Name: Bethany Niese
Age: 42
Occupation: Professor
Hometown: Miller City, OH
Which class time do you usually attend?: 8am
Favorite WOD: Anything without double unders – kills my ego 😉
Favorite CF Movement: Wall balls
Least Favorite CF Movement: Snatch!
Favorite Food: Pho!
Favorite Movie: Zoolander
Favorite Athlete: I don’t follow any sport, really. Sooooo Brandon Brigman!
Dream Job: Professor haha
Dream Vacation Destination: World Tour!
If you could have any super power… “Healing people”
Favorite Motivational Quote: “If you find yourself going through hell, keep going” Churchill
How long have you been doing CrossFit? (Since Month, Year): 06/2020
How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?: “I found it in Ohio and loved it! I never push myself that hard in a regular gym. I started because I had good cardio, but zero muscles :)”
Tell us about your fitness/sports background: “Nada! I got tall early and never quite learned how to master super long limbs haha. I started doing triathlons and half marathons in my early 20s if that counts.”
What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?: “Mental – getting less scared and more confident of lifting heavier weights.
Emotional – I love my CrossFit family and how we check on each other for support and when someone is missing from class.
Physical – starting to get some muscles!
Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated? “My CrossFit fam! Also breaking through my current weights/times.”
In what other ways do you use your fitness? “I run and hike a lot.”
Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. “My first day. Brandon gave me the rundown and invited me to stay for class. He introduced me to the mayor of 8am (Dave!) who then introduced me to EVERYONE.”
Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be) “Consistent toes to bar during workouts, doing regular pushups.
Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym: “Playing with my dog, reading, running, kayaking, hiking.”
What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? “No amount of research will help you make the decision – you just have to try it!”
What do you love most about No Excuses? “The people – members and coaches!”

Coach Yessica’s take on Bethany: “Bethany is very dedicated and has a desire to get stronger. She always shows up with the best attitude. I’m not surprised to see how strong she’s has become and all the many fitness goals she has been accomplishing lately! Great job!”