Name: Barbara J. Parsons           
Age: 60
Occupation: Import Logistics & Customs Compliance Manager
Which class time do you usually attend? 6:00PM
Favorite WOD: When I find a favorite, I’ll let you know!
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Deadlift Max: 145 lbs.
Back squat Max: 115
Favorite Food: Wings and eastern North Carolina barbecue
Favorite Movie: Wizard of Oz because fave song is Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and I love home movies of my children and family.
Favorite Athlete: Any athlete who has overcome obstacles to uncover and use their God given athletic talent…I’m an underdog cheerleader
Dream Job: I’m living it…being a Mother and my current job.
Dream Vacation Destination: Any beach, anywhere. Bermuda is on my bucket list.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Since December 2013”

What keeps you coming back/motivated? 
“The community/camaraderie and encouragement of the athletes and coaches is superior. I feel motivated just walking in the front door. My observation is that we all start a workout at different levels, but after the workout, we pretty much look and feel the same, tired, sweaty, hot, and “high on accomplishment.””

How did you find CrossFit?
“My son recommended it and suggested No Excuses. My son has been a cross fitter for 5 years.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“Community swim team as a youth, cheerleader in high school, race walking in my mid-30’s, standard gym in my mid 50’s.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“Definitely more agile and stronger on all levels. I like the intensity and mental challenge. I am definitely spending more time on increasing my fitness than ever before.”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.) 
“I did not know what a deadlift was until CrossFit and find that I like the challenge of proper form and increasing weight of my deadlift.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“My son, Kevin, is great and inspired me to try CrossFit. Every CrossFit athlete and coach inspires and motivates me to do more, try more, and finish stronger each time.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Completing Foundations class so I could start essentials level, and learning the CrossFit language (still learning).”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit? “Keep pushing myself to increase more weights and more reps/rounds.   Continue working on proper form with help from coaches.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit? 
“Faith, family, friends, and giving back. I love the ocean/beach, music, dancing, and swimming.”

Any advice for new members?  
“Just keep coming back. You will have many “ah ha” moments. The achievements are endless and one day you will be somebody’s motivation and inspiration for coming back.”

Any additional thoughts/comments: 
“Coming into CrossFit at an advanced age, I wasn’t sure what I could accomplish or if I could meet the challenges. I love the mental and physical challenges and want to be as mentally and physically fit as possible as I move into the next phase of my life.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“What inspires me most about Barbara is her dedication to improving. Barbara usually shows up around 5:20 for the 6 pm class and begins working on her overhead squat and warming up. She is very coachable and is very conscious about making sure she is moving well (which she does!). The improvement she has seen is phenomenal and she will only continue to improve. She is a determined athlete, one of the kindest ladies you’ll meet and last but not least, Barbara is a great dancer. I can always get into a little dance off with her when a good song comes on and I love that about her.”