helped so much with my mental state, my mind is much calmer and helps to keep me focused throughout the day. I enjoy waking up early and going to Salus, I look forward to it everyday!

Salus has given me the motivation to start my day on a high note and I feel accomplished.

6. How do you describe Salus to your friends?

From the very first day I joined, I felt like I belonged. Everyone was welcoming and all the coaches were so helpful and always pushed me to do my best.

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

My health is what keeps me going….especially now that I’m pregnant with my second child. I’m getting old and I need to be able to keep up with the little ones!

Staying fit and active during this time is very important to me and in a safe manner.

The coaches are always willing to help and provide alternative exercises if I’m not able to do a specific workout.

8. Favorite lift or WOD?

I just did the dumbell Man Maker for the first time today. That was pretty hard so I’d say that’s one of my favorites.

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

Don’t be afraid because the coaches will be there to guide you in every way. The coaches are motivating and push you to do better even though you doubt yourself because they know just how far you can go.

Read >> Do I Have To Be In Shape To Start CrossFit?

10. What is your next goal to accomplish?

First, to get back to pre-pregnancy shape after I give birth and after, my goal is to get better at my kipping pull-ups and hopefully one day be able to do at least one muscle up!

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

Burpee box jump overs, kipping handstand push-ups and weighted sit-ups

12. Favorite thing to do for fun?

To be honest, I enjoy coming to Salus and that is something I do for fun! But other than that, I like to spend time at our lake house in Lake Hopatcong and do water activities with my daughter.

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

Healthy dish is salmon with broccoli and rice.
Splurge meal would be any Filipino food….I try not to eat them as much since I would have 3 or 4 servings in one sitting!

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

I always had a fascination with elephants. I feel like they are always respected by all animals in the wild. They always seem so calm and playful at times.

15. Favorite motivational quote?

“I never dreamed of success. I worked for it.” Estée Lauder