Name: Ashlyn McBride
Age: 22
Occupation: Medical Claims Processor at Benveo
When did you first start CrossFit?: August of 2016
Tell us about your sports & fitness background
I have always been a competitor…basketball and softball were my main sports growing up and I later on went to play college basketball for two years in Kansas. After my 3rd knee surgery I decided to hang it up. I was always fond of the weight room when we would have to lift during basketball and still having that competitive drive, I decided to join crossfit so I can compete every single day!
How did you first get into CrossFit? How did it go?
I wanted to beat someone every day no matter what it was…so I googled crossfit boxes in my college town and stumbled on the cheapest one lol. My very first day I would say was what I expected…I expected to kind of just jump right in since I do have a weight lifting background and that’s exactly what I did! The workout, of course, wasn’t easy, but I felt like I finally found a hobby that I can excel in.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit?
As far as my fitness, I significantly have gotten stronger! When it comes to my health and body…let me take you back to when I first joined…when I was at school my diet wasn’t the best. I had the mindset of “I am working so hard in the gym, I can eat whatever I want.” So, my health and body never really got ‘better’ it just got stronger and maybe a wee bit bigger haha! It wasn’t until I joined eclipse in July of this year when I started noticing some changes in my body/health! The workouts kill me in a good way and I also have a nutrition coach through ChemePerformance that helps with my eating lifestyle! Just being consistent at eclipse and my nutrtion, I have already lost weight and excelled in some movements/lifts.
What impact has CrossFit had on your life?
I think the biggest impact CrossFit has had on me is the mental toughness it takes to compete at all levels. College basketball definitely tested my mental toughness and made it stronger, but I still struggle with pushing through some workouts that feel like they’re killing me. When I do push through, it is so rewarding and then seeing other people push through just gives you that awesome feeling of everyone is starting together, struggling together, and finishing together. CrossFit has brought so many rewards to my life. From the coaches, athletes, and the workouts!
What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting CrossFit?
Go for it! Totally worth it!!! Its life changing, and you’ll be a badass to others…cuz ya are!!!😉
What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of CrossFit?
Hobbies/interests: I love planning/coordinating events or parties for people, playing with my dog, hanging out with my boyfriend, friends & family, and supporting those sooners (shade thrown towards Aaron). Very interested and passionate about opening up my own business that will help out kids-adults that are on the autism spectrum/special needs.
Talents: Basketball, softball, dancing, being personable, and cooking/baking. I would also like to put ‘singing’ down, but people might have opinions on that.
What’s the wallpaper of your phone?
My dog and I’m not ashamed.