CrossFit Sandpoint Member Profile: Monique Birkhimer


 

1. What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?

I was always fascinated by CrossFit from watching athletes on social media but I was kind of scared because I always thought to myself “I could never do anything like that”. I had this really wrong idea that my small size would limit my abilities so I never gave it much thought.

After getting really bored with my gym routine I ended up reaching out to Kenny for private coaching, I was a disaster (sorry Kenny)!

I was very consumed with body image and calorie counting that I was becoming very unhappy with my daily routines, I finally realized that what I was chasing was completely opposite of what was really important to me. I said F*** it, I am trying something new! January 1, 2016 I became a member.

 

2. What was your first impression? Has that changed?

First off, everyone from the coaches to the members have been nothing but cheerful, helpful, encouraging and inspiring every day. That hasn’t changed since day one (it never will) and that is one of the best parts of this community!

Secondly, I always heard a lot of smack talk about CF, they were just a bunch of meat heads throwing bars around with no form causing mass amounts of injuries so I was a little nervous wondering what I was getting myself into. Walking in I was actually pretty excited to see the wide range of people in class. There were grandparents working out along side pregnant women and incredible athletes, this made things so much less intimidating! No one threw anything and no one got hurt. The coaches here at CFS are very knowledgeable and are great at what they do!

We also did thrusters my first day and I was like WTF am I doing here? I still feel that way every time we do thrusters.

 

3. What was your first success?

I have to name one!? I can’t remember my first but recently I was pretty stocked about a snatch PR that I finally hit. Snatching has been the most frustrating lift for me to learn and I finally feel I am making progress!

Every week I feel I impress myself with something new I have accomplished. I am constantly striving to get faster and stronger and every week I see those improvements in different areas of my training. 

 

4. What are you working on now?

Several months ago I decided to join the sport programming, I liked the idea of the extra lifts that are generally incorporated in for the day and the intensity of the WODS. I have been working really hard to complete the WODS with the RX weight, I can’t say that I can every workout but now its more often than not and that pleases me!

Every workout I focus on being better at everything I do. I want to be faster, stronger more efficient and have better technique.

I also want a damn muscle up and that’s gonna happen, very very soon.

 

5. What’s your favorite CrossFit Sandpoint memory?

During on of my first few days in CF we were doing box jumps in class something I have always been comfortable with, never really realizing that this can be pretty intimidating to others! Someone, I cannot remember who, had two big plates that they stood and stared at for several moments before jumping on top. When she finally jumped and landed on top she had the biggest smile and everyone cheered and clapped congratulating her. I thought that was absolutely amazing! To find such a large group of people that care so much about other peoples successes no matter how big or small can be really hard to find. It wasn’t just that class or just that day, that is everyday for everyone!

I also love that I have made some really terrific friends that share the same motivation and passion not just in CF but in life. Friends that I will continue to make fun memories with for a very long time!