Name: Stephanie Barnes
Age: 39
Occupation: Nurse
Hometown: Social circle, GA
Which class time do you usually attend?: I’m a floater: 6, 8, 1230, and sometimes 430
Favorite WOD: Helen! It was my first RX workout.
Favorite CF Movement: Power clean
Least Favorite CF Movement: Snatch
Favorite Food: Pickles or brownies but not together
Favorite Movie: Don’t have one
Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan
Dream Job: Event planner with an endless budget
Dream Vacation Destination: Australia
If you could have any super power… Fly
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.” -Walt Whitman
How long have you been doing CrossFit? (Since Month, Year) October 2013 (with a 6 year break having kids)
How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
I started CrossFit in 2013 when a coworker invited me to workout before work. The class was at 5am and I thought she was insane to work out before our 12 hr shift that started at 7am but then I attended a class with her and realized why she did it. The class was like a big family and everyone was so encouraging. After class, I had lots more energy to complete my shift. I did CrossFit for 3 years up until I gave birth to my first son. My delivery was rough on my body and I didn’t get back into CrossFit or any work out routine and then comes kid #2. There was a point that I just felt terrible health wise and wanted to start working out again. During that 6 year break, No excuses never gave up on me. Brandon reached out through emails and I ignored him. But then one day, I responded and the gym welcomed me back with open arms!
Tell us about your fitness/sports background:
I’ve always been an active participant in athletics. I don’t know that I would call myself an athlete, but I played basketball in high school, ran a few races in college for fun and went to the gym with friends for socializing mainly. I always feel better in other areas of life when I’m exercising.
What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?
I can do functional movements better when I’m cross fitting such as getting up off the ground with a kid in my hand, walking down the stairs with a kid in my hand, chasing my boys in the backyard, moving heavy boxes from the floor to a top shelf. CrossFit movements are not just random, but they help you with everyday movements outside of the gym. I have less aches and pains waking up in my 30s when I’ve gone to the gym versus if I take a week off. Mentally, I feel better about myself after a great workout which boosts my confidence.
Who or what keeps you coming back and motivated?
Pre kids, I was motivated by looks and wanting my body to be a certain way. Post kids and as I age, I am motivated by my cardiovascular health and my family who needs me healthy.
In what other ways do you use your fitness?
Chasing around my kids daily haha
Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
I loved the Hugo open last year. It was so fun seeing all of us motivated in the same competition. It was a good balance of healthy competition and encouragement. Loved seeing all of the mixed age groups and watching everyone’s family come encourage them on the sidelines.
Name one goal you would like to achieve in the next year (doesn’t have to be CrossFit related, but it can be)
I want to get back to my pre-kids jeans. I also want to put my phone down and play with my kids more and enjoy their imaginations and smiles. I want to have a standing weekly date night with my husband whether we go out or stay in.
Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
I enjoy reading and playing board games. I love new adventures especially with my husband! love gathering people so in my free time I usually attend play dates with other moms, host a weekly Bible study at my house, and lots of family game nights.
What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?
Do this for you! You deserve to be healthy and feel great. If it’s the money holding you back, this is the cheapest personal training you will find. It’s not like other gyms! You get top notch coaching and teaching that’s practically one on one. Budget for it because it matters.
What do you love most about No Excuses?
That I don’t have to think about what to do to work out. I just show up and my exercise is planned. I have way too much to think about and I’m thankful this is not on the list!